2010-2019
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January 18
Southeast Missouri State University announces the launch of a first new website for mobile users.
May 2010
Inaugurated new summer faculty compensation system with objectives to enable adding more and smaller course sections to provide more opportunity for students to make timely progress toward completion of their degrees.
July 7
Grand Opening of the Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment with Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon, governor of Missouri, as the keynote speaker. The Center began operating Jan. 4 in its new facility at 611 N. Fountain Street on the grounds of the former Washington School at the corner of Middle and Mill streets in Cape Girardeau. The new facility is an 11,582-gross-square-foot, one-story, brick building with a metal roof designed by Mackey Mitchell Architects. The new center houses 14 small and large diagnosis/therapy rooms with observation capabilities for family members, clinicians and students. Several therapy rooms were specifically designed for music therapy, occupational therapy and life skills training. It also features a University classroom, three conference rooms, and a multipurpose room, library, respite and quiet rooms. The Center includes a sensory room and an occupational therapy room to address the activity levels and potential sensory needs of clients; a life skills training room that allows staff to teach personal care needs across the lifespan; and a playground that includes a musical instruments panel, slides, swings and climbers. The building also features a camera system that allows staff to record as well as broadcast activities from therapy rooms to select conference rooms in the building, a beneficial component for training and professional development.
August 2010
Southeast coordinates with Three Rivers, Mineral Area Colleges and the Cape Girardeau Public School District to open the Cape Girardeau Partnership in Higher Education at the Cape Career and Technology Center. The facility later is renamed the Cape College Center.
October 11
Southeast Missouri State University hosts a debate among the candidates vying for Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District seat in the Robert F. and Gertrude L. Shuck Music Recital Hall at the University’s River Campus. All four candidates for the Eighth District seat participated in the debate: incumbent Jo Ann Emerson, (Republican), and challengers Larry Bill (Independent), Tommy Sowers (Democrat) and Rick Vandeven (Libertarian).
October 26
Real-time shuttle tracking begins allowing riders to track the location of Southeast’s shuttles using GPS technology either from a cell phone or computer.
October 30
A school record 11,126 fans watched the football Redhawks defeat UT Martin at Houck Field.
November 2
The Kennett Regional Campus celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
November 22
Kenneth W. Dobbins, president of Southeast Missouri State University, assumed the chair of the American Association of State Colleges & Universities’ (AASCU) Board of Directors during the association’s Annual Meeting. In addition to his service on the AASCU Board of Directors as Secretary-Treasurer, Dobbins served AASCU as Missouri State Representative, vice chair and chair of the Committee on Professional Development, and as a faculty member at the AASCU New Presidents’ Academy.
December 8
The Board of Regents approves the issuance of educational revenue bonds to fund major capital needs on campus, including the $24 million renovation and remodeling of Academic Hall.
The Board of Regents approved the renaming of the Department of Accounting and Management Information Systems to the Department of Accounting effective with the fall 2011 semester. The new name was consistent with the elimination of the Management Information Systems program. The Regents today approved the off-site delivery of the Bachelor of Science in psychology at Southeast’s regional campuses in Sikeston, Malden and Kennett, Mo., and at the Perryville Higher Education Center.
To encourage students to develop entrepreneurial skills and to offer resources and support for students interested in developing new enterprises, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Southeast Missouri State University is opening a new resource center called the Start-Up Studio.
Southeast’s Bachelor of Science degree program in computer science was accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board of Engineering Technology (ABET) Inc., the recognized accreditor of college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology.
The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents today approved a new Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Arts in global cultures and languages.
Southeast is named the safest public university in Missouri by StateUniversity.com
2011
February 3
The Arrow student newspaper celebrates its 100th anniversary with a special edition.
February 18
The Delta Regional Authority and Governor Jay Nixon announce a grant to expand Operation Jump-Start, an entrepreneurship training program at Southeast’s Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, to four new sites in Southeast Missouri.
March 25
The American Association of State Colleges & Universities’ (AASCU) Board of Directors met on the campus March 27-29, with Kenneth W. Dobbins, president of Southeast, serving as chair of the board. Dr. Muriel A. Howard is president of the national organization, and she and members of the organization’s staff also will attend.
Consistent with its mission to “prepare individuals to participate responsibly in a diverse and technologically advanced world,” Southeast Missouri State University President Kenneth W. Dobbins announced a new initiative to look at university education in the future, entitled “Southeast in the Year 2020.” To study the trends in higher education and to begin planning for the students of 2020, an eight-member “Southeast in the Year 2020” Steering Committee was named. Steering committee members agree that higher education needs to rethink, redesign and reposition itself and its delivery systems considering the changes in funding sources, the global and local environment, the changing use of technology, the nature and culture of future students and how they learn, and other factors. Five subcommittees were created for technology; curriculum, academics, and academic programs; the role of faculty; student services; and student demographic changes.
April 5
Because in today’s age of technological advances, there is a constant need to protect America’s computers and networks from assault, Southeast Missouri State University launches a new Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity. The degree, approved by the Board of Regents in December and scheduled to begin next fall, is to meet society’s growing dependence on the Internet for communications and electronic digital records for storage of personal, financial, health and governmental records. At the time, Southeast was the only university in Missouri and one of less than 50 in the country to offer a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. The program will have a broad-based focus on both information assurance and computer forensics in a variety of application areas and will prepare graduates to meet workforce needs in government, business and industrial sectors that are concerned about issues relating to cybersecurity.
May 13
The Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Southeast Missouri State University was dedicated for Douglas C. Greene of Vancouver, Wash., and Rancho Mirage, Calif.
August 5
The Delta Regional Authority announces a partnership among ACCION Delta and Southeast for microenterprise financing through the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation.
After hosting state auditors for more than nine months in 2010-2011, the Missouri State Auditor gives the University “an overall good rating” with very few areas for improvement.
Southeast College of Education is reaccredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The first group of students participating in the second degree, accelerated baccalaureate of nursing program graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in May. This baccalaureate option was supported by the Caring for Missourians funding initiated by Gov. Jay Nixon to increase health care providers in the state of Missouri.
The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education approved the off-site delivery of the Bachelor of Science in psychology at Southeast’s regional campuses in Sikeston, Malden and Kennett, Mo., and at the Perryville Higher Education Center to begin in fall 2011.
Kendra Neely-Martin, a 1994 graduate of Southeast, was appointed in November by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents. She is a pharmaceutical sales specialist with Astrazeneca in St. Louis.Ribbon cutting ceremonies were held in November as Southeast opened Business Service Centers at its regional campuses in Sikeston, Malden and Kennett, Mo., to serve aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Bootheel. Staff at each of the centers will provide one-on-one counseling and technical assistance for current small business owners, including those impacted by recent flooding. A host of services, including financial analysis and access to capital will be available to small business owners interested in sustaining or growing their businesses.
Shuttle ridership exceeds 400,000 riders.
The Rosengarten Athletic Complex is renovated.
"Officials with Southeast Missouri State University and the Missouri Army National Guard entered into an agreement to launch a SHOW ME GOLD Officers Training Program to begin at Southeast in fall 2013."
August 14, 2012
2012
May 16
The Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) is recognized by the Southern Growth Policies Board with a 2012 Innovator Award, for the Operation JumpStart program’s expansion into the 252 counties in the eight states served by the Delta Regional Authority.
September 14
Southeast is awarded a five-year $1.1 million federal grant to continue the successful Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program that began at Southeast in October 2003.
October 2
General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), who has devoted more than 50 years to public service, holding senior military and diplomatic positions across four presidential administrations, kicks off Southeast Missouri State University’s 2012-2013 Speakers Series.
October 20
Air Force ROTC celebrates its 40 th anniversary on the campus of Southeast.
Established a new college by combining the College of Science and Mathematics and the School of Polytechnic Studies to become the College of Science, Technology and Agriculture.
Southeast launches a 10-acre working farm operation at the Sikeston Regional Campus.
Southeast consolidates and updates its student leadership programs and successfully completes the first year of the President’s Leadership Academy with 10 graduates.
Southeast’s shuttle system now has 12 routes, including eight day and four evening routes.
Portions of newly renovated Magill Hall welcome students.
Southeast moves towards a greener campus with power converted from coal to natural gas.
2013
January 8
The Institutional Actions Council of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools’ Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaffirmed its accreditation of Southeast Missouri State University through 2019.
January 29
President Dobbins was named one of nine Icons of Education in the January 2013 edition of Kansas City’s business magazine, Ingram’s. Recognized for his contributions and achievements which have set a standard for educational excellence, Dr. Dobbins was featured along with only four other Missouri educators.
February 5
Subway and We Proudly Brew officially opened in the Scully Building, in space that formerly housed the Center for Child Studies, which relocated to Bessie Street.
March 21
Southeast hosts ceremonies marking the Missouri Flag Centennial Celebration.
April 10
Southeast rolled out a new program, the first of its kind in the region, making dual credit courses for high school students more accessible and affordable. The new program helps high school students prepare for college by making dual credit courses available online and at a rate competitive with other institutions offering dual credit in this region. This initiative greatly expanded the array of Southeast dual credit offerings making them available to high school students regardless of the size of their school district. The program also offered high school students the opportunity to get a jumpstart on the rigors of college.
April 11
The Board of Regents approves subcontracting the Southeast Bookstore operations to Follett Higher Education Group.
May 2013
Donald B. “Brad” Bedell of Sikeston, Missouri, former president and member of the Board of Regents, is awarded an honorary degree.
May 15
Southeast Missouri State University’s first Law Enforcement Academy class at the Kennett campus graduates.
May 28
KFVS12, the Southeast Missourian newspaper, and Southeast Missouri State University present a debate among the candidates vying for Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District seat. The event, hosted by the University, was held in the 200-seat Robert F. and Gertrude L. Shuck Music Recital Hall at the University’s River Campus and featured all four candidates for the Eighth District seat: Doug Enyart (Constitution Party), Steve Hodges (Democrat) and Bill Slantz (Libertarian), and Jason Smith (Republican).
June 27
the Missouri Research Corporation’s name was changed to the Missouri Innovation Corporation (MIC), and directors were appointed to the MIC’s board and the Institute for Environmental Health Assessment and Patient-Centered Outcomes was established within the structure.
