At a Cape Girardeau meet-and-greet, Missouri 8th District and statehouse candidates met voters to discuss healthcare, education, affordability and choices on the ballot.

An episode of SEMO Spotlight by the KRCU radio station talks with multimedia journalism grad and Arrow leader Taylor Slavens about newsroom memories, website revamps, awards and her advice to students: “Do it and do it scared.”

In this Episode of SEMO Spotlight from KRCU Public Radio, we speak with Brian Donavant, chair and professor for the college of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology. We discuss the current degree option for criminal justice, and what the first 90 credit Bachelor in Science degree means for the students at SEMO.

SEMO to develop new Talbert Terrace
Southeast Missouri State will transform the Kent Library plaza into donor-funded Talbert Terrace, a new campus gathering space with improved ADA access, set for 2026 construction.

Why 2016 is trending again
From Tumblr edits to Starbucks Pink Drinks, Gen Z is reviving 2016's casual, communal internet era and reshaping today's online culture.

Dan Presson's departure from City Council
After eight years on Cape Girardeau’s City Council, SEMO staffer Dan Presson terms out, raising uncertainty over how successor Dwayne Schaaf will sustain ties between city hall and SEMO students.

How bird declines in Southeast Missouri—from Mississippi kites to birds in recovering wetlands—are revealing ecosystem health in new conservation research from SEMO’s Fidel Auto.

District 8 Congressional Candidates 
Several candidates are running for Missouri’s 8th congressional district. Incumbent Jason Smith faces a Republican challenger and multiple Democratic candidates, with the primary on August 4 and the general election on November 3.

New 90-credit hour degree in Criminal Justice
SEMO will launch a new 90-credit-hour criminal justice degree in fall 2026, allowing students to graduate about a year earlier and save on tuition. Officials say the program will still provide strong career preparation while making the degree faster and more affordable.

Artemis II splashdown
NASA’s Artemis II mission successfully splashed down on April 10 after sending four astronauts around the moon on a 695,000-mile journey aboard the Orion spacecraft. The mission tested key systems needed for future deep-space travel and is a major step toward returning humans to the moon and eventually reaching Mars.

Cape Girardeau’s new $5M turf youth sports complex promises fewer rainouts, more student jobs and a boost to regional sports tourism.

As Rep. Jason Smith campaigns for reelection in Missouri’s extremely conservative 8th District, GOP, Democratic and Libertarian rivals press alternatives on debt, education and local funding.

Junior tuba player Greg Haseley previews SEMO’s 25th Anniversary Symphony Orchestra concert, featuring Mahler’s First Symphony, Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and returning conductor Dr. Edgar Chan.

This week on Arrow on the Air, we dive into the Arrow's spring 2026 special section, "The SEMO of Tomorrow". 

Enrollment impacts
SEMO is facing financial pressure due to a 25% enrollment decline and potential funding cuts as Missouri faces a $600 million revenue shortfall. The university is reviewing 76 academic programs and adjusting strategies while coping with a large drop in international students.

Department realignments
SEMO administrators are planning to combine some academic departments to reduce costs and respond to possible state budget cuts. Officials say the restructuring—expected to save about $1.5 million—aims to streamline resources while maintaining or improving the student experience despite financial challenges.

State funding impacts
Lawmakers in Missouri are considering a new higher-education funding formula that would tie state support to student enrollment instead of the current model. The change could affect funding for Southeast Missouri State University as the state works to address a major budget gap.