Southeast Missouri State University

Four students from Southeast Missouri State University were selected to represent the University at the Missouri Governor's Student Leadership Forum, held Feb. 12-14 in Jefferson City, where they engaged with public officials, policy experts and peers from across Missouri. Students participated in leadership, civic engagement and public service programming while attending the forum. The experience highlights SEMO's commitment to developing student leaders, with participants gaining practical insight, networking opportunities and a deeper understanding of how state decisions affect communities across Missouri.

Southeast Missouri State University's fully online Master of Science in agribusiness program helps working professionals advance their careers while gaining deeper knowledge of the business side of agriculture. Designed for current and emerging industry leaders, the program combines flexible online coursework with practical instruction in areas such as agribusiness marketing, policy, risk management and operations. Students like Patrick Clark and 2025 graduate Ian Graves say the program strengthened their skills in business strategy and decision-making, helping them grow professionally and confidently navigate leadership roles in the agriculture industry.

A Southeast Missouri State University student, Amber Fenton, has been named the first SEMO recipient and one of six nationwide to earn the Lewerglobal: Your Journey Begins Scholarship, receiving $2,500 to support her summer study abroad experience in Seoul. Sponsored by Lewermark, the competitive award will allow Fenton, an interior design major, to attend the Hansung International Summer School. Fenton has demonstrated strong leadership and global engagement, including volunteering her design skills to enhance SEMO's study abroad office space.

Ethan Griggs' first-year at Southeast Missouri State University is not just the start of his college experience, it is a meaningful return to the place where his story first began. Born while his parents were students and living on campus, Ethan spent his first months in SEMO's Towers residence halls, surrounded by the same community he now calls home again. Nearly two decades later, he walks the same sidewalks, inspired by stories from his parents and building his own future through studies in agriculture: pre-veterinary and animal science. Supported by faculty, friendships and opportunities, Ethan says SEMO is helping him pursue his goals while continuing a family legacy that has come full circle.

Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Agriculture prepares students for life after graduation through a required internship program that provides hands-on, real-world experience across the agriculture industry. Students gain practical skills in areas such as agricultural research, leadership and turfgrass management, as demonstrated by internships completed at MOARK Agricultural Research, Missouri FFA's Camp Rising Sun and Biltmore Forest Country Club. Guided by faculty mentors, these experiences help students apply classroom knowledge, develop professional skills and, in some cases, secure full-time employment before graduation, reinforcing SEMO's commitment to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Southeast Missouri State University honored all students who completed their degrees during the fall commencement ceremonies held Saturday, December 13.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced its Dean's List for undergraduate academic achievement during the fall 2025 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.

Southeast Missouri State University's HackLabs teams delivered one of their strongest performances to date at the AI Vibe-Coding Hackathon in November, earning two second-place finishes and one third-place finish while competing against universities across the region. In a fast-paced, 22-hour competition that simulated real-world software and incident-response challenges, SEMO students built seven software solutions, demonstrating technical skill, teamwork and industry-relevant problem-solving. The podium finishes further validate SEMO's growing computer science and technology ecosystem, showcasing its students as innovative, competitive and workforce-ready while strengthening the program's regional reputation and industry connections.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced its President's List for undergraduate academic achievement during the fall 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.

Southeast Missouri State University agriculture students Colton White, Emjae Mosier and Gant Gibson spent their summer gaining hands-on experience with Saluna, a St. Louis agricultural technology startup working to advance hemp as a sustainable, high-value crop. Through SEMO's new partnership with Saluna, the students supported field trials, plant-care operations and comprehensive data collection, developing practical skills in agronomy, teamwork and problem-solving. Their work reflects SEMO's commitment to preparing students not just to enter the future of agriculture, but to lead it.

Southeast Missouri State University's student-run newspaper, the Arrow, earned multiple top honors at the 2025 College Media Association Pinnacle Awards, highlighting the program's excellence in multimedia storytelling, design and production. Students received first, second and third-place awards, as well as several honorable mentions, for projects ranging from newspaper spreads and political series to audio newscasts, editorial illustrations, video programming and sports features. The awards, announced at the CMA Fall Student Media Convention in Washington, D.C., reflect the program's strength across journalism, TV and film, advertising and media management.

