SEMO Board of Governors approves academic program changes and contract for demolition of Brandt Hall
SEMO’s Board of Governors approved several academic program changes Feb. 27. The TV and film program will split into two paths, with TV merging with multimedia journalism and a new Bachelor of Science in film production being created. The agribusiness animal science degree will transition into a Bachelor of Science in animal science, allowing students to pursue both pre-vet and business studies. The board also approved a new Master of Science in network security and an MBA concentration in marketing management, pending final approval from the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education. Additionally, the board authorized a contract to demolish Brandt Hall this spring, with completion expected by the fall semester.

How SEMO's Student Government Association is shaping students into future leaders Student involvement in college often helps with networking and résumé building, but at Southeast Missouri State University, the Student Government Association (SGA) also provides leadership experience. According to Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Dan Presson, skills gained through campus involvement align with the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ eight key workforce competencies, including leadership, teamwork, communication and critical thinking. Through activities like passing legislation, planning events and representing students, SGA members develop professional skills outside the classroom.

International Women's Day coming March 8
March 8, 2026 marks International Women’s Day, which recognizes the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while encouraging action toward gender equality. First celebrated in 1911, the day grew out of labor movements and campaigns for women’s rights and has since become a global movement supported by governments, organizations and communities. This year marks 115 years of advocacy, highlighting women’s accomplishments while raising awareness about issues such as the pay gap, unequal access to education and gender-based violence. The day is often represented by the colors purple for justice and dignity, green for hope and white for solidarity.

A story previewing the community event was provided by KRCU Public Radio: Educators as Artists: Creating Beyond the Classroom, an exhibition of works by SEMO alumni, hosted by the Missouri Art Educators Association will be on view Friday, March 6 through Friday, March 27 in the Arts Expansion (ARX) Gallery. The exhibit spotlights about 25 SEMO alumni art teachers, showcasing diverse works and underscoring art’s vital role in education.

Leadership shifts in the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri

Feb. 4, the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri announced they are seeking a new executive director and assistant director. The transition is meant to give the board of directors a stronger role in guiding the council's future. As the search begins, interns, volunteers and community members will play a key role in maintaining programs and outreach, with board members expressing hope that the change with strengthen the organization overall.

Proposed changes to the Missouri state income tax structure 

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has proposed gradually eliminating the state’s income tax over the next five years, an idea he introduced in his Jan. 13 State of the State address. The plan would need approval from the state legislature and voters before taking effect. The proposal could affect many college students, as nearly a quarter of undergraduates at Southeast Missouri State University are 25 or older and likely to pay state income taxes. The proposal is still in early stages, with legislative debate just beginning.

SEMO now offering Twilight Tours as an alternative to Show Me Day 

SEMO is offering new evening “Twilight Tours” to give prospective students a more flexible way to visit campus. The tours provide the same experience as traditional Show Me Day events, including admissions presentations, faculty meetings and guided campus tours. University officials say the goal is to make campus visits more accessible while helping students picture themselves at SEMO.

In an episode of the KRCU Public Radio podcast, SEMO Spotlight Abbie Van Pelt is junior BFA Musical Theater with two minors. One is in Human Resources and the other is Integrated Marketing and Communications.

In an episode from the KRCU Public Radio Station's arts and culture podcast, Exposition, we speak with Alana Hamilton, a junior BFA Design and Tech major, shares insights about her role as the assistant scenic designer for the new play Six Inches Above the Knee. Six Inches above the Knee will take place February 26th through 28th at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 28th through March 1st at 2 p.m. in the Rust Flexible Theatre. It is intended for mature audiences.

CoSTEM Faculty & Staff Award recipients impact students through collaboration

Explore how CoSTEM faculty and staff award recipients are collaborating with students and expanding hands-on learning opportunities. Learn more about how agriculture agribusiness communications major Lainey Canning landed a niche internship, and the professor who guided her. 

How Cape Girardeau Spent Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day in Cape Girardeau was celebrated in a ton of different ways. Some people planned special outings, while others worked and planned to celebrate another day. Learn more about how the Cape Girardeau community spent their holiday.

Digital Decluttering

Are your laptop files overflowing? Is your camera roll out of storage? You're not alone. Learn more about how to declutter your digital life, from organizing files, deleting old emails, and more. 

Senior Clara Billing sets a 13’7.25” pole vault school record at the Heartland Invitational as Redhawks stack podium finishes ahead of their Feb. 20 home meet in Cape Girardeau.

More than 200 SEMO students, athletes and community members held a candlelight vigil outside Houck Stadium to remember sophomore kicker Danny Duray.

In this episode of 'Expositon', from the KRCU Public Radio Station , we speak with Craig Milde from CREATE Cape County about the upcoming February Annual #11. This year's theme is particularly exciting as it revolves around film. CREATE Cape County's February Annual #11 will take place on Saturday, February 21st, at the American Legion Hall in Jackson, with doors opening at 6:30 PM and the film presentations starting at 7 PM.

On this week's episode of Arrow on the Air, hosts Mallory Hawkins and Taylor Slavens a memorial being built on campus in honor of the late media professor Dr. Pam Parry, how to overcome academic doubt, and how the 2026 Winter Olympics are shaping pop culture and providing a happy distraction during uncertain times.

Memorial on campus

A memorial honoring the late professor Dr. Pam Parry is being built on SEMO's campus, at the Baptist Student Center. The memorial will include a three-person swing bench and flower beds, along with a commemorative plaque. The project was initiated by four Mass Media staff members, with a goal of being completed by the end of the spring semester.

Overcoming academic doubt

Many college students experience academic doubt when their major no longer feels like the right fit, especially during the first year. Challenges or unmet expectations can trigger uncertainty. SEMO advisors encourage students to look for patterns and to not make any quick decisions. Through reflection and exploration, advisors can help students to determine whether to stay the course or plan a thoughtful change.

How the Winter Olympics are shaping pop culture and providing a happy distraction

As uncertainty and negative news dominates headlines, many people are turning to social media for connection during the Winter Olympics. Olympians are sharing lighthearted content like sponsor hauls, and fans are responding. Psychology professor Dr. George Yancey explains the psychological reason people turn to social media as a distraction during a period of collective stress.