July 15
Robert A. Dempster Hall is closed through at least mid-August following a fire that broke out on the roof of the building. The building was evacuated without incident, but central atrium and parts of the building’s south wing experienced roof decking damage. In addition, there was extensive water damage on the second floor of the south wing along with significant smoke damage requiring new partial roofing, new carpet and paint.
Towers Café seating area is upgraded.
August 22
President Dobbins was appointed by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon as a commissioner for the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC). MHEC is one of four interstate compacts in the nation devoted to advancing cooperation and resource sharing in higher education with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn. The member states of the Compact are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
August 26
After two years, major renovation work and construction of a three-story addition, Magill Hall now offers a state-of-the-art, first-rate learning environment for courses taught in Southeast’s College of Science, Technology and Agriculture.
August 30
Southeast received the University Professional and Continuing Education Association – Central Region 2013 Celebration of Excellence Award for Mature Programs as a partner in the University of Missouri (MU) Statewide Cooperative Ed.D. Program.
September 10
Southeast participated in the Missouri Completion Academy in St. Louis. The Academy provided Southeast and other participating institutions and their leaders with strategic planning support as they work toward large-scale, high-impact strategies to improve completion on their campuses.
September 20
The Board of Regents approved an Institute for Regional Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
September 21
Longstanding rivals Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois played in the first NCAA football game at Busch Stadium.
September 28
Grand opening of new Southeast Bookstore.
October 23
The Board of Regents approved recommendations made by J.W. Terrill, consultants hired by the University to conduct a salary equity study.
October 25
After two years of extensive work, the doors of the newly renovated Academic Hall, the centerpiece of Southeast Missouri State University, reopen to the public with about 700 participating in a ribbon cutting and rededication ceremony
"Construction management and design students completed construction of the student-designed plaza between the Scully Building and Rhodes Hall of Science as an experiential learning project. Facilities Management staff constructed and installed the water feature, and the Board of Regents named the area the Jeanine Larson Dobbins Plaza."
November 2, 2013
November 6
The Southeast Missouri University Foundation announced a $40 million comprehensive campaign, the most ambitious fund-raising effort in the University’s history, to directly support current and future students.
December 10
A partnership between Southeast Missouri State University and Missouri State University-West Plains paved the way for students at Southeast’s three regional campuses to earn a two-year Associate of Arts from Missouri State-West Plains.
December 18
USDA Rural Development announced awards for Southeast Missouri State University and the Missouri Innovation Corporation, with Southeast awarded a Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) of $100,000 and the Missouri Innovation Corporation received an Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) loan of $1,000,000.
LaFerla Hall opens on the north end of campus in fall 2013 and is dedicated on May 17, 2014.
2014
The Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling opened a Counselor Education Training Clinic in Scully Room 318.
January 24
President Dobbins is appointed to the Board of Directors of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), the nation’s leading substance abuse prevention organization.
March 11
The Southeast Missouri University Foundation received a $3,006,500 bequest from the estate of the late Ann Draughon Matthews of Sikeston, Mo., to fund scholarships for students graduating from Sikeston High School to attend Southeast or any of its regional campuses.
March 24
Formation of LGBT Advocacy group. This will be the first meeting of the committee.
March 25
First time Safe Zone was done
The Donald G. and Gloria King LaFerla Residence Hall was dedicated at a ceremony following commencement. The Board honored the long-time service and philanthropy of the LaFerlas through the naming of the Donald G. and Gloria King LaFerla Residence Hall after the couple gave a $1.7 million gift in support of students pursuing degrees in health care, technology and education.
May 19
A dedication ceremony marked the launch of an ecological preserve in Scott County to serve as an outdoor classroom and research site for Southeast science and science education students. The Miller Reserve is a 27.22-acre property near Commerce, Mo., received by the Southeast Missouri University Foundation as a charitable gift from the family of the late Georgia Lee Miller Lawrence.
The baseball team wins at least 20 games in each of the five seasons from 2014-2018.
June 26
The Board of Regents approves high priority renovations for the Show Me Center, including new seating and a state-of-the-art video board.
"The first Camp Redhawk is held as a leadership opportunity for incoming freshmen."
July 23, 2014
The Redhawk Walk is established. It takes place two hours before kickoff of home football games. The Southeast Missouri State University Marching Band, Redhawk Cheerleaders, and Southeast Sundancers lead the football team up Bellevue Street and onto Houck Field. It’s a way for students and the community to connect to the team and show their support.
August 11
Southeast was selected as a new partner of the NEA Academy, an alliance allowing members of the National Education Association (NEA) to enroll in Southeast’s online graduate education courses at a discounted fee. Southeast was chosen after NEA conducted a national search and a lengthy review process for new higher education partners.
Southeast hits a historic enrollment high with 11,580 students enrolled for fall 2014.
River Campus expands with the opening of a new 90,000-square-foot building with classrooms, a dance studio, dining facility and 188-bed residence hall. The new facility is just north of the original Convocation Center and Seminary Building, forming the completion of a River Campus quad.
Fall 2014
LGBTQ Resource center opened.
August 2014
Southeast’s College of Education launches one-to-one in which all students in the College of Education are integrating educational technology to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom. Students use iPad Airs as their technology tool.
New 2,600-square-foot math classroom opens in Memorial Hall for redesigned math curriculum designed to get students on track for graduation faster.
August 25, 2014
African American and international enrollments surpass 1,000 for first time in University history.
August 27
A Cape Girardeau water main break near Academic Hall forces a two-day closure of the University.
September 8
In his annual State of the University address, President Dobbins announces his retirement effective July 1, 2015.
September 23
Southeast hit an historical high when the institution’s fall 2014 enrollment stood at 12,087, marking the 20th year of consecutive enrollment growth for Southeast and the 14th year of record-breaking enrollments.
October 3
The Southeast Missouri University Foundation’s “Honoring Tradition, Inspiring Success” comprehensive campaign with its prime focus on financially supporting students reached a record level in the most ambitious fund-raising campaign in the University’s history, when President announced that $45,045,650 was raised in support of scholarships, programs and renovations to benefit students.
October 6
The Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education (CGPHE) was renamed Cape College Center by the institution’s advisory council after the presidents of the three partnering institutions – Southeast Missouri State University, Three Rivers College and Mineral Area College – agreed to the change.
October 24
Alumnus Thomas K. McCain established a $250,000 endowment for the Mu Xi Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), thus providing long-term funding for the Southeast College of Business student organization, and the local chapter was renamed the Thomas K. McCain Mu Xi Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the first time in the history of the international organization that a chapter has been named for an individual.
October 28
The Board of Regents extended University benefits to same-sex spouses of employees or retirees, effective immediately.
November 11
Southeast hosted a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) robotics competition-FLL Qualifying Competition for children ages 9-14 with a theme of “World Class” in which teams presented creative solutions for the future of education.
December 11
The Southeast Missouri University Foundation receives a $4.4 million bequest from the estate of the late Dr. James Drickey to benefit elementary education and psychology students at Southeast.
December 17
Southeast Missouri State University has been selected for inclusion on the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The Corporation for National and Community Service distributes the award as a way of recognizing the colleges and universities that actively give back to the community.
December 19
The Board of Regents adopted a new strategic plan to guide the University’s development into the future. The approved plan outlines Southeast’s vision “to be one of the nation’s most academically competitive regional comprehensive universities, recognized for excellence in education, research, engagement and creativity.”
December 22
The Board of Regents announces that the newly constructed River Campus Center will be named after the University’s president of nearly 16 years, Ken Dobbins, and his wife, Jeanine.
2015
January 30, 2015
Southeast Missouri State University forged a partnership with Rust Communications and KFVS12 to develop an innovation laboratory in downtown Cape Girardeau to house the University’s television and video production program and The Arrow student newspaper in what later became known as the Rust Center for Media and is located at 325 Broadway.
February 13
The four finalists selected to interview for the president position at Southeast Missouri State University were announced, and campus visits occurred during February.
February 20
Stan and Debbie Crader of Jackson, Mo., president of Crader Distributing Company and a registered nurse respectively, and Ken and Jeanine Dobbins will receive the 2015 Friends of the University Award later this month from the Southeast Missouri University Foundation.
February 26
Cybersecurity students at Southeast Missouri State University took first place February 7 among 20 cybersecurity teams from six states vying for a spot in the 2015 Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) next month.
February 27
The Kenneth & Jeanine Dobbins River Campus Center at Southeast’s River Campus is dedicated at a ceremony in the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall.
February 28
Conceptual designs for the first phase of a new Greek Village at Southeast Missouri State University were approved today by the University’s Board of Regents, which also directed the administration to explore financing options and negotiate lease terms with Greek organizations.
Chartwells Educational Dining Services was awarded a one-year contract to provide dining services on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. Under the new contract, Chartwells, has committed to making a $6.57 million capital investment to enhance programs and renovate facilities throughout the life of the contract, including expanding Chick-Fil-A and adding the Panda Express brand in the University Center, expanding Subway in the Scully Building and renovating the University Center kitchen and Towers Café servery.
The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents today approved a new University identity and branding recommendation from Ologie, a higher education branding and marketing firm from Columbus, Ohio, whose work on the project began last June. Included is a new dome logo developed that is modern and more usable in a wide variety of applications, and a new wordmark that includes “1873,” the year Southeast was founded.
March 2
The Board of Regents February 28 elected Jay Knudtson of Cape Girardeau, Mo., as its new president. His appointment is effective March 1. Knudtson succeeds Doyle L. Privett, whose term on the Board of Regents officially expired January 1, 2015; however, Privett will continue to serve on the Board until Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon names a replacement.
March 3
The Board of Regents February 28 named the science lab at Southeast Missouri State University-Kennett for former Southeast Board of Regents President Doyle L. Privett of Kennett, Missouri.
March 4
The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents today announced the appointment of Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto, acting president at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, as the 18 th president of Southeast Missouri State University. He will assume the presidency on July 1, 2015. The appointment of Vargas culminates a comprehensive and wide-ranging search process that began following the announcement in September 2014 that President Kenneth W. Dobbins will retire effective June 30, 2015.
March 9
Southeast Missouri State University has announced plans to shift the operational management of the Perryville Higher Education Center to Mineral Area College (MAC) beginning July 1.
