Office Hours with SIU System President Dan Mahony

What does it take to help students succeed in college? In this episode of Office Hours , SIU System President Dan Mahony explores the partnership between Hope Chicago and Southern Illinois University. Hope Chicago provides debt-free college scholarships and family support to students and parents from five Chicago Public Schools high schools. Hope Chicago CEO Aaron Kuecker and Chief Engagement Offi...

In this episode of Office Hours with SIU System President Dan Mahony , we explore the hidden values of general education courses. General education courses make up a significant part of the undergraduate experience, particularly during a student’s first two years. But as conversations about the value of higher education increasingly focus on career preparation, what role does general education pla...

Do universities take the summer off? While many students enjoy a well-earned break, college campuses remain incredibly busy behind the scenes. Summer is a critical time for student recruitment, orientation, research, campus improvements, community partnerships and preparing for the next academic year. In this episode of Office Hours , SIU System President Dan Mahony welcomes SIU Edwardsville Chanc...

Public broadcasting is a trusted source of news and community engagement. Its impact extends far beyond the airwaves. In this episode of Office Hours, SIU System President Dan Mahony sits down with Larry Hunter, Interim Executive Director of WSIU Public Broadcasting; Jak Tichnor, SIU graduate and emeritus WSIU staff member; and Michelle Eccles, NPR Illinois (WUIS) morning host and SIU alumna, to d...

As Illinois lawmakers work toward a May 31 budget deadline, conversations surrounding how the state funds public universities have taken on renewed importance. In this episode, A Fairer Formula: Rethinking Higher Ed Funding , SIU System President Dan Mahony discusses with experts about how higher education funding models operate across the nation and the efforts underway at the Capitol to moderniz...

 In this episode of Office Hours , SIU System President Dan Mahony explores one of the most misunderstood aspects of higher education: how leadership and decision-making work.  While many assume the president sits at the top, universities operate through a more complex structure, one that includes governing boards and shared leadership.  Joined by Dr. Felecia Commodore, an expert in higher educati...

 What is the future of college athletics—and how do we get there? In this special episode of Office Hours , SIU System President Dan Mahony takes the guest seat as faculty leaders Cherese Fine (SIUE) and Julie Partridge (SIUC) lead a thoughtful discussion on the current state and future direction of college sports. As a lover of sports and higher education leader, President Mahony shares his persp...

In this episode of Office Hours, SIU System President Dan Mahony explores one of the biggest questions facing students and families today: How do you pay for college? Many people believe college is becoming less affordable, but the reality is more complex. National data shows that net tuition and fees at public universities have declined in recent years, and most students receive some form of fina...

In this episode of Office Hours, SIU System President Dan Mahony explores how leadership, service and involvement outside the classroom help students develop the skills employers value most — including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership. Joining the conversation are student affairs leaders from SIU Edwardsville and SIU Carbondale, along with student trustees from both campuses...

  In this episode of Office Hours, SIU System President Dan Mahony explores the deep and evolving connection between agriculture and higher education and why it matters to every Illinoisan. From economic impact to cutting-edge science, this episode reveals how agriculture fuels innovation, resilience and opportunities across the SIU System and beyond. You’ll hear from: • Illinois Department of Agr...

 International students are a vital part of the SIU System — enriching our classrooms, driving research and innovation, and strengthening our regional workforce and communities. In this episode, President Dan Mahony sits down with SIU faculty who once began their journeys in the U.S. as international students themselves.  Hear firsthand stories from:  · Dr. Elza Ibroscheva (SIUE) — Associate Provo...

 In this episode of Office Hours , SIU System President Dan Mahony talks with Dr. Chris McDowell and Dr. Jayna Patel from the SIU School of Medicine about how medical schools train the next generation of doctors, expand access to care across Illinois and drive innovative research that’s improving lives locally and beyond.  👩‍⚕️ Learn how SIU Medicine serves 66 counties in Illinois  🏥 Explore the...

 Have you ever had a professor who doesn’t say a word during class or participated in a chat storm? In Episode 8 of Office Hours with SIU System President Dan Mahony, we step inside today’s classrooms with award-winning collaborators Dr. Jyotsna Kapur (SIUC) and Dr. Eric Ruckh (SIUE). From moving beyond the “sage on the stage” to sparking engagement, navigating silence, teaching online, using AI r...

As students come back into the classrooms for the semester, we know the university also has a significant impact on the communities where the universities are located beyond the education of students. In addition to the large economic impact on the state, there are many ways that the university helps support growth in the region.  In this episode of Office Hours with SIU System President Dan Mahon...

College athletics is undergoing one of the most dramatic transformations in its history, from athlete compensation to transfer rules and the impacts of the House v. NCAA settlement. In this episode, SIU System President Dan Mahony, a longtime sport management professor, sits down with athletic directors Tim Leonard (SIU Carbondale), Andrew Gavin (SIU Edwardsville), and Dr. Ken Halpin (Purdue Unive...

In this episode we dive into a topic that’s reshaping higher education and the world at lightning speed: artificial intelligence (AI). Whether it’s ChatGPT in the classroom, AI-powered medical simulations or new interdisciplinary courses, AI is already transforming how we teach, learn, research and operate across the SIU System. In this episode, I talk with two academic leaders who are heading up...

In this episode, we explore how students prepare for life after graduation through reflections from both spring 2025 graduates and accomplished SIU alumni. The episode opens with interviews from this year’s graduates, sharing their thoughts, hopes, and questions just before crossing the stage. President Mahony is then joined by three distinguished SIU alumni: Bill Luan (SIUE, class of 1984 & 1...

In this episode, SIU System President Dan Mahony shares what he learned when his daughter went through the college admissions process. And to explain more about the modern-day college admissions process, President Mahony chats with his guests, SIU Carbondale Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management Wendall Williams and SIU Edwardsville Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management Andy Benoit.

SIU System President Dan Mahony talks with SIU Carbondale student Lidell Miller about how SIU’s ADEI initiatives helped him turn his academic career around. He’s joined by Dr. Jasmine Haywood from the Lumina Foundation and Dr. Allison Kadlec from Sova Solutions to discuss student success strategies, financial barriers and the power of inclusive education. 

SIU System President Dan Mahony talks with SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane and SIU Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor about their career paths and the lessons they've learned along the way. They offer some wisdom that's helpful for students, faculty, staff and anyone else open to inspiration.