Fair ~ 74°F   River stage: 33.25 ft. Falling Monday, May 20, 2013

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Higher education Three Rivers College to open site in Scott City (05/20/13) Three Rivers College will open an outreach site at Scott City High School, expanding a relationship between the high school and college. Enrollment began with a registration event last week. Scott City public schools have a long-standing relationship with the community college through dual enrollment credit courses for high school students. ... Regents vote to increase fees at Southeast (05/12/13) The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents voted unanimously Saturday to increase incidental fees for the 2013-2014 academic year. Incidental fees for resident undergraduate students will increase by $3.75 to $197.55 per credit hour. The incidental fees for non-resident undergraduate students will increase by $7, to $375.30 per credit hour. ... Largest Southeast graduating class receives degrees (05/12/13) More than 1,300 students -- the largest graduating class in Southeast Missouri State University history -- received degrees Saturday at the Spring Commencement ceremony. In all, 1,048 undergraduates and 283 graduate and specialist candidates received degrees. Two students earned cooperative doctoral degrees... SEMO regents to meet following graduation, consider fees (05/10/13) Southeast Missouri State University's Board of Regents will meet to consider student fee changes following the university's graduation ceremony Saturday. The board will consider an incidental fee schedule, special course fees and a transcript fee to take effect with the fall 2013 semester in a 4:30 p.m. meeting at the Student Recreation Center Dance Studio, next to the Show Me Center... Southeast to begin summer hours (05/10/13) Southeast Missouri State University will begin its summer operating hours Monday through Aug. 19. University offices will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Executive offices will remain open until 5 p.m. through the summer. Southeast Department of Mass Media reaccredited (05/09/13) After a probationary period of two years, the Department of Mass Media at Southeast Missouri State University has unanimously been deemed "reaccredited" by the Accrediting Council on Journalism and Mass Communication. "It's official," said Dr. Jack Zibluk, department chairman. "We've received the seal of approval."... Pharmaceutical CEO to speak at commencement (05/08/13) Southeast Missouri State University will confer 1,333 degrees Saturday during spring commencement exercises. The exercises are scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Show Me Center, and the commencement address will be given by Gary Downing, Southeast alumnus and chief executive officer of Insight Pharmaceuticals, producer of nationally-known brands such as Anacin pain reliever and Sucrets sore throat lozenges... Group aims to demystify college for at-risk youth (05/06/13) KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Corrie Mills doesn't usually run through the halls of Central High School waving a piece of paper over her head. But this wasn't a usual day. "I got a scholarship" she blurted, out of breath, to her college adviser. It didn't matter that the letter was from a university the 19-year-old senior isn't planning to attend. Just knowing that a college wanted to help pay her way was reason enough for elation, and for a race to the Missouri College Advising Corps office... Weekend 'Percussion Pops' concert aimed at children (05/03/13) A Saturday concert at the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University is expected to delight children and grown-ups alike. "The Percussion Pops Family Concert," scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in Bedell Performance Hall, is free to the public. "Percussion Pops," presented by the Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts, will feature rhythmic sounds of the Percussion Ensemble and Steel Drum Band conducted by Dr. Shane Mizicko, director of percussion studies at Southeast... 1,333 to graduate from Southeast (05/03/13) Southeast Missouri State University will confer degrees to 1,333 students at spring commencement on May 11. The graduating class consists of 1,048 undergraduates, 283 graduate and specialist students and two cooperative doctoral students. Gary Downing, Southeast alumnus and chief executive officer of Insight Pharmaceuticals, will deliver the commencement address. ... Mo. bill would limit aid to boost timely graduations (04/29/13) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Senate is considering a bill to toughen attendance requirements for students receiving state-sponsored college scholarships in an effort to encourage them to graduate on time. Students would have to be continuously enrolled for a certain number of credit hours per semester in order to continue receiving state aid. ... College of the Ozarks wants debt-free students (04/29/13) POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. -- April Gregory spends part of each week in a warm, sometimes stuffy laundry on the campus of College of the Ozarks, washing, drying and pressing clothes and linens. The Joplin Globe reported the college sophomore from Harrison, Ark., also maintains an off-campus job and has held summer jobs, but she's not complaining. Her jobs -- plus a new no-debt policy at her school -- will