March 11
Southeast Missouri State University’s master’s degree programs in nursing, communication disorders and business administration are among the nation’s leading graduate programs, according to the 2016 edition of Best Graduate Schools released this week by U.S. News & World Report.
March 14
The annual National TRIO Day Celebration March 11 at Southeast Missouri State University marked 25 years of TRIO at Southeast.
April 3
Southeast Missouri State University entered a new era with bold, proud and modern messaging and images expressing the heart and commitment of today’s campus and students in a vibrant, confident and innovative brand. University officials, along with representatives from Ologie, a higher education branding and marketing firm from Columbus, Ohio, hired to lead the project, unveiled the results of their efforts at the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee. The cornerstone of the brand, “The Will To Do,” conveys the essence of today’s Southeast students who are tenacious and enterprising, while practical and self-assured in their skills and prepared to launch extraordinary careers in an evolving workforce.
April 13
A new Horticulture Incubator lab at Southeast Missouri State University-Kennett opened this month, providing a space for horticulture-oriented extension activities and for Southeast students to continue developing their agriculture skills – planting, growing and nurturing – through hands-on experiences.
The Arrow, Southeast Missouri State University’s student newspaper, was named the 2015 Best in State Newspaper and earned 10 other awards April 11 at the Missouri College Media Association convention at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Mo.
April 17
Architectural plans are being drawn for a new Rice Research Greenhouse at Southeast Missouri State University-Malden that is expected to broaden area rice breeding efforts spearheaded by the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council with support from Southeast’s Department of Agriculture. The 1,440-square-foot facility will help further new high yielding rice varieties. Numerous classes will use the facility, including Plant Science, Soil Fertility and Weed Science.
April 20
Southeast turned the page on a new chapter today with the rollout of a bold and modern brand that rallies pride in the Southeast community’s “Will To Do.” The far-reaching and comprehensive rebranding campaign conveys the essence of today’s Southeast students who are tenacious and enterprising. It tells the story of Southeast’s groundbreaking and dynamic academic programs that help students become confident in their skills as they prepare to launch extraordinary careers.
April 28
Sonia Rucker, a disability determination counselor with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Disability Determinations Services in Cape Girardeau, has been named coordinator of Institutional Equity and Diversity at Southeast Missouri State University.
May 5
Southeast celebrated the dedication of the Doyle L. Privett Science Lab at Southeast Missouri State University’s Kennett campus. The Southeast Board of Regents February 28 named the science lab at Southeast Missouri State University-Kennett for Privett, a Kennett resident, a member of the Southeast Board of Regents for 16 years, former president of the Board, and chief financial officer of Kennett National Bank.
May 2015
Catapult Creative House opens at 612 Broadway in a renovated building in downtown Cape Girardeau.
May 8
The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents approve a new minor in Cybersecurity in Business Systems, designed for students with majors outside of the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs wishing to enhance their technical capabilities. Students can officially declare the minor beginning in fall 2016, although coursework will be available this coming fall.
Conceptual design for the first phase of a Greek Village at Southeast Missouri State University was approved today by the Southeast Board of Regents.
May 15
A Celebration Gala honoring the retirement of Southeast Missouri State University’s 17 th President Kenneth W. Dobbins and First Lady Jeanine Larson Dobbins was held May 15 in the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall at Southeast’s River Campus.
May 16
Doyle L. Privett of Kennett, Missouri, a member of the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents for 16 years, former president of the Board, and chief financial officer of Kennett National Bank, receives an honorary Doctor of Business from Southeast during spring commencement exercises.
June 19
The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents approved a new Master of Arts in Teaching: Exceptional Child to be offered through the Department of Elementary, Early, and Special Education in the College of Education. The program will be offered as an online degree and will be designed for those with an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as communication disorders, psychology or child development, but not certified as a teacher.
The President’s Task Force on Diversity Education unveiled its preliminary recommendations, including developing college-level diversity action plans focused on: recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty; establishing measurable student learning objectives for courses and academic programs to help develop the cultural competency of students; and providing training opportunities that advance faculty ability to encourage and manage cross-cultural classroom discussions. Additional preliminary recommendations focus on adopting culturally responsive teaching methods to prepare all students to meet the needs of the population they will work with and serve after college; improving career development, mentorship and networking opportunities for underserved student populations; and increasing awareness and encouraging participation in undergraduate research opportunities among underserved student populations. The Task Force was formed to consider underlying issues that led to the protest events in Ferguson, and the aftermath of protests nationwide; and to make recommendations regarding ways to improve diversity education at Southeast.
June 18
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed legislation this month that contains funding for capital improvement projects at higher education campuses across Missouri, including $10 million in renovations at Southeast Missouri State University. House Bill 19, signed into law June 5, provides $10.08 million in maintenance and repairs for Grauel Building, Brandt Hall of Music and Rosemary Berkel Crisp Hall of Nursing.
July 10
The Alpha Psi chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority received several honors at their national convention in Nashville, Tennessee, this week. The chapter was awarded first place in the district, which includes 20 chapters, for its involvement and for exemplifying a tremendous service program. The Alpha Psi chapter also won a Spirit of Gamma Sig award, for diligence with its national work, its spirit and involvement in national events and tremendous growth within its membership.
July 1
A new era of leadership began at Southeast Missouri State University today as Dr. Carlos Vargas took the reins as the 18 th president of the University. Vargas’ wife, Dr. Pamela Vargas, also began her new duties today as the director of the Office of Research and Grant Development on campus.
July 13
Southeast Missouri State University is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS) in which USDA-ARS will invest $50,000 to upgrade the controlled subsurface tile drainage/irrigation system at Southeast’s David M. Barton Agriculture Research Center in Gordonville, Missouri. The partnership has paved the way for creation of a reservoir where high quality tile-drain water generated during the dormant winter season will be stored. That water will then be pumped back into the soil in the summer.
July 14
Southeast’s Department of Agriculture continues implementing new technologies with the recent installation of a soil electronic sensor system at the David M. Barton Agriculture Research Center. The system consists of a stand supporting solar array for power, a transmitter to send data to a satellite for retransmission to a computer/cell phone, as well as electronics to support soil water probes at four soil depths, an electronic rain gauge and an air temperature probe.
July 17
Major capital renovations are under way at the Show Me Center this summer that will elevate the facility to modern arena standards when it reopens for the fall 2015 semester at Southeast Missouri State University. The improvements include new telescopic seating, center-hung video scoreboard, sound system, interior lighting systems and a new roof.
July 28, 2015
Southeast Missouri State University’s online RN to BSN program has been ranked the top program in Missouri and among the nation’s top 30 RN to BSN online degree programs by GreatValueColleges.net. The website has placed Southeast 23 rd nationally on their list of leading programs.
August7
For the fall 2015 and spring 2016 academic year, Southeast Missouri State University announced the closing of Cheney Hall, a residence hall on the Southeast campus, for the 2015-2016 academic year. The closing of this building, at the corner of Cheney Drive and North Henderson Street, is necessary to examine and make structural and infrastructure repairs.
August 19
The Southeast Missouri University Foundation’s Honoring Tradition, Inspiring Success capital campaign surpassed its $40 million goal, reaching a record level and raising $49.2 million in gifts and pledges. The campaign officially ended June 30 with more than 200 new endowed scholarships established and with 11 scholarships being increased significantly. The campaign’s prime focus was on financially supporting students through scholarships and academic programs. The effort was the Foundation’s most ambitious fund-raising campaign in the University’s history.
August 31
Southeast Missouri State University — including its main and River Campus — has been honored with the City of Cape Girardeau’s top landscape award. The City of Cape Girardeau’s Keep Cape Beautiful Committee has honored Southeast with its Beautiful Property of the Month award for September. The award recognizes properties exemplifying cleanliness, attractiveness and aesthetic appeal.
October 5
The Southeast Board of Regents awarded a $7.72 million contract for the Phase 1 Greek Housing project, allowing the University to move forward with a construction budget for the housing development on the north end of the campus, north of the Show Me Center. The project includes the construction of four houses and an access drive off Alumni Drive. The project schedule calls for two houses to be complete by fall 2016 and two by fall 2017.
October 8
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective
honor society for all academic disciplines—recently recognized the Southeast Missouri State University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi as a Chapter of Excellence, the highest commendation a chapter can receive from the organization. The award is given to chapters that excel in recognizing and promoting academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engaging the community of scholars in service to others.
October 15
Southeast Missouri State University’s Honor Society of Nursing celebrated its 25 th anniversary October 15. The Lambda Theta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing marked a quarter century of excellence at Southeast with a reception and program at the River Campus.
October 27
Southeast is celebrating growth in its Greek community. Total fall 2015 membership stands at 1,381 today. Greek students make up 12.1 percent of Southeast’s student body, up from 11 percent last year.
November 11
Southeast President Carlos Vargas underscored ongoing efforts at Southeast to strengthen diversity education and bolster a diverse and welcoming campus climate. The President’s Task Force on Diversity Education is now inviting Student Government Association members to their meetings as Student Government continues its efforts to include diversity education in their initiatives. Also, the responsibilities of Sonia Rucker, Southeast’s new coordinator of Institutional Equity and Diversity, have been expanded to include serving as the institution’s Title IX coordinator. A new Institutional Equity and Diversity website also has been launched, providing resources and current information on the work of the task force and providing a new bias incident reporting system for University community members to report bias-related incidents or activities they witness or experience in the Southeast community.
December 1
The Southeast Department of Agriculture’s subsurface drainage and irrigation system has seen positive results for reducing nitrate concentrations and promoting water and soil health during the first growing season with it in place. The large-soil project is part of a pilot program with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS) to pump nutrient impacted water from Williams Creek in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, onto fields, cleanse the drained water and return it to the creek.
2016
January 14
The President’s Task Force on Diversity Education has announced its final report and recommendations after a year of meetings, study and dialogue at Southeast Missouri State University.
January 21
Southeast Missouri State University begins the new semester with enrollment holding steady, following the first full day of classes of the spring 2016 semester.
Total first-day spring 2016 semester student headcount stands at 10,809, off just .5 percent from this time a year ago. Southeast currently has 9,411 undergraduate and 1,398 graduate students enrolled.
