Former SIUC chancellor John Guyon dies March 17

John C. Guyon, former chancellor at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, died at his home in Carbondale, Wednesday, March 17. He was 78.

Guyon led SIUC for nine years, from 1987 to 1996, the second-longest tenure after Delyte W. Morris.

SIUC chancellor Samuel Goldman extended condolences on behalf of the university community to Trish Guyon, John’s wife, and their children.

“John’s commitment to improving our university and our region spanned decades,” Goldman said.

Guyon arrived at the university in 1974 as a professor in chemistry, and later became the first dean of the SIUC College of Science.

He became associate vice president for research and dean of the graduate school in 1976, followed by posts as acting vice president and then vice president for academic affairs and research.

Guyon’s term as president began in July 1987, nine months after being named acting president.

At the time, the president was the top administrator for the SIUC campus and the chancellor led the entire SIU system.

Later, administrative restructuring while Guyon led SIUC changed duties and titles.

SIU president Glenn Poshard’s relationship with Guyon dates to when Poshard served in the state senate.

He said that Guyon “always carried himself with a great deal of dignity.”

Poshard also said that one of Guyon’s lasting legacies at the university is his commitment to diversity.

During his tenure, Guyon oversaw a growth in enrollment along with an expanding campus, including Life Science III and what is now known as the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center.

Guyon was an “extraordinarily decent human being,” said John S. Jackson, a former interim chancellor and now a visiting professor at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute.

“He was really a very kind and caring sort of person,” Jackson said.

Guyon was honored in August with the dedication of the 200-seat John C. Guyon Auditorium in the expanded and renovated Morris Library.

Benjamin A. Shepherd, who served as an associate vice chancellor, vice president for academic affairs and research, and also provost under Guyon, believes Guyon ranks second to Morris among the university’s leadership.

The Carbondale NAACP presented its first Image Award to Guyon in 1989, recognizing him for making a positive impact on the region’s minority residents.

A Requiem Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 27, at Shryock Auditorium on the SIUC campus. Musical selections will begin at 10:30 a.m.