Jen Badiu | SIU Foundation | SIU

Jen Badiu serves as the director of development for the SIU College of Business and Analytics. She actively engages Saluki alumni and donors to strengthen connections and expand the college’s impact.

She previously served as an academic advisor for the SIU College of Health and Human Sciences, where she supported the growth, development, and educational goals of students—alongside her own. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a master’s degree in Business and Health Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

In 2005, Jen was recruited to Southern Illinois to serve as System Director for Southern Illinois Healthcare. She led the development of the region’s first comprehensive freestanding cancer center and Breast Centers and established the Office of Clinical Research. Jen played a key role in launching major fundraising initiatives, including Pink Out Cancer, Black Out Cancer, the SIU Coach Kill Cancer Fund, and the SIH Grateful Patient & Family Giving Fund. She also secured numerous private, federal, and state grants and donations, expanding support well beyond the southern Illinois region.

The SIH Hope is Home campaign launched in 2012 and again in 2018, raising more than $20 million for regional health initiatives, including $10 million awarded through Rebuild Illinois Infrastructure to support the SIH Cancer Institute. 

Jen lives in Carterville with her husband, Cristian, and their two daughters. She enjoys all things outdoors, including hiking, gardening, kayaking, golfing, and softball.