SIU Today | SIU News

SIU Today - February 02, 2026

Southern sees third consecutive year of spring enrollment growth

SIU Carbondale continues its upward trajectory with a third consecutive year of spring enrollment growth. Overall enrollment for spring 2026 climbed 0.5% to 10,919 students, up from 10,869 in spring 2025. The increase was driven by significant gains in strong retention rates among undergraduates, transfer students and online education.

SIU physics research team gets $523K grant to seek more efficient cooling systems

SIU Carbondale physics researchers Saikat Talapatra, Igor Dubenko and Naushad Ali, and a colleague from Louisiana State University, are researching whether the right materials can lead to more efficient and more environmentally-friendly cooling systems.

SIU professor chosen as a 2026 Apple Distinguished Educator

Brody Bluemel, a professor and director of the School of Languages and Linguistics, is gaining international recognition for using the intersection of language and technology in helping students. He is one of 11 professors in the U.S. to be named a 2026 Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE), recognized for transforming teaching and learning with Apple technology.

$2.25M estate gift to strengthen journalism, advertising programs

A $2.25 million estate gift from alumnus Roy D. Franke will support every corner of SIU Carbondale’s Charlotte Thompson Suhler School of Journalism and Advertising, sustaining hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for careers in journalism, advertising and media. The gift ranks among the largest private contributions in the school’s history.

Technology Advisory Committee brings user voices forward

SIU Carbondale’s Technology Advisory Committee (TAC) partners with the Office of Information Technology (OIT) and the IT Governance Council to provide the campus community with a forum for discussing technology needs, issues and investments. Recently, OIT refreshed the TAC’s mission to emphasize the “constituent voice” and provide a user-focused viewpoint on technology needs, priorities and experiences.

Sign up now for the Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit at Touch of Nature

Signup is underway for the March 27 Southern Illinois Outdoor Summit at Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, which brings community partners, businesses, land agencies, nonprofit and other organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts together for a day focused on growing the region’s outdoor industry and economy.

Get tickets now for 2026 Celebrate Women

Tickets are available for Celebrate Women, an event to recognize the successes of women throughout the region while raising funds to foster the next generation of accomplished women, which is happening March 26. Molly Hudgins, executive director of the SIU Alumni Association, will be the guest speaker.  

Paul Simon Institute discussions will focus on international affairs

SIU Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will host two virtual events that examine today’s tumultuous global landscape. Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, will speak on Thursday, Feb. 5, and Beatrice Heuser, a distinguished professor at the Brussels School of Governance at the Free University of Brussels, will speak on Monday, Feb. 9..

SIU President Dan Mahony: “Beyond the Classroom: Building Leadership” 

SIU System President Dan Mahony’s latest “Office Hours” podcast is “Beyond the Classroom: Building Leadership.” The podcast focuses on how leadership, service and student involvement shape career readiness and lifelong success. Mahony talks with vice chancellors for student affairs Jeffery T. Burgin, Jr., (SIU Carbondale) and Miriam Roccia (SIU Edwardsville). He also talks with SIU System Board of Trustees student representatives Hannah Connolly (SIU Carbondale) and Moayad Abuzaneh (SIUE).

Make plans now for SIU’s spring 2026 job and internship fair 

SIU Carbondale’s annual spring job and internship fair on Feb. 17 will bring together more than 100 businesses searching for top talent with SIU students and alumni looking for opportunities, and SIU departments can register at no cost. SIU students and alumni are invited to attend for free to pursue myriad opportunities. Early bird registration is available through Wednesday, Feb. 4.

SIU’s ‘Love at the Glove’ 2026 set for Feb. 13 

The annual “Love at the Glove” Valentine’s Day art show returns on Feb. 13 with an exhibition featuring works from SIU Carbondale students, faculty and the community. The student-run art show is from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Surplus Gallery inside the Glove Factory Studio Arts Building.

Reminder: Sturgis Public Service Award nominations due Feb. 20

SIU Carbondale is seeking nominations for the 2026 Lindell W. Sturgis Memorial Public Service Award, which honors an employee for their community work away from campus. Nominations must be received by Feb. 20.

Reminder: Property Control training sessions begin Thursday

Property Control will be offering inventory application training workshops beginning this week. Preregistration is required.