In the town of Cotton Plant, Arkansas, population 529 and midway between Memphis and Little Rock, there was a young man named Wendell Williams who learned the value of hard work before he could even form the words. Growing up in a farming family, Wendell’s early years were shaped by calloused hands, long days, and the unwavering support of his parents, who, Wendell shares, couldn’t spell "education" but certainly knew its value. "My father, the smartest man I’ve ever known, once took a plate outside and smashed it," Wendell recalls with a smile. "He told me, ‘Legally, I don’t have to take care of you anymore. But if you go to school, I’ll help you.’ It was clear: my future was in my hands."

That lesson, taught in such an unforgettable way, stuck with Wendell for life. Today, Wendell Williams is the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale. And though Cotton Plant, Arkansas may seem a world away, Wendell’s work continues to carry the same message: the future is yours if you’re willing to work for it.

Wendell came to SIU about three and a half years ago, and from day one, he and the Chancellor made a commitment to bring the university’s offerings to students across Southern Illinois, including the students of the Meridian School District. "We realized that while we had done well reaching out to larger school districts, we hadn’t been as proactive with smaller districts like Meridian," Wendell says. "But there’s just as much potential here. Who knows? The first person to set foot on Mars or discover the cure for cancer could be sitting in a Meridian classroom right now."

Wendell’s role at SIU is about connecting that potential with the opportunities SIU offers. And it’s not just about offering admission—it’s about making sure students from places like Meridian know they can get a world-class education without breaking the bank. "At SIU, we’ve done away with the notion that you need a perfect SAT score to succeed," Wendell says. "A 2.75 GPA gets you in. We’re not interested in how well you did on a four-hour test. We care about what you’ve done over the last four years in high school."

And for students who worry about the cost of college, Wendell has good news: if your family’s income is $103,000 or less—and that covers most of Southern Illinois—you can attend SIU tuition-free through the Saluki Commitment. "Imagine that," Wendell says, "students from Meridian can get a college education for free, without worrying about tuition." And for those living within 75 miles of the university, room and board aren’t required either, meaning commuting students can drive to campus a couple of days a week without the need for on-campus housing.

Wendell’s passion for education and service didn’t begin at SIU, though. It began on the farm, working alongside his parents and seeing the transformative power of education in his own life. "I grew up poor," Wendell says, "so poor that my father once tied a string around a piece of bacon so my sister could chew on it, then pass it to me. When I got to college, I saw that our family’s income for a family of four was just $3,600." Despite these humble beginnings, Wendell worked his way through college, eventually earning his degree in psychology and pursuing a career in education administration.

For Wendell, the goal has always been to open doors for students who, like him, may not have thought higher education was possible. "We’re eliminating barriers," Wendell says. "If you want a degree from SIU, the only thing stopping you is your decision."

And that’s where Meridian comes in. As Wendell explains, SIU’s commitment to Southern Illinois schools, including Meridian, is about more than just admissions—it’s about making sure students know the path is there. "We started something called the YES Campaign," Wendell says. "If a student in Meridian has a 2.75 GPA, I’m sending them an email saying, ‘Congratulations, you’ve been pre-admitted to SIU.’ If they’re not sure, we’ll keep communicating with them. If they’re interested but need more information, we’ll send someone to answer their questions."

It’s all part of a larger effort to increase access and ensure that students from rural areas like Meridian have the same opportunities as those from bigger cities. "This program has increased our applications and admittance by eight and a half percent," Wendell says proudly. "We’re reaching more students than ever, and it’s paying off."

But as Wendell is quick to point out, it’s not just about getting students into college—it’s about helping them succeed once they’re there. "It’s not just about getting a degree. It’s about getting a job you love and a life that’s fulfilling," he says. "A bachelor’s degree opens doors that other degrees simply don’t. It’s the difference between working on the line and being the one who manages the line."

For students considering whether college is the right path, Wendell has a simple message: "If you think education is expensive, try not having it." And for those who are drawn to careers in trades, Wendell agrees that fit is important but reminds them that leadership roles—whether in business, education, or even the skilled trades—require a college degree. "The jobs that say ‘bachelor’s degree required’ are the ones that are easier on the knees and easier on the family," Wendell jokes, but there’s truth in his words. College graduates tend to have better job stability, higher salaries, and more flexibility in their careers.

Wendell’s story is a powerful example of what education can do, not just for one person but for entire communities. As he looks out at the students of Meridian, he sees potential, opportunity, and the chance to change lives. "My parents couldn’t spell education, but they knew what it could do for me," Wendell says. "And now, I’m committed to helping students from places like Meridian see what it can do for them."