Austin Lane

Dr. Austin Lane became chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale on July 1, 2020. Under his leadership, SIU Carbondale launched its strategic plan, Imagine 2030, focusing on student success, diversity, branding, research, and sustainability. Despite the pandemic, freshman enrollment has increased, and more local students are choosing SIU Carbondale.

Chancellor Lane introduced the Saluki Commitment and Saluki Transfer Commitment, ensuring financial aid covers tuition for qualified Illinois students. He also started the Saluki Step Ahead program for community college graduates and formed partnerships with school districts and youth organizations, including Chicago Hope. He revitalized the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program and the Chancellor’s Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion.

Before SIU, Dr. Lane held various leadership roles in higher education, including president of Texas Southern University and executive vice chancellor at Lone Star College System. He has served on multiple boards and committees, including Southern Illinois Healthcare and the NCAA Honors Committee. He received an Honorary State FFA Degree in 2024 and numerous awards, such as the 2022 100 Black Men of America “Rising Star” award.

A New Jersey native, Chancellor Lane earned a B.A. in psychology from Langston University, an M.A. in human relations from the University of Oklahoma, and an Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama. He is married to Loren Lane and has three children, Lauren, Chase, and Lance.