SEMO staying on top of job trends

We've written a lot lately about some of Southeast Missouri State University's successes.

A theme is emerging that the local university is staying relevant when it comes to technology.

We published a story recently that the university's cybersecurity team won a state contest; the university's drone program is starting to take shape; and more recently we found that the polytech program is producing technical engineers that are in high demand by area employers.

The polytech program recently received a donation from TG Missouri of a robotic, manufacturing arm and $113,388. Students are using that arm in projects in their engineering-technology class to perform different tasks. The polytechnic department works with several local companies such as Unilever in Sikeston and Link Electronics in Jackson.

What this means is that students who graduate are instantly ready for good-paying jobs when they're finished with school.

Program chairman Bradley Deken said about 15 engineering-technology students graduate from the program each year. One company told Deken it could hire 30 such students.

In recent weeks Southeast has also won a business competition and more recently a debate competition. The university is producing an award-winning newspaper and digital media program. It has created the Catapult Creative House, which was chosen as one of 35 "Innovations that Inspire" by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. These anecdotes paint a picture that Southeast is staying on top of trends, technology and workforce demands that are driving our economy.

There is some good work going on at the university. It's good to know that the college is producing students that don't just "know" but can "do" as well.