About Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University a place where learning comes first, where students are valued and encouraged to explore new ideas and where progress is complemented by tradition.

Southern Illinois University’s influence can be felt far beyond the locations of its great campuses.  While it serves as an economic engine for southern Illinois, it more importantly is a quality institution of learning for the citizens of Illinois, the nation, and the world.

Chartered in 1869, Southern Illinois University first opened its doors in Carbondale for instruction in 1874 in a one-building teacher training institution known as Southern Illinois University Normal University.

Schools and colleges

School of Medicine: Beginning in 1970, our founding dean, Richard H. Moy, M.D., and newly recruited department chairs, clinical basic science and medical education faculty literally created the School’s innovative competency-based curriculum. Today, the School encompasses a complete sequence of programs beginning with undergraduate medical education and progresses through residency training and continuing education for practicing physicians. Carl J. Getto, M.D., succeeded Moy (1994-2001) and J. Kevin Dorsey, M.D., Ph.D., Southern Illinois University class of 1978, was named our third dean and provost in 2001.