February 9
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $40,000 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) to Southeast Missouri State University to assist with a new rice technology initiative and the purchase of a multi-purpose sprayer and agricultural vehicle.
February 12
The Donald L. Harrison College of Business (HCB) at Southeast Missouri State University has been notified it has maintained its business accreditation by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
February 16
Students at Southeast Missouri State University have a new dining option on campus with today’s opening of Panda Express. Panda Express is in a new expansion on the south side of the University Center.
March 12
The Cybersecurity Team at Southeast Missouri State University took first place today at the 2016 Midwest Collegiate Cyber Defense Qualification Competition.
March 24
The Southeast Missouri State University debate team was crowned the 2016 national champion at the National Educational Debate Association’s (NEDA) National Debate Tournament March 11-12 hosted by Fullerton College.
April 11
The Arrow, the student newspaper of Southeast Missouri State University, won 17 awards at the 2016 Missouri College Media Association (MCMA) Conference April 8-9 hosted on the Southeast campus.
April 14
Grant Eudy of Cape Girardeau, a 2014 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, was named a winner of the American Institute of CPAs 2015 Elijah Watt Sells Award for performing among the top 75 candidates who sat for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in 2015. Eudy, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting, was the only Missouri recipient of the award. He was honored for his achievement by the Missouri Society of CPAs at their annual meeting in November in St. Louis.
April 27
For the first time in more than two decades, Southeast Missouri State University will add a new sorority — Alpha Phi — with plans for the new Greek organization to be on campus when the fall 2016 semester begins.
May 5
Dr. Carlos Vargas was inaugurated as the 18th president of Southeast Missouri State University today in a ceremony steeped in tradition that also highlighted and celebrated the University’s 143 years of service to the region.
May 17
Officials with the partnering institutions in the Cape College Center — previously known as the Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education — today signed a memorandum of understanding extending the operating agreement for the facility at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center (CTC).
Major renovation of Grauel Building at the corner of Normal and Pacific, begins.
May 23
New synthetic turf is being installed on Recreation Services’ Sprigg and Bertling fields so intramurals, club sports, academic classes and may use the facilities and community rentals will be available year-round. Work on the fields is expected to be complete by August.
May 25
Dr. Carlos Vargas, Southeast president, will participate May 29-June 1 in a delegation of Missourians, led by Gov. Jay Nixon, representing agriculture, business, education and government on a trade mission to Cuba. The trade mission will focus on growing Missouri exports to the island nation of 11 million, especially agricultural products.
June 6
The Commission of English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) has granted Southeast Missouri State University’s Intensive English Program (IEP) a one-year initial accreditation.
June 16
Recognizing geospatial information and remote sensing as rapidly expanding tech fields, the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents today approved a new Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Science (GIS).
The Board of Regents approved a revised FY17 schedule of major capital projects and maintenance and repair items, including engaging an external consultant to conduct an update to the University’s campus-wide Facilities Master Plan; site improvements to begin this summer to accommodate the relocation of the University’s marching band to the River Campus; and improvements to Parker Field, including a landscape feature recognizing the history and presence of the National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations on campus, and additional lighting for evening and daytime use.
June 21
Phase One of the Greek Village Housing project at Southeast is nearing completion and on schedule to open for the start of the fall 2016 semester in August. Phase One includes two newly constructed houses on the north end of the campus, north of the Show Me Center, bordered by North Sprigg Street and Alumni Drive. The houses will be leased by two Southeast fraternities: Sigma Nu and Sigma Phi Epsilon.
June 22
Work is under way at the site of a new Center for Speech and Hearing at Southeast Missouri State University at the corner of North Pacific Street and Watkins Drive. The new 8,100-square-foot building is expected to help better serve the needs of the Center’s some 130 clients annually. The new $2.45 million Center will replace the current facility which opened in Grauel Building in the 1960s.
July 4
Southeast President Carlos Vargas became naturalized U.S. citizens tonight at a ceremony held in conjunction with the “Great American Fourth of July” celebration inside the Common Pleas Courthouse in downtown Cape Girardeau.
July 13
As the global market for commercial “drones” is surging, Southeast Missouri State University announces the launch of a new academic program in unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to meet the future demand anticipated for graduates skilled in this next-generation technology. The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education in June approved a new Bachelor of Science in unmanned aircraft systems to be available to students beginning in fall 2017.
August 3
The Missouri Department of Agriculture and Missouri Agriculture Foundation recently awarded a $75,000 Missouri Beef Initiative Grant to Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Agriculture to fund construction of a 4,500-square-foot covered cattle feeding facility at the David M Barton Agriculture Research Center.
August 5
Southeast Missouri State University was honored July 28 with the Premier Partner Award at the Missouri Main Street Connection’s (MMSC) Evening of Excellence Awards in Washington, Missouri, where the organization celebrated 10 years of downtown revitalization excellence at its annual Main Street Conference.
This year Southeast’s MBA Program is celebrating its 20 th anniversary.
August 16
A $3.4 million renovation at Towers Cafeteria has resulted in new equipment, stations and menus, highlighting “made from scratch” recipes. Stations include Baker’s Crust, The Kitchen, My Pantry, Fresh Market and the Oasis or G8 station.
August 25
Southeast Missouri State University has been selected to participate in the American Council on Education (ACE) Internationalization Laboratory Program. The program will guide Southeast through ACE’s premier planning process toward comprehensive internationalization efforts in teaching and learning.
"Southeast’s EDvolution Center is dedicated Aug. 31 in Scully Building. EDvolution® is a College of Education initiative to develop future educators who are technologically competent and model 21st century teaching techniques. Central to EDvolution® is a one-to-one initiative launched at Southeast in fall 2014 in which all education students will learn to integrate educational technology, using IPad Airs, as they meet the needs of all learners. "
Aug. 31, 2016
August 23
Southeast hits retention rate high with 74.3 percent of its new students from fall 2015 returning for the fall 2016 semester. Southeast has almost 1,000 international students from 44 countries.
September 19
Major capital renovations were completed at the Show Me Center this summer to elevate the facility to contemporary arena standards. Renovations include reinforcement of existing beams, the addition of new steel beams, a new catwalk and updates to the north parking lot. The beams allow the ceiling structure to support more weight and rigging brought by visiting shows and artists
October 7
Southeast President Carlos Vargas outlined goals for the coming year while highlighting the University’s fall enrollment, importance of engagement with the business community, new facilities, support of athletics and the 2017 solar eclipse as the featured speaker at this morning’s Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee at Isle Capri.
October 7
A dedication ceremony celebrates the opening of the Rust Center for Media — an innovation laboratory along “media row” at 325 Broadway in downtown Cape Girardeau. The building features flexible learning spaces and a production studio for students enrolled in television directing and advanced video production, in addition to housing The Arrow, Southeast’s student newspaper; SECreative, Southeast’s student advertising firm; and Riverfront PR, Southeast’s student public relations firm.
New artificial turf is being installed at Capaha Field in partnership with the City of Cape Girardeau.
November 4
Southeast issues guidelines on use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems on any Southeast campus.
November 8
President Carlos Vargas announces to Administrative Council today that he will recommend to the Board of Regents that all Southeast campuses, pending Board of Regents approval, effective with the Fall 2017 semester.
December 1
Southeast has announced the creation of the Economic and Business Engagement Center to foster business, community and workforce development, and facilitate innovation to enhance the regional economy. The Engagement Center supports the transfer of institutional knowledge and University resources to the external environment to create new, high-value jobs, positive economic and social benefits, and advance entrepreneurship.
December 12-13
“An American Hero,” the work of Southeast senior Cody Cole and Dr. Kenneth Stilson, chair of The Conservatory of Theatre and Dance, is part of the Gallery Players’ Overtures Staged Reading Series December 12-13 in Brooklyn, New York. The reading series by the oldest Off-Off Broadway Company in New York City helps develop new works.
The Board of Regents approves a resolution honoring Southeast alumnus Gen. Seth McKee. At the time, he was the oldest-living American four-star general and highest-ranking D-Day survivor.
December 14
Southeast’s College of Education participates in The White House and the U.S. Department of Education December Innovators’ Summit in Washington, D.C.
December 20
Southeast has received two unconfirmed reports of Southeast students infected with mumps.
2017
January 3
The University is engaged in an update of the University Master Plan that will assess all campus sites, facilities and infrastructure, examining how current spaces function today versus how they can be enhanced for future needs. The Lawrence Group is the University’s master planning consultant. A final report will be presented at the start of the fall 2017 semester.
January 16
Governor Greitens announced that he is authorizing the withholding of $55.9 million from the higher education base budget for FY17. This will equate to a $3.43 million withholding for Southeast.
January 31
Southeast announces a plan to launch a new Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering degree program beginning in fall 2017 to help meet workforce demands and offer access to students seeking STEM education opportunities in southeast Missouri. The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) approved the new program after the University’s Board of Regents okayed it in December 2015.
February 6
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International has recognized Catapult Creative House, Southeast’s creative arts and industries incubator, as one of 35 innovations driving innovation in business education worldwide.
February 22-26
The River Campus celebrates its 10th anniversary February 22-26 with the production “Big River,” the first show ever performed on the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall stage.
February 17
The Board of Regents revises a policy, making the University a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus starting in fall 2017. The new policy prohibits smoking and using tobacco products by students, faculty, staff and visitors on all University properties and in all University facilities and vehicles. Prohibited products include lit cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes and smoking products, products or devices used to smoke or mimic smoking – such as hookahs and vaporizer — and the use of smokeless tobacco products – dip, chew or snuff in any form.
The Southeast Board of Regents approves a new Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in entrepreneurship and a new Master of Science in applied computer science, both in efforts to meet workforce demands and local economic development interests. The programs will begin in fall 2017, pending Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education approval.
Regent Tom Meyer proposes honoring Southeast alumni and current student veterans with the installation of a veterans’ memorial in the quadrangle between Memorial Hall and Academic Hall. The proposed memorial would consolidate the University’s military presence in one location and would recognize all U.S. military branches and incorporate the use of flags. He anticipates a majority of materials and labor to be donated and private funds raised by the Southeast Missouri University Foundation and Alumni Services will support the project.