ensure that she graduates in a few years without any debt to her name... Play deals with violent decision between friends, job (04/25/13) A Southeast Missouri State University professor's play will see its world premier tonight on a River Campus stage. Theater professor Kenneth Stilson said his dark comedy, "Murphy's Law," is a "comedy -- with a gun to its head." The show is set in a suburb of St. Louis and follows Tony and Murphy, two "made" members of a local organized crime syndicate, in the final evening of their lifelong friendship... Holocaust remembrance at Southeast canceled (04/23/13) Southeast Missouri State University said it is canceling a Holocaust remembrance observance scheduled for Wednesday. The university announced the cancellation Monday in a news release. Rachel Miller, who survived the Holocaust, had been scheduled to speak at the event. The university's news bureau said Miller, who recently spoke before a presentation of the play "The Diary of Anne Frank" at Cape Girardeau Central High School, was ill and unable to travel... Holocaust survivor to speak at River Campus (04/16/13) A Holocaust survivor will speak next week at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus. Rachel Miller of St. Louis will speak from noon to 1:55 p.m. April 24 as part of Holocaust Rembembrance Day. The event is free and open to the public. Miller was born and raised in France before World War II and was hidden as a child during the Holocaust... Washington University discovery may lead to securer payments (04/15/13) ST. LOUIS -- A discovery by two Washington University scientists in the mid-1990s could play a role in preventing the kind of credit card fraud that recently affected customers of the suburban St. Louis-based grocery store chain Schnucks. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Marcel Muller and Ron Indeck were attempting to shrink bits of data when they learned that magnetic media have what amounts to a fingerprint... Annual spring dance showcase to be presented this week (04/15/13) This week Southeast Missouri State University dance students and faculty will present the second of this academic year's big dance showcases. Spring into Dance is a yearly showcase that displays the work of students, faculty and guest artists. Professor of dance Dr. Marc Strauss has helped coordinate Spring into Dance for many years and choreographed two pieces for this year's showcase... Audience introduced to creatures during Corwin presentation (04/11/13) Nearly 700 people were delighted and entertained Wednesday night at the Show Me Center by Jeff Corwin, an expert on wildlife, ecology and conservation, best known for his Animal Planet television programs "The Jeff Corwin Exprience" and "Corwin's Quest."... Southeast history lecture to examine Civil War (04/11/13) Southeast Missouri State University's annual Dugger History Lecture will address the Civil War. Dr. Earl Hess will present "The Civil War in the West – Why it Mattered" at 8 p.m. today in the University Center ballroom. The event is free and open to the public... Board of Regents opts to keep textbook rental under university control (04/11/13) After exploring its options, Southeast Missouri State University won't contract out its textbook rental service, the university's board of regents decided Wednesday. The regents awarded Follett Higher Education Group a contract to operate the university bookstore while Southeast retained the right to maintain its textbook-rental program. ... Robert Hamblin reflects on SEMO English career at lecture (04/10/13) More than 100 friends, students and colleagues were in attendance Tuesday night to hear Dr. Robert Hamblin speak at the third annual Dr. Robert W. Hamblin Lecture on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. Hamblin, a professor of English, delivered this year's lecture, "Ramblin' Hamblin: Stories (Told and Untold) from 48 Years at SEMO."... SEMO regents to consider banking, book services today (04/10/13) The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents will consider awarding a contract for the university's banking services and university bookstore and textbook rental when it meets today. The board also will consider approval of a dual-credit course fee schedule. A portion of the meeting will be in closed session... Student group working for gay, lesbian acceptance (04/08/13) Polls show more people are accepting of same-sex couples, and people at the higher education and K-12 level in Cape Girardeau say acceptance is growing among students for those of all sexual orientations. A new poll released Thursday by the Quinnipiac [Conn.] University Polling Institute puts nationwide support for same-sex marriage at 50 percent, the first time that support has reached the 50 percent mark in Quinnipiac polling. ... Jeff Corwin to speak about animal culture, behavior (04/08/13) A passionate voice for animal and nature conservation is bringing his message to Cape Girardeau. Jeff Corwin, best known as host of the Animal Planet television programs "The Jeff Corwin Experience" and "Corwin's Quest," will deliver a speech, "Tales From the Field," at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Show Me Center... 