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

Nathan Anderson of Festus, Missouri, and Sophie Martin of Perryville, Missouri, were named Southeast Missouri State University's 2025 Man and Woman of the Year during halftime of the Homecoming football game on October 18. The award recognizes outstanding student leaders who excel academically, contribute to campus life, and demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. Anderson is a double major in music and musical theatre sponsored by the University's Marching Band. Martin is a psychology major sponsored by Student Government Association.

Ten Southeast Missouri State University students have been named finalists for the 2025 Man and Woman of the Year awards, which recognize outstanding student leaders who exemplify academic excellence, campus involvement and community service. Sponsored by various campus organizations, the finalists include Lainey Canning, Sarah Chapman, Sophie Martin, Maddie Robinson, and Sophia Ruffatto for Woman of the Year, and Nathan Anderson, Grant Breece, Romell Johnson, Logan Pruitt and Drew Roth for Man of the Year. The winners will be announced during SEMO's Homecoming game on Saturday, October 18.

Students in Southeast Missouri State University's mass media program are earning national recognition for their work in the Arrow, the University's student-run newspaper, with eight projects named finalists in the College Media Association's (CMA) prestigious Pinnacle Awards.These nominations span a wide range of media formats, including audio, video, design and traditional journalism. The awards highlight work from students specializing in fields of multimedia journalism, advertising, TV and film and media management. Winners will be announced at the CMA Fall Student Media Convention in Washington, D.C., from October 15-18, 2025. The recognition affirms SEMO's commitment to providing real-world, hands-on media experience to its students.

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.

Southeast Missouri State University student Calyn Hartmann is pursuing two ambitious degrees-professional pilot and biomedical sciences-with plans to graduate in 2026. After starting in biomedical sciences, her love of travel inspired her to add aviation in 2023, a decision encouraged by SEMO's Director of Aviation, Miranda Sullivan. Balancing flight lessons, labs, and summer coursework while also working as a teaching assistant and at a veterinary office, Hartmann credits her work ethic and support network for helping her succeed. Faculty describe her as driven and exceptional. Hartmann hopes to fly professionally before possibly returning to medical school.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Stephen Casey, a senior music education major at Southeast Missouri State University, has been named a 2025 Missouri Composers Project (MOCOP) winner in the Orchestral Open Age category for his original composition, The Dear King. Selected through blind judging and performed by the Columbia Civic Orchestra, Casey's work stood out among submissions from across the state. Sponsored by the Mizzou New Music Initiative and the University of Missouri School of Music, the MOCOP recognizes excellence in new choral and orchestral works. Casey's achievement highlights both his creative dedication and the strength of SEMO's music program, which offers students robust opportunities in composition, education, and performance.

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's student newspaper, The Arrow, brought home 21 awards at the 2025 Missouri College Media Association Awards on April 12, including first place for Best Overall Newspaper in Division 2-for the second year in a row. The publication earned top honors in categories such as investigative reporting, website design, and multimedia packaging, and dominated the campus engagement category, taking three of the four awards available. Many of the winning entries were developed through classroom assignments, highlighting the integration of academic work and professional practice. Faculty members Dr. Tamara Buck and Michael Simmons were credited for their role in guiding students through hands-on, real-world journalism experiences. The Arrow serves as both a platform for students to develop portfolios and a testament to the strength of SEMO's mass media program, which consistently produces competitive and award-winning student journalists.

Southeast Missouri State University celebrated the achievements of its faculty, staff, and student mentors at the 2025 Excellence in Advising, Student Success, and Teaching Celebration on April 22. The event honored individuals and teams who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student support, innovative instruction, and academic mentorship. Among the awardees were Bashair Ahmad and Dr. Lori Mueller, recognized for outstanding academic advising, with Mueller also receiving the OVC Outstanding Faculty Commitment to Student Success award. Provost Awards recognized excellence in categories ranging from teaching innovation and experiential learning to mentorship and research support. Notable honorees included Dr. Sarah Dietrich for teaching innovation and Dr. Suhair Amer for student mentorship. Additional accolades were presented to faculty excelling in online teaching, student recruitment, and assessment, as well as to Hannah Witty, who was honored as an exemplary graduate teaching assistant. The SupportNET Student Success Awards highlighted contributions to student retention, with recognitions going to Alicia Lincoln, Debbie Carter, and the Athletic Academic Services team.