February 23
Southeast Online launches a partnership program with Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center to provide its employees access to quality and affordable higher education.
Southeast launches a Transfer Mentor Program through partnerships with Jefferson College in Hillsboro, Missouri, and Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to help community college students plan a pathway to success, enhancing their transition to Southeast early on to complete their degree.
February 24
A new cattle feeding facility at Southeast’s David M. Barton Agriculture Research Center is dedicated, launching a collaborative effort with the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri Agriculture Foundation and the Missouri Beef Initiative Council to study the economic benefits of covered feeding.
Southeast’s Cyber Defense Team Wins its fifth straight state championship.
March 3
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services this week updated its recommendation and is encouraging all Southeast students to consider getting a third dose of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in response to continued confirmed and suspected cases of Mumps at Southeast. Because the majority of confirmed Mumps cases are within the fraternity and sorority community, the Cape Girardeau Public Health Center, with assistance from the Campus Health Clinic, will host a vaccination clinic for all Greek students March 7 in the Towers Complex.
March 7
Southeast’s River Campus celebrates a decade of music, art, theatre and dance education on the banks of the Mississippi River with events including campus tours, recognition of the Vincentian founders of the property in 1843, and a concert highlighted by the world premiere of a choral and symphony orchestra piece composed as a tribute for the occasion.
March 10
The Southeast debate team was crowned the 2017 national champion for the second consecutive year at the National Educational Debate Association’s (NEDA) National Debate Tournament March 10-11 hosted by Anderson University.
March 14
Southeast’s student newspaper, the Arrow, is awarded second place in the David L. Adams Apple Awards contest at the College Media Association’s Spring National College Media Convention in New York City. The Arrow received the national honor, which is the competition’s best-of-show category, for Best News Delivery for its 2016 election coverage.
March 20
The new Redhawk Food Pantry opens in the Textbook Rental area in the basement of Kent Library, providing food, hygiene products and school supplies to students and employees in need. Career Services also operates a career closet from the same location where students can access used professional interview attire at no cost.
March 27
A new Rice Research Greenhouse to broaden area rice breeding efforts and spearheaded by the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council with support from Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Agriculture is dedicated at Southeast’s Malden Regional Campus. The 1,500-square-foot facility helps further new high yielding rice varieties. Classes on breeding and genetics, horticulture, plant physiology and soil sciences, particularly Plant Science, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, use the facility.
April 4
Southeast announces a change in commencement ceremony practices, moving to two ceremonies – both a morning and afternoon session. The shift to two ceremonies comes amid growing concerns of overcrowding of both candidates for graduation and their guests, creating safety concerns, including the speed at which the building could be evacuated in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.
April 13
The Arrow, Southeast’s student newspaper, is honored as the Best Overall Newspaper among Division I schools at the Missouri College Media Association Conference.
Three Southeast teams representing the Bass Anglers snag spots in national fishing tournaments after stellar finishes in the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Midwest Regional Tournament and the FLW Yeti College Fishing Central Division Tournament at the Lake of the Ozarks.
April 18
Southeast’s Bachelor of Science in human environmental studies, interior design option, receives six-year accreditation from the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).
May 2
The Department of Mass Media at Southeast is reaccredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) for the maximum six years.
May 5
Southeast’s new Center for Speech and Hearing is officially dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new facility. he Center, at North Pacific Street and Watkins Drive, provides comprehensive diagnostic and intervention services for communication disorders – speech, language and hearing evaluations and treatment – for all ages. It also offers clinical training for students majoring in communication disorders.
May 8
The Intensive English Program (IEP) at Southeast Missouri State University has received continued initial accreditation from the Commission of English Language Program Accreditation. The continued initial accreditation is for four years after the program was granted one-year initial accreditation last year.
May 13
An honorary doctorate is awarded to Douglas C. Greene of Vancouver, Washington, and Rancho Mirage, California. An honorary degree is one of the most prestigious awards presented by Southeast Missouri State University and has only been conferred nine times in the University’s history. Greene has been a catalyst for innovation over the past decade at Southeast and the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship was named for him in 2011.
June 12
University Communications and Marketing was awarded National Silver and Mosaic ADDY Awards presented by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) for its “The Talking Booth” video at the American Advertising Awards ceremony in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the AAF’s annual national conference. The video advanced to the national competition after winning a District Gold ADDY and a Judges’ Citation presented by the AAF. The video features conversations taped at Southeast in fall 2015 when talking booths on campus invited passersby to ask questions of members of various ethnic and cultural groups. The result was honest conversation about race, religion, identity, diversity, stereotypes and the uniqueness of everyone’s personal experience.
June 26
The Board of Regents adopts new by-laws, including provisions addressing Board officer elections and length of officer terms, succession planning, role of Board members, communications, Board interactions with campus personnel, conflicts of interest, amendments and working as a collective body, among other items.
The Board of Regents approves a new three-year rolling contract for University President Vargas to begin July 1, 2017. No salary increase or additional compensation is being provided to University President Vargas at this time.
In August of 2017, the University began a $3 million project to upgrade the entire campus network infrastructure to include fiber, cable and wireless connectivity. Through this project, approximately 72 buildings will be upgraded from 1 GB to 10 GB fiber connectivity and endpoint connectivity increased from 100 MB to 1GB. To date, 43 buildings’ networks have been upgraded, including all student residence halls and most major service areas. Seven other buildings are partially completed. The project was completed in 2020.
Beginning this fall, the Southeast Department of Elementary, Early and Special Education will offer aspiring teachers in the local area an option to obtain their bachelor’s degree in elementary education, early childhood education and exceptional child education at Southeast’s Poplar Bluff campus at Three Rivers College.
New interdisciplinary coursework at Southeast this fall focuses on preparing future health care workers to be culturally competent care professionals. Three Spanish courses within the context of health have been developed.
"Southeast celebrates the Great American Solar Eclipse with a major eclipse viewing event Aug. 21, 2017, at Houck Field. The event also included the launch of two StratoStar high-altitude weather balloons in collaboration with Space Center Houston—Manned Space Flight Education Foundation. That event helped teachers and students go to the edge of space to view the eclipse and conduct science experiments at 100,000 feet. Kaci Heins, education supervisor with Space Center Houston – the official visitor center to NASA Johnson Space Center, and a Southeast graduate, led the launch along with 25 southeast Missouri school teachers from 17 local school districts. Later that evening, Dr. Michio Kaku, one of the most widely recognized figures in science in the world today, presented a keynote address at Southeast."
Aug. 21, 2017
August 24
Southeast opens the fall 2017 semester with its highest retention rate ever and with its residence halls at 100 percent occupancy. The University reports 75.4 percent of its new students from last fall returned for the fall 2017 semester.
September 9
Southeast Missouri State University celebrates the donation of the Jo Ann Emerson Congressional Papers to Southeast’s Special Collections and Archives in Kent Library. The collection includes more than 100 boxes of materials documenting Emerson’s time in Congress.
September 22
The Southeast Board of Regents renews the charter for the Lift for Life Academy in St. Louis for five years through June 30, 2023, and endorses a plan to expand the school’s service to include Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade.
The Southeast Board of Regents approve a budget to renovate the Cottonwood Residential Treatment Center at 1025 N. Sprigg and to use the redesigned space as a permanent new home for the University’s Office of International Education and Services and the Intensive English Program.
September 27
Southeast opens its 2017-2018 theatre and dance season with the world premiere of “An American Hero,” an original World War II musical by Dr. Kenneth L. Stilson, chair of The Conservatory of Theatre and Dance, and 2017 Southeast graduate Cody Cole.
September 28
University and city officials celebrate the installation of "Commence," a stainless-steel work of art at the roundabout at South Fountain Street near the River Campus. Chris Wubbena, Southeast professor of art and sculpture area head, designed the sculpture and students fabricated the 14-foot-tall artwork. The piece represents a gateway to the University and the City of Cape Girardeau.
October 6
Sonia Rucker, director of Institutional Equity and Diversity at Southeast, is named Assistant to the President for Equity and Diversity and Dean of Students at Southeast. The change is in line with other recent University efforts to enhance equity and diversity across the campus.
October 12
Southeast’s College of Education is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2017-2019, positioning it among the most continuously innovative schools in the world for learning, teaching and school environment. Integrating technology across the education curriculum led to being named an Apple Distinguished School. Southeast is among just 400 Apple Distinguished Schools worldwide.
October 27
The Arrow, the student newspaper of Southeast, places second in the running for a College Media Association Pinnacle Award at the Associated College Press/College Media Association Fall National College Media Convention.
November 2
The Southeast Alumni Association leads a nine-day, guided tour of the Tuscany region of Italy.
November 12
A group of Southeast business students qualifies for the Championship Round of the 2018 Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) Worldwide Case Competition championship round February 25-March 2, 2018, in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Southeast is awarded a five-year $1.16 million federal grant to continue the current successful Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. One of the seven federal TRIO programs, the McNair program prepares first generation, limited income and underrepresented students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.
December 15
The Southeast Board of Regents approves two academic restructuring proposals to reduce administrative costs and position academic programs in related areas to imagine and innovate new courses, options and programs to benefit students. The Board approved dissolving the Department of Modern Languages, Anthropology and merging it into two existing departments, creating the Department of History and Anthropology and the Department of Communication Studies and Modern Languages. The Regents also approved merging the Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology with the Department of Social Work to create a new Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work and Sociology. The restructurings take effect July 1, 2018.
Southeast nursing students achieved a 96.43 percent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, the national licensure examination allowing graduates to be eligible for licensure in any U.S. state. The department has a 16-year average of 91 percent. Graduate students in the Department of Nursing achieved a 100% pass rate in 2017 on the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam.
Master’s level students in the Department of Communications Disorders achieve a 100% pass rate on the 2017 national praxis certification exam.
2018
January
Southeast’s new SE Alerts mass notification and emergency text message service is implemented that notifies students, faculty and staff of urgent and emergency incidents.
January 9
To meet remaining reductions needed to balance the FY18 budget and cover known budget needs for FY19, Southeast announces the need to eliminate 35 to 40 additional vacant and currently filled staff positions over the next five months, representing approximately 4 percent of the University’s full-time workforce.
