Hannah Connolly, a Southern Illinois University Carbondale student from Carbondale, has been elected by her peers to serve on the SIU System’s Board of Trustees. Her one-year term starts July 1.
Connolly, who was homeschooled before arriving at SIU in 2022, is a recipient of the university’s most prestigious first-year award, the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which covers tuition, mandatory fees, housing and dining for four years. At SIU, she is a member of the women’s swim team and several registered student organizations, including the Pre-Law Association and the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Ambassadors. She has also served on Undergraduate Student Government.
Connolly and SIU Edwardsville graduate student Kaia Ford are joining the seven-member board that is responsible for operating, managing, controlling and maintaining the SIU System.
“I want to continue to advocate for students, making sure their needs and concerns are being heard, as well as ensuring they’re being updated on how I’ve voted so I can be held accountable,” Connolly said.
After her graduation in May 2026, Connolly plans to attend law school.