'The Miss Firecracker Contest' at the River Campus (04/04/13) ABOVE: Carnelle Scott, played by Sarah Anderson, strikes a pose as seamstress "Popeye" Jackson, played by Madison Doty, takes her measurements for a costume she will wear in the talent section of "The Miss Firecracker Contest," during an opening night scene Wednesday at the Rust Flexible Theatre on the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University. ... Southeast students go up, up and away Tuesday (04/03/13) ADAM VOGLER ~ avogler@semissourian.com ABOVE: Southeast Missouri State University students take in the view from a hot-air balloon tethered above Southeast's band practice field Tuesday in Cape Girardeau. ... Modern farming: Future farmers learn to compete on a global scale (04/01/13) Somewhere in Japan this year, someone in the mood for steak will walk into a restaurant, scan a bar code on the "meat of the day" board with a smartphone and be told the grass-fed beef they are about to enjoy was raised at Southeast Missouri State University's David M. Barton Agriculture Research Center. Modern farming is a global enterprise and Southeast students are being taught how to survive in agribusiness... Nondiscrimination clause proposed for SEMO student constitution voted down (04/01/13) A proposal to amend the Southeast Missouri State University student constitution to add a nondiscrimination clause on the basis of sexual orientation was voted down by the Student Government Association senate. Sen. Nick Maddock said he recommended the change because he has seen lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students called derogatory names... McDougall named Southeast interim provost (03/28/13) Dr. Gerald McDougall was named interim provost and chief academic officer of Southeast Missouri State University, according to a university news release. McDougall is dean of the college of business and associate provost of extended and online learning. McDougall has been with Southeast since 1993 and has helped the university expand degree programs and establish the Center for Business and Economic Research, the innovation center and more... Easter egg hunting in the dark (03/27/13) LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com About 100 Southeast Missouri State University students gather Tuesday night at the band practice field to seek out 4,400 Easter eggs using flashlights. Southeast Recreation Services organized the egg hunt. The eggs were filled with candy and more than $700 in prizes.... Architecture class field trip (03/27/13) LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Southeast Missouri State University student Andrew Scott gives a presentation on Old St. ... Cape Girardeau school set to accept high school seniors in nursing program (03/20/13) With the expansion of its nursing curriculum, the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center will become the first school in Missouri to offer high school seniors early access to its practical nursing program. "This is a wonderful opportunity for high school seniors to get started in the nursing field," said Rich Payne, director of the Career and Technology Center. ... Colleges track down ex-students to up graduation rates (03/18/13) ST. LOUIS -- Carmen Ricotta knows being a college graduate could mean higher pay and better job opportunities, and it's not as if St. Louis Community College hasn't been practically begging her to wrap up her two-year degree. The school has been calling and emailing the 28-year-old electrician's apprentice to convince her to return and complete her final assignment: an exit exam. ... Power of Women: Southeast holds luncheon to inspire women to be prominent figures in male-dominated world of business (03/18/13) Studies show that women with master's of business administration degrees are likely to be paid less at their first jobs than male peers with the same amount of education and experience. But comments made by students and faculty at Wednesday's Power of Women conference indicate they have their eyes open to the challenges women face upon graduation and are ready to support their peers in becoming successful... Southeast's Cyber-Defense Club to test skills (03/14/13) The Cyber-Defense Club at Southeast Missouri State University will take part in a competition on Saturday that will determine if its cybersecurity skills are enough to be called the best in the state. "It's going to be hectic," said Jeremy Wiedner, club president and a cybersecurity major at Southeast. "But we've familiarized ourselves with various computer systems and possible attacks and threats, and we're excited and ready to go."... Dismantling of handball court begins (03/12/13) Early steps in the dismantling of the handball court at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus began Monday. The court, built in either 1843 or 1853, is possibly the oldest in the nation. Last December, the Board of Regents approved the dismantling of the court to make room for a new academic and residential building on the River campus, but said the bricks would be preserved for use in the new building's construction... Symphony concert to be Tuesday at River Campus (03/11/13) Vocal and instrumental talents will be highlighted Tuesday night at the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra concert "Five Mystical Songs" in Bedell Performance Hall on the River Campus. Along with the orchestra, the concert will feature the University Choir, Choral Union and Cape Girardeau student Elizabeth Ansberry, winner of the Southeast Missouri State University Music Department's Rising Star competition... New project pitch sought as River Campus bonds are set