January 29
Southeast and Three Rivers College announce they are discontinuing offering courses at their Malden campuses and are shifting their efforts to align with current trends in student learning. Operation of the facility will continue for non-credit events, agricultural rice research and satellite space for the University’s Economic and Business Engagement Center activities.
February 23
The Board of Regents reinforces the value of the University’s long-standing textbook rental system while setting the textbook rental rate at just $35 per course for fall 2018. The convenient, economical program helps students achieve their educational dreams.
March 19
The Arrow, Southeast’s award-winning student newspaper, is awarded third place in the David L. Adams Apple Awards contest at the College Media Association’s Spring National College Media Convention in New York City. The recognition is for Best Homepage and reflects excellence in online website development.
April 5
Southeast Missouri's baseball team dons special green jerseys for the first time in recognition of a new partnership between Southeast Missouri’s Department of Athletics and Mid-America Transplant to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donations while honoring and celebrating organ and tissue donors, donor families, and transplant recipients.
"Southeast announces a new pet friendly community coming online in fall 2018 on select floors of Myers Hall."
April 6, 2018
April 10
Kara Hartnett, editor of the Arrow student newspaper, was named Journalist of the Year at the Missouri College Media Association (MCMA) Conference April 7-8.
April 16
Southeast and Mineral Area College (MAC) officials sign a memorandum of understanding for the Transfer Mentor Program to help MAC students plan a pathway to success, ease their transition to Southeast and complete their degree.
April 28
Former Southeast Missouri outside linebacker Kendall Donnerson was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the final day of the NFL Draft. Donnerson is the first SEMO player to be drafted in 14 years. The last was Eugene Amano who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2004 (7th round, 239th pick).
May 2018
The “gum tree”, a red bud tree atop Cardiac Hill, snaps during an afternoon storm.
May 10
Officials with Cape Girardeau Public Schools, Southeast and Three Rivers College today announce the new Accelerated Collegiate Experience (ACE) program to be offered at Cape College Center for select currently enrolled high school students in the Cape Girardeau Public Schools to pursue an Associate of Arts or the CORE42 statewide general education curriculum simultaneously with their high school diploma.
May 11
The Board of Regents approves a new Master of Science in cybersecurity with a focus on security of critical societal and business infrastructure.
Five academic colleges will comprise Southeast beginning August 1, following a major comprehensive reorganization of colleges and departments across Academic Affairs. The restructuring – the result of an extensive process – was approved today by the Southeast Board of Regents, ending a process that began last October. The reorganization follows significant budget reductions and the need to realign academic programs with commonality in nature and purpose creating synergies that are believed to better serve students. All accreditations, current courses, options and programs are maintained under the new alignment. The reorganization establishes the following five colleges:
- College of Education, Health and Human Studies
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Harrison College of Business and Computing
- Holland College of Arts and Media
Regent Jay Knudtson presents for consideration the adoption of a Board of Regents Presidential Medallion to serve as a symbol of the office of Board President. The medallion will be named the Louis Houck Board of Regents Presidential Medallion, in honor of Louis Houck, the Board's longest serving president.
May 2018
The Southeast Missouri State Debate Team is crowned 2018 national champion for the third consecutive year at the National Education Debate Association national tournament.
May 16
The Southeast Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment is presented with a Missouri Community Action Network Award for the southeast region of the state and is recognized for its outstanding community service and outreach in providing screenings and diagnostic evaluations for children suspected of having Autism and other developmental delays in the Delta region.
June 6
Southeast is awarded associate accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The NASAD Commission awarded the accreditation in April following self-study and peer review processes. The associate accreditation is for four years, with the University’s next full review slated for the 2022-2023 academic year.
June 12
The Board of Regents approves a new Spanish for the Health Professions minor. The minor will offer experience in Spanish to interested students in health professions degree programs beginning in fall 2019.
Lumina Foundation, in partnership with the Kresge Foundation, has announced the designation of St. Louis as a Talent Hub. The St. Louis Talent Hub is a collaboration led by St. Louis Graduates, a network of K-12 and higher education, youth-serving nonprofit organizations, business and philanthropy. Southeast is one of five higher education institutions named as partners with St. Louis Graduates in the St. Louis Talent Hub. Talent Hub cities are committed to eliminating deep disparities in educational outcomes among African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians, who fare poorly in contrast with white and Asian students. Southeast will utilize funding from this program to hire an additional graduate assistant to support one-on-one mentoring for African American and low-income students.
Information Technology continues an upgrade of the campus wireless network. Upgrades in Group Housing and Dearmont will be completed over the next two months, completing work in the residence halls. The focus then moves to academic buildings. The University Center and Dempster Hall have already been upgraded.
The Board of Regents extends University President Vargas’ contract through June 30, 2021, consistent with the rolling contract structure they approved at the June 26, 2017, Board of Regents meeting.
June 13
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson addresses concerns of area agriculture leaders in a listening session at Southeast’s David M. Barton Agriculture Research Center.
June 29
Southeast announces the naming of The Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance at Southeast’s River Campus. The naming is in recognition of a generous gift from Dr. Kenneth W. Dobbins, former president of Southeast, and his late wife, Jeanine Larson Dobbins.
July 3
Southeast’s Missouri Zeta chapter of Phi Delta Theta fraternity has been honored with the international Phoenix Award for the most improved Phi Delta Theta Chapter. The award was presented at the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity Convention June 21-23.
July 12
Officials with Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) in New York City and Southeast sign an agreement July 12 paving the way for a seamless transfer of BMCC Associate of Science in Theatre graduates into Southeast’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, musical theatre option. The agreement takes effect with the 2018-2019 academic year.
August 3
A new black gum tree is planted atop Cardiac Hill at Southeast, beginning a new chapter in the life of the iconic gum tree. The new Nyssa sylvatica ‘Wildfire,’ which is native to this area, was planted at the intersection of Cheney Drive, North Pacific Street and Alta Vista Drive, and replaces a former red bud tree, affectionately known as the “gum tree” by countless generations of students and alumni. The red bud tree came down May 25 during high winds in an afternoon storm.
August 6
The Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Association leads an 11-day guided tour of Central Europe.
August 8
“An American Hero,” a Southeast Missouri State University original production, has been honored with the New York Musical Festival’s (NYMF) Best of Festival Production Award. Also, student actor A. Schween received the Award for Outstanding Individual Performance for his portrayal of the lead character. An American Hero also received a special citation for University Excellence and the production’s design team received a nomination for outstanding design. NYMF supports the creation, production, performance and diversity of musical theatre.
August 16
A ceremony August 16 marks the opening of a new National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Plaza at Southeast. An official ribbon-cutting was held October 13. The Plaza, located on the north end of Parker Field, recognizes Southeast’s eight historically African American fraternities and sororities, including Alpha Phi Alpha, Iota Phi Theta, Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma fraternities and Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta sororities. The NPHC Plaza provides Southeast’s NPHC chapters with a voice and more prominent presence on campus, while also providing a greenspace for student recreation and events.
August 24
Southeast’s Department of Nursing announces its 2018 baccalaureate graduating classes achieved a 96 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
August 27
Southeast announces the launch of the new comprehensive Copper Dome Scholarship Program effective with the fall 2019 semester offering stackable awards with progressive values and straightforward renewal criteria for incoming students. The new program includes test optional criteria, superscoring and stackable awards providing the opportunity for Copper Dome and President’s scholarship values to increase every year. It also allows students to keep the need-based aid they receive, including the Federal Pell Grant.
August 31
Underscoring the importance of investing in Missouri’s future workforce, Southeast announces its Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity is one of only four programs nationally to receive accreditation this month from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., (ABET). The University’s Bachelor of Science in computer science also has been reaccredited by ABET.
More than 1,500 students are pursuing degrees completely online.
More than 600 international students from 63 countries are enrolled at Southeast.
September 4
Southeast President Carlos Vargas is reelected chair of the Hispanic Education Technology Services (HETS) Executive Committee.
September 28
Southeast officials sign agreements with representatives from universities in Guatemala, the Netherlands and Brazil today paving the way for seamless and cost-effective opportunities for students to study abroad. The signing ceremonies were part of an Exchange Partner Conference followed by a Magellan Conference both hosted by Southeast.
October 2
Southeast’s Counselor Education Training Clinic expands services to Cape Girardeau area.
October 17
The River Campus at Southeast Missouri State University has been honored with the City of Cape Girardeau’s “Keep Cape Beautiful, Property of the Month” award for October.
Southeast is recognized by Quality Matters (QM) with a 2018 QM Making a Difference for Students Award. Southeast was honored in the Outstanding Impact by an Institution category for implementing Quality Assurance in its online programs, establishing faculty training and creating an approach for collaborative course design.
October 26
The Department of Music initiates the first “Women’s Choral Festival” featuring internationally recognized composer and conductor Andrea Ramsey and drawing more than 300 high-school aged female participants. The festival culminated with a public performance on the River Campus.
October 30
The Arrow, Southeast’s student newspaper, placed first in two categories of the College Media Association Pinnacle Award and was honored with seven awards in total at the Associated College Press /College Media Association Fall National College Media Convention October 25-28.
November 5
Representatives of President Donald J. Trump’s campaign contracted to rent the Show Me Center for a presidential rally today.
November 24
#20 Southeast Missouri (9-3) keeps its historic season alive when it erases a 14-point deficit by scoring 28 third-quarter points en route to a 28-14 victory over #15 Stony Brook (7-5) Saturday afternoon in the first round of the NCAA Division I Football Championship.
November 28
Southeast announces a new Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community to open in fall 2019 to foster the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of student and to provide them with unique experiential learning opportunities.
November 30
Student Newspaper the Arrow Celebrating More Than 100 Years at Southeast.
December 1
#20 Southeast Missouri (9-3) faces #2 Weber State (9-2) today in the NCAA Division I Championship Second Round in Ogden Utah.
December 6
Researchers in Southeast’s Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council announce a new rice variety, “MM17”, bred in southeast Missouri now available to growers for the coming season. It represents the first released variety for Missouri.
