James M. Rosser, Ph.D.

Jim was a former student-athlete who participated on the Men’s basketball team and went on to earn three degrees from SIU. He founded the SIU Black American Studies program and assisted in the establishment of the Developmental Skills Program for disadvantaged freshmen. Dr. Rosser was a recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award in 1982, the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1999, and an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters in 2003.