to expire (03/10/13) Since 1998, voter-approved taxes from hotel stays and dining out in Cape Girardeau have gone toward retiring nearly $9 million in bonds for Southeast Missouri State University -- and to fund the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau. Revenue has fluctuated with the economy, but for the last several years it has increased from the year before. Estimates indicate by the end of this year, the River Campus debt will be paid in full... SEMO provost takes Nebraska job (03/10/13) Dr. Ronald Rosati, who has been the Southeast Missouri State University provost since February 2010, has accepted a position as the dean of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, Neb... River Campus board meeting today is canceled (03/08/13) The River Campus Board of Managers meeting, scheduled for noon today, has been canceled, according to a release sent by the university. The meeting will be rescheduled. Pertinent address: 518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, Mo. Kwan reflects upon preparation, appreciation (03/07/13) More than 300 people were at the Show Me Center on Thursday night to hear former skating champion Michelle Kwan deliver her thoughts about "Aspiring to Greatness: What it Takes to Win." "I'm curious about her message of what it takes to succeed," said Rui Li, a sophomore at Southeast Missouri State University from Beijing, China, before Kwan's appearance. "I think it will relate to her success as a skater and to what she does now."... Figure-skating champ Michelle Kwan to speak at SEMO (03/05/13) A world-class champion whose performances have been called the gold standard for future generations of figure skaters is coming to Cape Girardeau. Olympian and world figure-skating champion Michelle Kwan will present a speech, "Aspiring to Greatness: What it Takes to Win," at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Show Me Center... Barnes & Noble makes pitch to operate university book services (03/03/13) Big changes in bookstore and textbook rental services were promised to Southeast Missouri State University students attending the final forum held by two bidding outside vendors. Barnes & Noble College, a subsidiary of the book retailer Barnes & Noble, revealed plans to update textbook services during a presentation Friday in Glenn Auditorium... Vendor offering a grab-and-go textbook solution (03/01/13) Students of Southeast Missouri State University remain skeptical after the first forum held by outside vendors bidding to operate the university's bookstore and textbook rental services. The Follet Higher Education Group laid out plans to students and faculty within an audiovisual presentation Thursday afternoon at Glenn Auditorium in Dempster Hall... Family, friends say scholarship would honor Meg Herndon (03/01/13) The family of the late Southeast Missouri State University student Meg Herndon, who tragically lost her life in a scooter accident in September, hopes to raise $10,000 for an endowed scholarship at Southeast that has been established in Herndon's name... Forums set with potential SEMO textbook, bookstore vendors (02/27/13) Vendors bidding to operate Southeast Missouri State University's bookstore and textbook rental services will conduct public forums this week. The university will open up Glenn Auditorium in Dempster Hall on Thursday and Friday to hear from two remaining bidders, according to Laura Stock, director of business operations at Southeast... Like others, Southeast is relying more often on adjunct professors (02/25/13) When students register for classes at Southeast Missouri State University, some may expect to be taught by tenured professors with years of experience. But Southeast, like other universities, increasingly is relying on part-time instructors, or adjuncts, to teach a variety of courses -- particularly those viewed as entry-level... Lecture to weave together Till, Faulkner and 'Mockingbird' (02/25/13) American history and literature will collide in the illustrated lecture "Emmett Till, William Faulkner, and 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' sponsored by the Southeast Missouri State University Center for Faulkner Studies. Retired professor Henry Outlaw will speak about the case of Emmett Till, an African-American teenager brutally murdered in 1955 in Southern Mississippi. Till's story helped kick-start the civil-rights movement.... Rain, sleet and a little snow mostly a nuisance (02/22/13) Widespread freezing rain, sleet and some snow in Southeast Missouri slowed travel, closed schools and government offices and caused some damage to trees and power lines during a winter storm that moved slowly through the region Thursday. ... ESPN magazine editor gives Michael Davis Lecture on Wednesday (02/21/13) ADAM VOGLER ~ avogler@semissourian.com ESPN the Magazine senior editor Keith Reed points to an audience member during a question-and-answer period during his lecture on the importance of diversity in journalism at Southeast Missouri State University´s Michael Davis Lecture on Wednesday at Rose Theatre on campus. ... It's a 'Hard Knock Life' on Wednesday at Southeast (02/21/13) LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Anna Hebrank, center, portraying Annie, performs "Hard Knock Life," along with the other orphans in Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Theatre and Dance production of "Annie" on Wednesday night at the Bedell Performance