2021 SIU Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards: Young Alumni
Bryan Mullins ’09 — College of Business
Bryan Mullins recently completed his second season as the head coach of the SIU men’s basketball program. A 2009 SIU alumnus, Mullins was a star player and student at SIU from 2006–09. As a player, he was a two-time MVC Defensive Player of the Year, a two-time Academic All-American, and led SIU to the 2007 Sweet Sixteen.
He began his coaching career as an assistant at Loyola and helped the Ramblers advance to the 2018 Final Four. Now back at his alma mater as head coach of the Salukis, Mullins has been recognized as one of the best young head coaches in the nation, earning recognition from ESPN’s “40 under 40” as one of the nation’s top coaches under 40 years old.
In just two seasons as SIU’s head coach, Mullins, who is the second-youngest head coach in Division I basketball, has been a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award given to the nation’s top first-year head coach, a runner-up for MVC Coach of the Year, and guided SIU to its best start to a season in 73 years.
The SIU Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes SIU Carbondale alumni who have achieved success and recognition since their graduation.
**Please note that due to pandemic restrictions attendance at this event is by invitation only **
The SIU Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Awards have been recognizing notable SIU Carbondale alumni for over 20 years. Former recipients include leaders in the business industry, famous actors, and world-class athletes. For more information about the program please visit: SIUAlumni.com
