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 play?

President Mahony is joined by three faculty members from across the SIU System:

• Jeff Punske, Southern Illinois University Carbondale — Director of the University Core Curriculum and faculty member in linguistics
• Matthew Schunke, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — Professor of Philosophy
• Jessica DeSpain, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville — Professor of English and Co-Director of the IRIS Center for the Digital Humanities

Together, they discuss the history and goals of general education, its role in preparing students for civic life, the skills students gain that may not always be immediately apparent, challenges facing general education today and advice for students and faculty.

The conversation explores how general education can help students continue to learn, think critically and adapt, skills that matter regardless of the career path they ultimately choose.

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 Chancellor James Minor, SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane and SIU School of Medicine Dean Jerry Kruse for a conversation about what really happens during the summer months and why this work is essential to student success.

Topics include:
 • Student recruitment and enrollment
 • Summer orientation and campus activity
 • Research and community engagement
 • Preparing for the upcoming academic year
 • The future of higher education
 • Summer reading and viewing recommendations

Whether you're a student, parent, educator or simply curious about higher education, this episode offers an inside look at one of the busiest seasons on a university campus.

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 discuss the value of public broadcasting in today's media landscape.

President Mahony, a longtime public radio listener, also shares his appreciation for the role public broadcasting plays in keeping communities informed and connected.

Whether you're interested in higher education, journalism or the future of local media, this conversation highlights why public broadcasting matters.

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 modernize the way Illinois distributes funding to public universities.

Joining the conversation are national higher education funding expert, Denisa Gandara from the University of Texas at Austin and Robin Steans from Advance Illinois. Together, they discuss why many states are rethinking university funding formulas, and what these changes could mean for students, affordability, workforce development and the future of public higher education in Illinois.

 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 education governance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, along with SIU System Board Chair Judge Phil Gilbert and former Chair Roger Tedrick, this conversation offers both research-based insight and real-world perspective on: 

• The role of boards of trustees 
• How major decisions are made 
• What makes a board effective or ineffective 
• Why collaboration between leadership and governance matters 

Whether you work in higher education or simply want a better understanding of how universities operate, this episode provides a clear and candid look behind the scenes.
 🎧 Watch and listen to learn more. 

 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 perspective on:

• The financial realities facing athletic programs
• The evolving student-athlete experience
• The sustainability of current models
• Why institutions must be intentional moving forward

With March Madness as the backdrop, this episode goes beyond the bracket to explore the bigger picture of college athletics in America.

🎧 Listen and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of higher education, innovation and student success.

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 financial assistance. In fact, across the Southern Illinois University System, over 90% of first time undergraduate students receive support to help cover the cost of college.
President Mahony is joined by higher education leaders and financial aid experts who share practical insights about scholarships, financial aid, student loans and programs that make college more accessible. The conversation also features an inspiring SIU student who explains how she has found creative ways to cover her college costs without taking on loans. Whether you are a student, parent, educator, or advisor, this episode offers helpful guidance, real-world strategies, and encouragement for navigating the college financial planning process.

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. Together, they share powerful stories about experiential learning, stepping outside comfort zones and turning student involvement into lifelong skills.

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 Agriculture Director and SIU alum Jerry Costello on why agriculture is Illinois’ #1 industry • SIU researchers engineering microbes that convert plastic into edible protein and caffeine into affordable medicine • Leaders supporting the mental health of farm families through the Farm Family Resource Initiative • Students and faculty shaping the next generation of agricultural leadership

This conversation goes far beyond traditional farming and into global sustainability, workforce development and the future of food and biomanufacturing.

Listen and learn how SIU is leading in fields both expected and unexpected. 

 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 Provost for Accreditation, Assessment and Academic Planning at SIUE who came to the U.S. from Bulgaria and discovered a passion for research, teaching, and academic leadership. 

· Dr. Jeb Asirvatham (SIUC) — Associate Professor in Agribusiness Economics at SIUC whose journey from India to SIU shaped his career, research, and family life. 

· Cheryl Borowiak (SIUE) — Director of International Affairs, sharing insights on admissions, visas, student support and creating welcoming spaces for global learners. 

Subscribe and listen for more conversations from across the SIU System!