Ryan Dilger is one of five University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professors to recently be named University Scholars.

Ryan Dilger

Ryan, who teaches animal sciences at the university, is the son of Leon and Doris Dilger of Mariah Hill. He attended Heritage Hills High School in the North Spencer County School Corporation.

The scholars program started in 1985 and recognizes faculty excellence on the three University of Illinois campuses. It provides $15,000 to each scholar for each of three years to enhance his or her academic career. The money may be used for travel, equipment, research assistants, books or other purposes.