Dozens of attendees gathered Saturday, Feb. 7, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale to honor Dr. Melvin C. Terrell, an SIU alumnus and nationally respected scholar-practitioner.

Family members, friends, mentees and colleagues from across higher education joined the celebration, which featured the unveiling of the Dr. Melvin C. Terrell Special Collection in the Hall of Presidents at Morris Library. University leaders also dedicated the Dr. Melvin C. Terrell Atrium and Portrait in Faner Hall.

The event recognized Terrell’s more than four decades of leadership in higher education, his commitment to mentoring future leaders and his contributions to scholarship and inclusive excellence. Speakers shared personal reflections that highlighted his influence on students, institutions and communities nationwide.

Terrell earned his doctorate from SIU in 1978. The special collection and newly dedicated spaces stand as lasting tributes to his legacy and will serve as resources to inspire future generations of Salukis.