December 14
The Lawrence Group of St. Louis presents its final comprehensive University Facilities Master Plan to the Board of Regents. The process included an assessment of academic, administrative, auxiliary and athletic/recreation facilities and related infrastructure at the main campus and regional campuses; a walk-through of University buildings for a visual inspection of conditions and to verify building plans; and meetings with University staff to receive input on current and future facilities needs for their programs. The University community also was invited to participate in a survey concerning how current spaces function today versus how they can be enhanced to meet future needs.
2019
January 14
Crisp Hall is temporarily closed for major renovations.
January 22
The Southeast Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment expands its outreach in the Missouri Bootheel, providing its services at Southeast’s Sikeston Regional Campus. A ribbon-cutting is held March 7.
January 25
Southeast’s new International Village opens at 1025 N. Sprigg, providing a venue dedicated to serving international students and enhancing the University’s diverse and globally-oriented campus. The Office of International Education and Services and the Intensive English Program are in the refurbished facilities. The village accommodates academic, social, cultural and recreational programming for the University and the surrounding community. A ribbon cutting was held April 17.
January 26
Southeast reveals a new-look Rowdy the Redhawk mascot that is still very kid- and fan-friendly, but more closely aligned with the Southeast athletics logo.
February 5
The Southeast Cyber Defense Team wins its seventh straight title at the 2019 Missouri Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
Southeast is awarded the 2019 Military Friendly® Schools Silver Designation, ranking it among the 2019-2020 list of “Better for Veterans” institutions identified nationwide.
February 12
An “Enhancing Recruitment and Student Success” workshop brings together 120 faculty, staff and students to educate the campus community on Southeast’s recruitment and enrollment challenges. Participants hear reports on the state of higher education in Missouri and the nation, and current recruitment, enrollment and student success initiatives and opportunities at Southeast. Ideas are solicited for Southeast to move forward in these areas.
February 14
The Small Business Development Center program at Southeast’s Economic and Business Engagement Center is honored with the “Center Most Innovative Award” from the University of Missouri Extension Business Development Program.
Construction of an indoor batting facility is under way at Capaha Field.
February 22
A team of Southeast business students finishes fifth among 16 finalists at the Championship Round of the 2019 Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) Worldwide Case Competition in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
March 5
Southeast partners with area industries to advance the careers of the area’s workforce. The partnerships provide employees access to Southeast Online’s 14 undergraduate programs, 18 graduate programs, certification programs and specialist degrees. Southeast Online’s industry partners include St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri; Citibank N.A., O’Fallon, Missouri; Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri; Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Owensboro, Kentucky; Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla, Missouri; SoutheastHEALTH, Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and Perry County Memorial Hospital and TG Missouri, both in Perryville.
April 5
A Southeast Department of Mathematics student team received third place honors in the Mathematical Association of America Missouri Section’s 24th Annual Missouri Collegiate Mathematics Competition after working together to solve 10 challenging problems.
Southeast celebrates the 100th anniversary of Rotary in Cape Girardeau and the service of all University Rotarians during the past century with a tree planting on the front lawn of Academic Hall. A black gum tree was planted and a decorative stone and plaque next to it were unveiled marking the partnership the University and Rotary have shared for 100 years. The tree, which will produce Redhawk-red fall foliage, commemorates 100 years of dedicated and selfless service to Rotary by the University’s faculty, staff, administration and alumni.
April 8
The National Security Agency (NSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designate Southeast as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) through 2024. The announcement makes Southeast one of only three four-year institutions in Missouri to hold this designation and one of just 250 nationally.
April 13
The Redhawk Sundancers win the Dance Team Union Division I College National Championship, beating the University of Toledo in the Division I Team Performance. This is the Sundancers’ first ever national championship after earning a 94.54 out of 100, the highest score ever achieved in the history of the Sundancers program.
April 14
Greek Week 2019 was the largest philanthropic effort in Greek Week history. Southeast Greeks performed 3,824 hours of community service during the week, collected more than 8,000 men’s, women’s and children’s clothing items to benefit the Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau and Teen Challenge USA and raised $40,331 to support several local organizations. Also, the Greek Week Blood Drive in March netted 1,244 units of blood donated.
April 14
The Arrow, Southeast’s student newspaper, won 13 awards at the 2019 Missouri College Media Association Conference. Among the Arrow’s awards were five first-place, two second-place and three third-place finishes, and three honorable mentions.
April 27
Southeast Missouri offensive tackle Drew Forbes was selected in the sixth round of the 2019 National Football League Draft. The Cleveland Browns drafted Forbes as the 189th overall pick, the Redhawks second-highest draft pick in school history.
May 1
The University holds the third in a series of conversations for the University community on “Enhancing Recruitment and Student Success” as Southeast works to craft a new multi-year plan focused on the strategic areas of recruitment, enrollment and student success.
May 6
Southeast’s Dual Credit program receives initial accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships.
May 7
Senior nursing students in the “Introduction to Critical Care” course spent the spring semester piloting a first-of-its-kind online program on tissue and organ donation with Mid-America Transplant in St. Louis. “Organ and Tissue Donor Education for Undergraduate Nursing Students” is an online program that provides nurse educators with current, comprehensive information about organ and tissue donation for inclusion in nursing school curriculums. The initiative was possible thanks to a grant awarded to Southeast by Mid-America Transplant, the world’s first organization to have a retrieval center for organ and tissue donation.
May 12
The Southeast Missouri softball team picked up its second NCAA Regional win in program history at the NCAA Oxford Regional. SEMO finished with a program record in wins, an Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) regular-season title, OVC Tournament crown and the school’s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 20 years.
"The Harrison College of Business and Computing opens a Cyber Range in Dempster Hall. The Cyber Range is an interactive, remote accessible computational platform of virtualized digital resources which can be weaved together to aid and solve experimental, research, educational and operational challenges of cyber-enabled systems. "
May 2019
May 7 - June 13
The popular theatre website OnStage Blog recognizes Southeast in its 2019 edition for having Missouri’s best undergraduate theatre program. Southeast was named the top program based on cost and scholarships, selectivity, performance opportunities, faculty with terminal degrees and experience, facilities, post-graduate career support and location resources.
May 10
A task force this spring evaluated and recommended the use of vendor provided products and services to support strategic enrollment growth. Three requests for proposals have been issued – (1) Website Redesign, (2) Customer Relations Management (CRM); and (3) Marketing Automation.
The Department of Information Technology continues to upgrade the campus network. Upgrades to Carnahan Hall and the Student Recreation Center are completed. Preparations are underway for upgrades to Crisp Hall as part of its renovation project. Kent Library and Scully Hall will get new cabling this summer.
May 20
A student-oriented vegetable demonstration garden is now open at Southeast’s Sikeston campus. Thanks to a partnership between Southeast and Lincoln University’s Cooperative Extension and with a $28,301 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, students have grown a variety of summer and fall vegetables commonly produced in the region, including squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peanuts, black-eyed peas and sweet corn.
June 4-5
Southeast hosts Missouri higher education leaders for the summer meetings of the Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education and the Council of Presidents of Higher Education in Missouri. Attendees included staff from the Missouri Department of Higher Education, Coordinating Board members, University Presidents and other staff that reviewed the 2019 legislative session, discussed higher education funding, and heard updates on Missouri workforce development initiatives.
June 13
The Board of Regents approves a new business analytics minor to be offered starting fall 2019 in the Department of Marketing in the Harrison College of Business and Computing. The minor will prepare students to respond to current and emerging trends in collecting, processing and interpreting data, emphasizing implications for business management.
The Southeast Missouri University Foundation closed FY19 with approximately $5 million in charitable gifts and bequests, higher than the $3.5 million received in FY18.
June 29
Illinois National Guard troops are housed in Vandiver Hall while they work in southern Illinois to help with sandbagging efforts to protect communities from devastating flooding. The soldiers filled thousands of sandbags and provided transport for citizens with medical emergencies in McClure to area hospitals.
August 6
The Department of Agriculture and the Economic and Business Engagement Center are awarded a $51,000 Rural Business Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish an agricultural advanced digital technology initiative. The grant is being used to incorporate the use of technological advancements into agriculture operations in the region’s agriculture industry. Southeast used the funding to purchase a hyperspectral camera and DJI Matrice 600 drone.
August 13
Southeast led the OVC in Medal of Honor recipients with 37 student-athletes earning a perfect 4.0 GPA for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Southeast also led the OVC with 153 student-athletes being named to the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll for having a GPA of 3.25 or better.
All health-related services and needs are located under one roof this fall in the newly renovated and reopened Rosemary Berkel Crisp Hall of Nursing. Crisp Hall is the new home for the University’s office of Counseling and Disability Services, joining the Campus Health Clinic in its newly reconfigured facility, and the Southeast Department of Nursing in expanded instructional and administrative space. Funding for the project is the result of House Bill 19 signed in June 2015 providing $10.08 million in maintenance and repairs for Grauel Building, Rosemary Berkel Crisp Hall of Nursing and Brandt Hall.
The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) announces that 153 Southeast Missouri student-athletes have been named to the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll for the 2018-2019 academic year. SEMO had the most selections to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll of any OVC member institution.
"Southeast opens an eSports Arena in the Towers Complex, attracting both recreational and competitive Southeast players. The Arena, on the main floor of the Towers Complex, features 12 gaming computers; five console gaming areas with Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo consoles; and a 70-inch wall-mounted television for a birds-eye view of live games being played in real-time in the space. This space is a resource for Southeast’s new eSports Club and eSports intramurals, and supports Southeast’s recruitment and retention efforts, providing a space for students to connect and compete in this growing interest area."
August 2019
August 2019
A new entrepreneurship residential learning community, “SEMO Startups,” opens in LaFerla Hall under a partnership of the Office of Residence Life, the Harrison College of Business and Computing and Catapult Creative House. Students with a shared entrepreneurial interest live together in the community and, under the guidance and mentorship of faculty and business professionals, learn about and practice being entrepreneurs, while connecting with local entrepreneurs.
August 29
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt visits Southeast’s advanced manufacturing labs and the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) program. Blunt toured facilities, visited with faculty and students, observed UAS demonstrations, and participated in media interviews.
September 20
Southeast sets an all-time high fall to fall retention rate for first-time full-time students at 75.3% and sees an increase in its six-year graduation rate which now stands at 49.7%. Southeast experiences a 3.9% decline in fall 2019 enrollment.
