Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program

Begin Your Application

The Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars program serves newly admitted students in the Exploratory Student Advisement program for the summer and fall semesters. Students accepted to the Future Scholars summer program will take classes during the last 4 weeks of the summer semester in the month of July.

Students are given a chance to:

Get an early start to their college career
Register for summer and fall classes early
Experience summer residence on the SIU campus with dining options included
Attend classes 5 days a week and enrolling in up to 7 hours of University Core Curriculum courses
Attend mandatory study table for tutoring and academic coaching services
Learn about and explore campus resources early
Attend workshops provided by campus partners

To learn more about the criteria for the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program, contact our Director, Dr. Kris Marshall, at sheed@siu.edu.

Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program Application

*To make a reservation, admitted students must log in with their claimed Network ID and password.

Program Requirements

How to Apply
Must be admitted into the SIU Exploratory Student Advisement Program.

Please make sure to claim your network ID (SIU85XXXXXXX) and set up a password.

Complete Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program Application

Submit 2 Letters of Recommendation (within the program application)

1 from a high school guidance counselor

1 from a teacher/mentor

Students will be scheduled for an interview with the Director and support team.

An email will be sent to students when selections to the program have been made.
What to Do After You’re Selected
Attend a New Student Orientation.
Sign Up for Your Orientation

Sign up for classes with their Academic Advisor.
Find Your Advisor

Complete the housing contract and room selection process.
Get Housing Details
Your Responsibilities in the Program
Attend all classes, tutoring, meetings, and workshops. Refer to the Center for Learning Support Services.

Meet all requirements outlined by the Director to remain in this program. These will be provided once in the program.

Follow the SIU Student Conduct Code and University Housing guidelines.

Dr. Seymour Bryson

Seymour Bryson, Ph.D., retired from Southern Illinois University September 1, 2008 as the Associate Chancellor (Diversity) and Professor in the SIUC Rehabilitation Institute. He holds three degrees from SIUC, where he received his doctorate in Educational Psychology in 1972. He held a variety of administrative positions including the Director of Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity programs. Responsibilities include serving as the University’s Affirmative Action officer, campus coordinator for Americans with Disabilities, and SIUC’s sexual harassment program. His responsibilities also include providing leadership for programs and initiatives designed to increase accessibility, achievement and persistence of students, faculty and staff from underrepresented populations. He served as director of the Center for Academic Success, project director for the Southern Illinois Regional Career Preparation Program, Future Scholars and Student Support Services programs. The University’s Upward Bound and Head Start programs also reported to his office.

Dr. Bryson is a former chairperson of Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) and the Illinois Committee on Black Concerns in Higher Education. He served as the Governor’s Appointee to the African American Family Commission, the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, and the State Use Commission. He has received numerous awards including the School of Social Work Alumni Achievement Award, the Senator Emil Jones’ Mentoring Award, an Access Award from Introspect, and a Distinguished Service Award from ICBCHE; he has been listed in Who’s Who among Black Americans since 1977. He has presented papers at numerous conferences and has published in a variety of professional publications includingRehabilitation Counseling Bulletin,The Journal of Non-White Concerns,The Journal of Multicultural Development, andFreshman Year Experience.

Dr. Bryson was born and raised in Quincy, Illinois. He and his wife Marjorie are the parents of three children.

The Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program is sponsored by Southern Illinois University Foundation.

Success Stories

SIU’s Bryson Future Scholars Program provides head start toward college success

A group of 50 newly admitted Southern Illinois University Carbondale students are getting a jumpstart toward college success this month as they participate in the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program, earning 7 credit hours and immersing themselves in college life before classes begin in August.
SIU’s Bryson Future Scholars Program launches students toward success

When classes start this fall at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, dozens of incoming students will have already earned 8 credit hours and gotten a head start on their college careers, thanks to their participation in the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program this summer.
Bryson Future Scholars program gives SIU students a jumpstart toward success

Mario Lipscomb will officially start as a freshman at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in August, but the young Gary, Indiana, man is confident he will do well, thanks to his participation in the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program this summer.
SIU incoming freshman wins free fall tuition through Bryson Future Scholars Program

Shania Davis not only got a jumpstart on her college education by participating in the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale this summer. She also won free tuition for the fall semester, courtesy of a new SIU initiative.