Southeast Missouri State University

After graduating this spring with a degree in agribusiness: industry, Wyatt Hendley is preparing to attend law school at the University of Mississippi with plans to specialize in agricultural law and return to southeast Missouri to serve local farmers. A seventh-generation farmer from Bloomfield, Missouri, Hendley used his time at SEMO to gain hands-on experience in agriculture and policy through organizations such as Collegiate Farm Bureau, where he represented Missouri agriculture in Washington, D.C., earned the title of state champion in the Discussion Meet competition, and competed nationally.

After graduating this spring with degrees in agribusiness: animal science and agricultural communications, Lainey Canning has turned her internship experience into a full-time career as a marketing and communications coordinator with Wehmeyer Seed Company in Mascoutah, Illinois. Raised on her family's farm in southern Illinois, Canning combined her agricultural background with hands-on learning opportunities at SEMO, including internships, student employment, and leadership roles across campus.

Southeast Missouri State University graduate Grant Breece is turning years of campus leadership and hands-on learning into a future career in special education and applied behavior analysis. A Gideon, Missouri, native and second-generation SEMO student, Breece graduated with a degree in exceptional child: mild/moderate cross categorical and a certificate in autism studies while serving in numerous leadership roles across campus, including Sigma Nu chapter president and Student Government Association vice president. Recognized for his service and leadership, Breece also earned several campus honors and helped lead Sigma Nu to the Interfraternity Council Chapter of the Year Award.

Southeast Missouri State University graduate James Foote, originally from Arkansas and currently teaching at the university level in China, will earn a Master of Arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) this spring. Through SEMO's flexible online program, Foote balanced full-time teaching while strengthening his ability to support students' English language development. He said the program deepened his engagement with TESOL, helped him grow professionally and personally, and prepared him to pursue future opportunities in ESOL curriculum design and higher education.

Isaac Thorn, of O'Fallon, Missouri, will graduate this spring from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in instrumental music education and begin his career as assistant band director at Wentzville Middle School and Holt High School. During his time at SEMO, Thorn gained hands-on leadership and teaching experience through conducting the Show Band, serving as a student assistant for the SEMO Marching Band and performing at major events, including the 2023 Bands of America exhibition at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

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

When Southeast Missouri State University senior Drew Beussink began his undergraduate studies, he did not have a strong career trajectory in mind. Four years and countless academically enriching opportunities later, the Cape Girardeau native will continue his educational journey in the hallowed halls of Yale Law School. Beussink, who double-majored in political science and economics, will graduate from Southeast on May 14.

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.

Since high school, Hannah Kroencke has known she wanted a career in business and accounting.

Southeast Missouri State University senior Grace Powderly knew from a young age that practicing medicine was in her career path.

For Southeast Missouri State University senior Rachel Richardson, music is personal - it has shaped her life into that of a professional musician.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced its spring and summer 2021 graduates.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced its summer 2020 graduates.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced its spring 2020 graduates.

For Southeast Missouri State University students Megan Kneezle and Melanie Smith, the decision to attend classes at the Regional Campuses in Sikeston and Kennett, Missouri, made sense - they found the support and flexibility to earn their degrees and graduate from Southeast Missouri State University this month.

As an emergency room nurse, Kelli Woodfin knows the importance of quick thinking, precision decision-making and efficient multitasking. She's worked at SoutheastHEALTH in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as a Registered Nurse for four years, treating patients suffering from trauma, injury or any number of medical conditions. Now, she is among the frontline heroes working to fight the spread of COVID-19 in the local community. She is also just days away from completing a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), from Southeast Missouri State University.

Graduating from college has been important goal for Yvonne Pereira of Troy, Illinois. This month, Pereira fulfills that dream as she graduates from Southeast Missouri State University with her Bachelor of Arts in communication studies.

In 2011, the St. Louis Cardinals won their 11th World Series Championship - rallying fans through all seven games, and inspiring a young Blake Schaffer to not only be a lifelong fan, but also to pursue a career in sports. Schaffer, of St. Louis, Missouri, will graduate from Southeast this month with a Bachelor of Science in sport management.

For Southeast Missouri State University student Erika Bone, the reasons to attend Southeast were plentiful. Bone, a spring 2020 graduate earning a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in economics, says that her time on campus was a positive influence on her professional aspirations, as it provided her with experiences that were relevant to her studies.

Cape Girardeau native Cory Brethold enjoys a good challenge. Being in the workforce while working towards a degree in technology management with an emphasis in telecommunication and computer networking fit the bill.

Banner Year: 12 Southeast Students Accepted to Vet School

Southeast Missouri State University graduate student Tracy Retherford worked for more than 20 years as a Spanish teacher in the southeast Missouri region before making the decision to return to academia for a graduate degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Bringing history to life and imparting that knowledge on the next generation has fueled Olivia Simpson's ambition for years. Her dreams will become reality this month when she officially claims the title of "teacher" after completing her degree at Southeast Missouri State University.

It's never too late to earn a college degree, and with time, often comes perspective and the understanding you've found your calling in life. Such is the case for Southeast Missouri State University student Kathleen Ellison of Sikeston, Missouri.

Graduating from Southeast Missouri State University is the culmination of dedication and perseverance, according to Victoria Blue. It's also the beginning of a new career and step forward she thought may never happen.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced its fall 2019 graduates.

Southeast Missouri State University senior Margy Tepen of Jerseyville, Illinois, is just days away from earning her degree and launching her nursing career to positively help those in need.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced its summer 2019 graduates.

Southeast Missouri State University has announced its spring 2019 graduates.

Nine education majors at Southeast Missouri State University-Sikeston will pause this weekend to celebrate an educational milestone - the completion of their college degree - before moving on to school districts throughout southeast Missouri where they've already been tapped to positively shape the minds and lives of the next generation.