Hall on the River Campus.... Regents hear from university community in strategic planning session (02/21/13) A consultant solicited ideas from dozens of members of the Southeast Missouri State University community, hoping to define how best to move the university forward in coming years, during a daylong session with the university's Board of Regents on Wednesday... Missouri Senate expands taxing authority for university (02/20/13) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Local University of Missouri Extension councils could levy property taxes under legislation passed by the Missouri Senate. The Senate voted 23-7 Monday to send the measure to the House. The bill would allow existing extension councils to form single- or multi-county districts. The council would then be able to put a property tax -- no more than 30 cents for every $100 assessed valuation -- on the ballot in its district... Southeast to award Friend of the University on Friday (02/19/13) The Southeast Missouri University Foundation will award its highest honor to Ludeane F. and the late Leonard R. Ruzicka on Friday. The Ruzickas are the recipients of this year's Friend of the University Award, which will be presented by Southeast Missouri State University President Dr. Ken Dobbins at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Bedell Performance Hall on the River Campus. The award recognizes those closely associated with the mission, purposes, plans and programs of Southeast... Board of Regents meeting set for Wednesday (02/19/13) Southeast Missouri State University's Board of Regents will meet at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Glenn Convocation Center at the River Campus for a strategic planning session. The board will meet to discuss the vision of the university, an environmental scan, the university's performance and obstacles and to develop a planning guide for use during the next three to five years. ... Gitmo psychologist dropped from campus job search (02/18/13) COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The University of Missouri has ended a search for a leader for its College of Education after controversy over a finalist's background as a psychologist at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib. The Columbia Daily Tribune reported that the school is appointing the head of its faculty search committee as an interim replacement rather than hire retired Army Col. Larry James, or a second finalist from the University of Minnesota... Iconic Cape Girardeau fraternity lodge up for sale (02/17/13) The former fraternity house known as the Pike Lodge is on the market after nearly four decades of ownership. The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity -- whose members are commonly referred to as "Pikes" -- of Southeast Missouri State University made the decision to sell its longtime off-campus chapter house because of high maintenance costs, said chapter adviser Trae Bertrand. After repeated acts of vandalism to the house, Bertrand said the building is in "very poor" condition... Enhancing lifestyles Monday riverfront wall in Cape (02/12/13) FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com Christie Oestreich and her dog, Bella, look at the Mississippi River on Monday while checking in with her instructor, Fred Burgard, who teaches a Lifestyle Enhancement course at Southeast Missouri State University. ... Southeast seeks bids to run bookstore, textbook rental (02/11/13) Southeast Missouri State University's in-house bookstore and textbook rental system could be up for bid. In November, university officials began requesting proposals from outside vendors to continue bookstore and textbook rental services. Interested firms had a Jan. 9 deadline to submit bids... Mizzou expands online degrees with $2.5M boost (02/10/13) COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The state's largest bricks-and-mortar college wants to make it easier for students to earn degrees without leaving home. The University of Missouri's flagship campus in Columbia on Friday announced a $2.5 million expansion of its online degree programs, including master's degrees in public health and public affairs and a bachelor's degree in educational studies... Former SEMO student pleads guilty in phony NYC bomb plot (02/08/13) NEW YORK -- A Bangladesh native accused of trying to blow up the Federal Reserve Bank in New York with what he thought was a 1,000-pound car bomb pleaded guilty Thursday to terrorism charges stemming from an FBI sting."I had intentions to commit a violent jihadist act," Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis, a former student at Southeast Missouri State University, said in a soft voice while entering the plea in federal court in Brooklyn... Missouri researchers ID largest prime number yet (02/07/13) KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Mathematicians at the University of Central Missouri have identified the largest prime number yet, but good luck remembering it. The university on Wednesday said that a group led by computer science and mathematics professor Curtis Cooper found the 17 million-digit prime number last month. It is the 48th known Mersenne prime and is the third discovered at the 11,800-student university in Warrensburg, about 50 miles east of Kansas City... Curator appointee from Cape withdrawn by Nixon (02/06/13) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The tenure of a