Southeast Missouri State University

Two Southeast Missouri State University students recently participated in the Model Constitutional Convention at Washington University in St. Louis, a national academic simulation that allows students to debate, draft and propose constitutional amendments. Through assigned state delegations and committees, participants explored how a modern constitution might evolve while engaging with diverse perspectives from across the country. SEMO students described the experience as a valuable hands-on learning opportunity that deepened their understanding of constitutional governance, civic engagement and public policy.

At Southeast Missouri State University, music students gain professional-level experience through performance opportunities that take them to prestigious venues across the country and around the world, including Carnegie Hall, Disney Concert Hall and international stages in Italy and China. Through hands-on learning, faculty mentorship and participation in competitive ensembles, students develop the skills and confidence needed for careers in music. Dr. Nicholas Kenney, assistant professor of music, said the program focuses on helping students reach their full potential through real-world performance experiences. Student Jordan Pavelka, a recipient of the Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award, said performing at the Fresno Orchestra Summer Academy (FOOSA) provided valuable professional experience and reflected SEMO's culture of support and achievement. Together, these opportunities prepare students for graduate study, performance careers and success throughout the music industry.

Twenty-one Southeast Missouri State University performing arts seniors recently traveled to New York City for an immersive professional showcase experience designed to prepare them for careers in the entertainment industry. The group, made up of BFA acting and musical theatre students, participated in masterclasses, workshops and networking opportunities with casting directors, agents, music directors and Broadway professionals while training in some of the city's top rehearsal studios. Students also performed live and digital showcases for industry professionals, creating opportunities for auditions, representation and career connections as they transition from college to the professional stage.

Southeast Missouri State University aviation students recently attended the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, one of the nation's premier aviation events, where they gained valuable career development and networking opportunities with industry leaders, recruiters and aviation professionals. Students from Alpha Eta Rho and Women in Aviation explored emerging technologies, attended workshops on maintenance, safety, and leadership and connected with potential employers through career fair events.

Southeast Missouri State University's Annual Student Research Conference, held April 14-15 in the University Center Ballroom, brought together undergraduate and graduate students from all colleges to showcase their research through presentations and posters. The event highlighted experience-driven learning, with students like Taylor Myers exploring agricultural education retention and graduate researchers examining hearing screenings for individuals with aphasia. Beyond presenting, participants gained professional skills by engaging with judges and peers. The conference also featured faculty-led keynote and workshops, while recognizing top student presentations across multiple categories.

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.

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.