Dr. Luther Skelton, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with master and doctorate degrees in political science, was a staunch advocate of energy research and resources. In 1984, he authored a book entitled The Solar Hydrogen Energy Economy: Beyond the Age of Fire, and was sponsor, presenter, and author of numerous articles, research projects, papers and conferences on the subjects of global warming, solar energy and other environmental issues. Before coming to the UIS (then Sangamon State University) in 1978, Dr. Skelton was director of the Coastal Zone Management Program in Florida, as well as director of Planning for the Missouri State Department of Natural Resources. During his tenure at UIS, Dr. Skelton became the first UIS professor to chair the esteemed University of Illinois Senates Conference where he presided over all three senates of the University of Illinois campuses. The Luther W. Skelton Endowment for Energy Policy and Energy Research is awarded to an outstanding graduate student in the Environmental Studies program.