University of Missouri curator has come to an end after barely a month. But J. Michael Ponder could get a second chance at serving. Gov. Jay Nixon withdrew his appointment of the Cape Girardeau lawyer to the governing board of the University of Missouri system on Wednesday night... SEMO professor pleads guilty to reduced charge in casino cheating case (02/07/13) With his guilty plea Wednesday, a Southeast Missouri State University professor said he wasn't cheating -- only trying to. Roger Arpin, a longtime literature professor, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor that added "attempted to" to his original felony that alleged he was cheating at the blackjack tables during a visit to Isle Casino Cape Girardeau in December.. Younger workers, African-Americans bearing the brunt of unemployment (02/06/13) A study released Monday reported unemployment among people ages 18 to 29 at more than twice the national average. Local job resources are trying to find ways to train young people and connect them with skilled employment opportunities so they don't become another gloomy statistic... Ex-Army leader facing MU protests defends his Guantanamo Bay record (02/06/13) COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A quick glance at Larry James' packed resume suggests the retired Army colonel is eminently qualified for a top administrative job at the University of Missouri. He holds a doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Iowa, is dean of professional psychology at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and coordinated mental health resources at the Pentagon after the Sept. 11 terror attacks as part of a 22-year military career... Nixon reverses $8.5M in cuts to higher education (02/05/13) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon reversed an $8.5 million funding cut to Missouri public colleges and universities on Monday while citing improved state tax revenue. The funding for higher education institutions, which amounts to about 1 percent of their state allotments, had been blocked by Nixon since the state budget took effect last summer. ... Participating institutions happy with higher-ed collaboration (02/01/13) The Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education was created between Southeast Missouri State University, Mineral Area College and Three Rivers College to provide general education and associate's degrees for a minimum of three years. That was in 2010, and the end of the 2012-2013 academic year will mark the partnership's third year of existence. Officials at the partnership's member institutions are optimistic about prospects of keeping the effort intact. University foundation receives endowment for entrepreneurial programs (02/01/13) The Southeast Missouri University Foundation has a new endowment for entrepreneurial programs, according to a release sent by the university. The Leonard R. Ruzicka Sr. Program in Entrepreneurial Excellence was established through an endowment from Ruzicka's wife, Ludeane "Lu" Ruzicka of Savannah, Ga. ... Governor: Boost SEMO funding by $1.49 million (01/30/13) A proposal by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon could provide $1.49 million in extra funding for Southeast Missouri State University. Local Republican legislators said while that number sounds nice, paying for the increase could be a challenge. Included in the Nixon budget is $34 million in potential increases for Missouri's public colleges and universities... SEMO could receive $1.49 million extra under budget proposal (01/29/13) A proposal by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon could provide $1.49 million in extra funding for Southeast Missouri State University. But local Republican legislators said while that number sounds nice, paying for the funding increase could be a challenge. Included in the Nixon budget is $34 million in potential funding increases for Missouri's public colleges and universities... Mo. higher ed funding hikes could vary by school (01/29/13) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri's public colleges and universities would get a $34 million funding increase under Gov. Jay Nixon's proposed budget, but not all of the institutions would be treated equally. Nixon's proposed budget seeks to implement a new performance funding plan that would reward some schools with more money than others for meeting goals in such things as student retention and graduation. ... Legend touts ideas fit for Dr. King (01/24/13) More than 1,300 people were at the Show Me Center Tuesday night for the 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner and to hear Grammy Award-winning recording artist John Legend deliver its keynote address. Legend directed much attention to young people in the audience, particularly college students. SEMO receives good grade for online programs (01/20/13) A new ranking lists Southeast Missouri State University's online degree programs among the nation's best. U.S. News & World Report ranked Southeast 42nd in the best online bachelor's degree programs in the country.... River Campus to host two operas (01/18/13) Two dramatic one-act operas will be showcased in performances this weekend at the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University. "Dido and Aeneas" and "Suor Angelica" will both be presented at each performance in English and with an orchestra, and are expected to span about two hours... Southeast