Southeast Missouri State University

At Southeast Missouri State University, students in the historic preservation program gain immersive, hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom to make real-world impacts. Through partnerships with local organizations like Old Town Cape and the Cape Girardeau County History Center, students work on meaningful projects such as preserving historic cemeteries, assisting museums and nominating buildings for the National Register of Historic Places. These efforts help students shape their future careers while contributing to their communities. SEMO's historic preservation program offers a unique, community-centered learning experience for students passionate about history and storytelling.

Thirteen Southeast Missouri State University communication disorders students traveled to Belize City, Belize for a faculty-led study abroad course, where they provided much-needed speech-language and audiology services to children with disabilities at the Therapy Volunteer International Clinic and Stella Maris School. Guided by Dr. Samantha Washington and Dr. Susan Fulton, the team conducted evaluations, therapy sessions, hearing screenings and hearing aid maintenance. The students' work filled a critical gap while giving them invaluable clinical training, cultural humility and personal growth. Participants earned both academic and clinical hours, gaining real-world experience that reflects SEMO's commitment to high-impact learning and global engagement.

Southeast Missouri State University accounting and finance students earned a spot in the final round of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) Community Bank Case Study Competition, placing among the top five teams nationwide. The competition, which drew 35 teams from 27 colleges and universities, pairs students with community banks to analyze issues such as financial performance, inflation, branch strategy, technology and regulatory challenges. SEMO's achievement reflects both the students' dedication and the strong preparation provided by the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance.

Mae Willingham, a spring 2025 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, has been awarded the prestigious Gus T. Ridgel Fellowship from the University of Missouri, where she will pursue a graduate degree in political science with a focus on American government and political methodology. A political science major at SEMO, Willingham credits her undergraduate experiences-including her time as a McNair Scholar, mentorship from faculty and rigorous research projects-for shaping her academic path. Known for her discipline and remarkable writing ability, she maintained a 4.0 GPA while actively engaging in campus life and supporting herself through college. The fellowship, she says, provides the freedom to fully dedicate herself to her studies and future career goals.

Southeast Missouri State University junior Deepshikha Karki, an actuarial science major from Nepal, gained hands-on experience this summer at F&G Annuities & Life in Des Moines, Iowa. Through projects like developing an automated validation tool and analyzing national market data, Karki applied skills learned at SEMO to real-world challenges. Her success highlights SEMO's experiential learning approach, which prepares students for high-demand fields like actuarial science, where entry-level salaries average over $125,000 and job growth is projected at 22% through 2033.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced its Dean's List for undergraduate academic achievement during the spring 2025 semester. Academic Hall in the spring semester.Students named to the Dean's List earned at least a 3.75 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and completed at least 12 hours of standard graded credit. They received no grade below a B and received no failing grades in enrolled, credit/no credit or pass/fail courses. View the complete spring 2025 Dean's List.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced its President's List for undergraduate academic achievement during the spring 2025 semester. Students named to the President's List earned a 4.0 grade point average and completed at least 12 hours of standard graded credit. View the complete spring 2025 President's List.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced the recipients of its 2024-2025 Student Life and Leadership Awards, honoring students, faculty, staff, and organizations for their leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to building a vibrant campus community. Among the honorees are recipients of the President's Spirit of Southeast Awards, First-Year Student Awards, and Civic and Global Engagement Awards, as well as several organization and advisor recognitions. Standout groups such as the International Student Association and SEMO Marching Band Organizing Staff were also celebrated for their contributions. The awards also highlight achievements in experiential learning and academics through the Provost and Experiential Learning Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals from each academic college and graduate studies. This year's honorees represent a wide range of majors and backgrounds, showcasing Southeast's commitment to leadership, service, and hands-on education.

A team of Southeast Missouri State University students earned top honors at the 2025 American Statistical Association (ASA) DataFest, winning the "Best Use of Statistical Analysis" award. The event, hosted at the University of Missouri, brought together 18 teams from universities across the region for an intense weekend of data analysis, problem-solving, and collaboration. The SEMO team impressed judges with their innovative approach to tackling a complex, real-world dataset, demonstrating strong technical skills, teamwork and creative thinking. Their success highlights the strength of SEMO's programs in mathematics, statistics, and data science, as well as the University's commitment to providing hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for in-demand careers.

Southeast Missouri State University's Heartland Independent Winter Guard earned a gold medal at the Mid-Continent Color Guard Association (MCCGA) Championships, marking a major achievement in the ensemble's inaugural competitive season. Performing their 2025 program, "The Bridge Between Us," the 15-member group competed in the Independent Regional A Classification and won their class at every event leading up to the championship in Willard, Missouri. Founded this year as part of SEMO's growing performing arts initiatives, the Heartland Independent Winter Guard has quickly become a standout ensemble in the region. Led by director Luke Christisen and operating under the University band program, the team's success reflects the dedication, talent, and teamwork of its members. Recruitment for next season is already underway, with plans to continue building on this season's strong foundation.

Southeast Missouri State University's Greek Week 2025 brought students together for a powerful week of philanthropy, advocacy, and service. The event raised over $25,000 for charitable causes, collected thousands of food and clothing donations, and supported blood donations that could save more than 1,000 lives. Beyond fundraising, students engaged in important conversations about consent and advocacy through events like Walk-A-Mile in Their Shoes. Greek Week also celebrated student leadership through a variety of awards recognizing outstanding chapters, individuals, and advisors. The tradition continues to highlight the lasting impact of SEMO's fraternity and sorority community on both campus and the greater region.

Southeast Missouri State University has awarded the President's Scholarship for the 2026 academic year to five remarkable seniors.

Southeast Missouri State University senior Taylor King can't wait for the moment when she crosses the stage for her diploma at the University's commencement ceremonies tomorrow, May 14.

Southeast Missouri State University alumnus Jason Steiner graduated in December 2024 and was offered a dream job in professional baseball only a few weeks later.

Southeast Missouri State University is proud to celebrate with our newest students on beginning their first year at Southeast.

Southeast Missouri State University is proud to announce the 2021-22 Student Life and Leadership Award recipients.

Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Art and Design presents the Spring 2022 Graduating Seniors Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Exhibitions April 18-May 14.

University Marketing along with students at Southeast Missouri State University were recently recognized with local ADDY Awards during the annual 2022 American Advertising Awards (AAA) Virtual Show.

Twenty-five Southeast Missouri State University nursing students and faculty members volunteered to support the Friday, Jan. 29, vaccination clinic at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Southeast Missouri State University senior Jamie Shultz had never stepped foot on a ski resort before December. Now, the hospitality management major can be found at Kirkwood Mountain Resort overseeing daily operations for the resort's ticketing team. Shultz is completing an internship at the Kirkwood, California, resort before she graduates in May, and has spent the last four months working as a ticketing scanning lead for the resort.