KRCU Public Radio at Southeast announced plans to expand its service region to include Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and the surrounding area. KRCU will acquire the FCC license and equipment from KBIY 91.3 FM in Van Buren, Missouri, and then lease tower space and move the station to Ellsinore, Missouri, to expand broadcasting beyond Van Buren to Butler County. The addition of KBIY 91.3 FM will expand National Public Radio (NPR) coverage to the southern portions of the University’s service region, an area currently without access to public radio.
Southeast could begin selling beer and wine at home collegiate athletic events following a revision approved to the University’s Alcohol Beverage Use policy by the Southeast Board of Regents. The new policy could be piloted with the 2019-2020 home basketball season that begins in late October.
Following Board of Regents approval, a new Institute for Cybersecurity is being created at Southeast to further research, education and service activities in this high-need field of study. The Institute will begin taking shape and launched with the spring 2020 semester.
A Major Research Instrumentation National Science Foundation proposal for large scale high-performance computing infrastructure was awarded to a partnership of institutions in the University of Missouri (UM) System, including Southeast, to establish a state-wide supercomputing center. The award totals $2.8M.
IT has awarded a contract to St Louis Communications for a new IP-based phone system that will replace Southeast’s 20-year-old Avaya phone system. The new system will provide enhanced features such as desktop and mobile applications, new voicemail to email service and improved call center functionality.
Upgrades to the campus network continue. Information Technology recently upgraded Crisp Hall and Scully Building, and work is underway in Serena Hall. Facilities remaining to be upgraded are Pacific Hall, Brandt Hall, Houck Field and Kent Library.
Information Technology is upgrading an estimated 800 computers running the Windows 7 operating system to Windows 10. About half of these computers are being replaced.
The Advancement Division purchases new database software and a constituent relationship management system to enhance and improve the operations and outreach of the University Foundation and Alumni Office. The new system will be operational by end of FY20.
September 2019
An external consulting firm is hired to coordinate a comprehensive faculty and staff salary equity study, including a review of current compensation philosophy and salary administration procedures. A consultant analysis will be done this fall with recommendations expected by February 2020 for consideration during the FY21 budget review process.
Human Resources and the Office of Institutional Equity & Diversity are implementing diversity recruiting strategies to broaden applicant pools, creating a diversity commitment statement and working with a consulting firm to develop an affirmative action plan.
University Police, in partnership with the Office of Residence Life, launch an Adopt-a-Hall program to make police officers more available to students, connect with students on campus and nurture more positive relationships between the community and police.
September 25
Southeast’s Department of Nursing’s 2019 baccalaureate graduating class has achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). In the last 15 years, which includes 30 graduating classes, the department’s first-time pass rate has averaged above 91 percent, and three other graduating classes have achieved a 100 percent pass rate.
October 21
Southeast hosts Gov. Mike Parson and nearly 80 representatives for a meeting of the Hawthorn Foundation where the Governor and other state leaders provided an update on statewide workforce development and economic development initiatives.
October 26
This fall, Southeast nursing students are enjoying new classrooms, laboratories, technology and equipment in the newly renovated Rosemary Berkel Crisp Hall of Nursing. A grand re-opening was held today to showcase the nursing program’s renovated spaces, including new offices, classrooms, student and faculty lounges, and three new labs.
A new visualization laboratory in Magill Hall is providing a vital resource for students and faculty to analyze large sets of data, thanks to a $35,000 grant awarded to Southeast’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics from the Information Technology Committee. The laboratory includes a new visualization wall with nine 4K Samsung 65-inch TVs mounted in a three-by-three matrix configuration. The wide screens allow for complex data sets and computational models to be displayed. The new technology will help support current research and projects, including Computerized Tomography (CAT) scans, confocal microscope images and computational simulations. In the future, projects such as remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems and emergency management coordination may use the visualization wall.
November 12
Theatre website OnStage Blog recognizes Southeast in its Top 30 College Musical Theatre Programs for 2019-2020. The blog also highlighted Southeast for having the best undergraduate theatre program in Missouri. The rankings reflect the mission of The Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance as a professional training and liberal arts program providing diverse technique training, professional quality productions, career preparation and a liberal arts education.
November 15
Southeast is working to provide the tools and support students and their families need to make their higher education dreams a reality. The office of Student Financial Services has new and simplified processes in place to better serve prospective and current students.
November 18
Southeast’s College of Education, Health and Human Studies has received renewal of its designation as an Apple Distinguished School through 2022, continuing its distinction as a continuously innovative school for learning, teaching and school environment.
November - December 16
Four Southeast business students qualify for the Championship Round of the 2020 Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) Worldwide Case Competition to be held March 1-6, 2020, in Künzelsau, Germany. Southeast is among 16 teams that qualified for the championship round after presenting a business case during a qualifying round. The competition is a test of problem-solving ability, business acumen, cultural insight, communication skills and teamwork. It is the oldest and leading undergraduate business case competition in existence.
The University hosts The Honorable Zora Mulligan, Commissioner, Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, for a tour of the newly renovated Crisp Hall and the EDvolution Center to showcase Southeast’s nursing and education degree programs wherein adults can receive financial aid under the state’s new Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant.
November 21
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development released its official fall 2019 enrollment report. The one-year change in full-time equivalent enrollment (FTE) statewide reflects a 3.2 percent decline. Since 2014, enrollment in Missouri’s higher education system has declined 12 percent. For this same period, FTE at Southeast declined 2.0 percent and 11.9 percent, respectively.
November 23
The Southeast Missouri football and volleyball teams won OVC Championships on the same day. SEMO’s football team won the OVC regular season title and volleyball claimed the OVC Tournament crown. Those championships followed the soccer team’s OVC regular-season title earlier this fall. It is the first time since 2001 that an OVC school has had a top-two finish (volleyball was second in the OVC regular season standings) in football, soccer and volleyball. With the completion of the fall sport season, Redhawks Athletics sits atop the OVC Commissioners Cup standings.
December 13
The Institutional Actions Council (IAC) of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) – the regional accrediting body for Southeast Missouri State University -- reaffirmed Southeast’s accreditation for 10 years. The reaffirmation is the culmination of a rigorous, two-year HLC Comprehensive Quality Review process that validates the quality of the University’s work and virtually every aspect of the institution. The University’s next reaffirmation of accreditation is set for 2029-2030. In addition, the IAC voted to allow Southeast to select its pathway – either Standard or Open -- for the University’s next reaffirmation of accreditation cycle.
Student Financial Services implements a new bill presentment and payment system prior to the Spring 2020 billing cycle called Cashnet. The system is a mobile friendly platform and is designed to be similar to what students and parents experience when they purchase other items online. The new system allows for scheduling recurring payments and storing payment methods, expanded payment plan options, and separate system access for parents or other third parties who may be responsible for payment on a student’s account.
World Events
2010
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake kills 230,000 in Haiti.
The largest oil spill in U.S. history occurs in the Gulf of Mexico on the BP Macondo Prospect.
The FIFA World Cup is held in Africa for the first time.
“Avatar” surpasses “Titanic” as the highest-grossing film.
The iPad is introduced.
Instagram is introduced.
2011
A 9.0 earthquake in Japan triggers a tsunami and the meltdown of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant.
Prince Williams and Catherine Middleton are married.
Osama Bin Laden is killed U.S. Navy SEALS in Pakistan.
Snapchat is launched.
The space shuttle program officially ends.
NASA launches spacecraft to visit Jupiter and Mars.
2012
Trayvon Martin, a 17-year-old high African American high school student who was unarmed, is killed in Sanford, Florida. George Zimmerman was acquitted in his death.
Vladimir Putin is elected president of Russia for the third time.
A mass shooting occurs in a movie theatre in Aurora, Colorado.
Hurricane Sandy kills 233 people and causes $70 billion in damage.
Barack Obama wins second term as President of the United States, defeating Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
A school shooting occurs at Sandy Hook Elementary.
2013
Pope Benedict XVI resigns
Nelson Mandela dies.
A terror attack strikes during the annual Boston Marathon.
2014
The worst Ebola epidemic in history occurs in West Africa.
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 with 239 on board disappears while en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur.
2015
Violent unrest occurs in Baltimore following the death of African-American teenager Freddie Gray by police.
Liquid water is found on Mars.
The U.S. Supreme Court rules that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry.
The U.S. rover, Curiosity, takes a selfie on Mars, finding evidence of an ancient bed of water on the Red Planet.
2012 marked the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II celebrating the 60th anniversary of the accession of the queen, beginning in February 1952.
2016
A shooter kills 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
The Chicago Cubs win the World Series for the first time since 1908, ending the Curse of the Billy Goat.
Donald Trump wins the 2016 presidential electing, defeating Hillary Clinton, the first woman to be nominated by a major party.
2017
Donald Trump is inaugurated president of the United States.
Millions of people participated in a Women’s March in response to the inauguration of Donald Trump.
A terrorist bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, kills 22 and injures more than 140.
Charlottesville is the site of a far-right rally protesting the removal of Confederate statues throughout the United States. The event results in a white supremacist ramming his car into a crowd of counter-protesters, injuring 19 and killing one.
The Great American Eclipse, a total solar eclipse, passes across the contiguous United States for the first time since 1918.
Sixty people are kills in a mass shooting as a Las Vegas music festival.
The Atlantic hurricane season includes Hurricane Harvey, which kills 107 and becomes the costliest hurricane in U.S. history, in addition to Hurricane Irma, killing 134, and Hurricane Maria, killing 3,059.
Allegations of sexual abuse against film producer Harvey Weinstein lead to other similar accusations from within Hollywood and other areas.
2018
An active shooter killed 17 and wounded 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The incident sparked a march in 900 locations worldwide in support of gun control legislation.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marry.
The first summit occurs between the U.S. and North Korea.
2019
A major fire engulfs Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, causing the roof and main spire to collapse.
NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Christina Koch conduct the first all-female spacewalk outside of the International Space Station.
“Avengers: Endgame” is released in theaters, breaking box-office records, including becomes the highest-grossing movie of all time.
The COVID-19 pandemic begins in Wuhan, China, marking the start of a global pandemic.
The U.S. Space Force is introduced.