spring enrollment up from last year (01/17/13) The total first-day enrollment for the 2013 spring semester at Southeast Missouri State University shows an increase from last year's enrollment numbers. According to Southeast's preliminary report issued Wednesday, first-day enrollment at the university increased 3.4 percent compared to first-day totals in spring 2012. ... Handball court demolition discussed at commission meeting (01/18/13) The old handball court at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus will in time be dismantled, but the bricks used in its construction will live on, members of the Cape Girardeau Historic Preservation Commission were told at their meeting Wednesday night by Kathy Mangels, vice president for finance and administration at Southeast... Gunman wounds man, himself at St. Louis school (01/15/13) ST. LOUIS (AP) -- A part-time student strode into the office of a longtime administrator at a downtown St. Louis business school Tuesday and shot the man in the chest, creating panic in the school before turning the gun on himself, police said. Both men were in surgery Tuesday afternoon at Saint Louis University Hospital. Police Chief Sam Dotson said he was optimistic both would survive, but a hospital spokesman declined to discuss their conditions... SEMO cancels classes at Sikeston (01/15/13) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Southeast Missouri State University announced in a news release today that its Sikeston campus will close early due to inclement weather. The campus will close at 5 p.m. today. Accused casino cheat asks for a new judge (01/09/13) The criminal case against a local university professor charged with cheating at the Cape Girardeau casino has been stalled by his request for a new judge. Roger Arpin was scheduled to be in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing in front of Judge Gary Kamp on a felony count of violating Missouri's riverboat gambling laws.... Cape, SEMO to work on projects throughout city (01/08/13) A sharing of cost and effort by the city of Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri State University will bring several small-scale improvement projects to areas on and near the school's main campus and River Campus. At Monday's council meeting, members of the city council approved the first reading of an ordinance that prompts an agreement between the city and university... Work on Academic Hall dome progresses Monday (01/08/13) FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com New copper sheets glisten in the sun as workers continue the renovation of the Academic Hall dome Monday at Southeast Missouri State University. ... Greek housing renovations proposed (01/08/13) A project that would renovate the interior and exterior of Greek chapter houses at Southeast Missouri State University will be presented to fraternity and sorority membership for approval during the upcoming semester. The project, still in its formative stages, envisions 840-square-foot additions to the first-floor lounge space of each of the 10 chapter houses on "Greek Hill" by fall 2014. It also includes alterations to the exterior of the buildings... Ponder appointed to Missouri Board of Curators (01/06/13) Gov. Jay Nixon on Friday appointed lawyer J. Michael Ponder of Cape Girardeau to the University of Missouri Board of Curators. The board oversees operation of a four-campus system. Ponder's appointment is pending Missouri Senate approval. His term will run through January 2019. ... Former Cape Girardeau mayor to serve on SEMO regents board (01/04/13) Jay Knudtson, banker and former mayor of Cape Girardeau, has been named to a six-year term on the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents. Knudtson, executive vice president at First Missouri State Bank, was appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon to fill the vacancy created by the departure of James Limbaugh, whose term expired Tuesday. ... Student food banks fight hunger on campus (12/26/12) COLUMBIA, Mo. -- University of Missouri junior Simone McGautha works three campus jobs and has accumulated $11,000 in student loans as she seeks to become the first in her family with a college degree. So when McGautha learned about a new campus food pantry for needy students, the 19-year-old was happy to have the help... Kennett executive to lead SEMO Board of Regents (12/23/12) A Kennett, Mo., bank executive has been elected as the new president of the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents. The university said Friday that Doyle Privett takes over effective Dec. 31. He succeeds Donald Bedell, whose term expires Jan. 1... Concealed gun bill for teachers filed in Mo. (12/20/12) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- More than two dozen Missouri lawmakers are backing legislation that would allow teachers and administrators with concealed gun permits to carry weapons in schools. The legislation comes after 20 students and six adults were killed by a shooter at a Connecticut elementary school last week... Website ranks SEMO safest Missouri university (12/20/12) Southeast Missouri State University was named the safest public, four-year university in Missouri for the third consecutive year by StateUniversity.com. The rankings are based on incidents of campus crime as reported by campus safety officials. For more information, visit www.stateuniversity.com/rank/safety_scor...... Professor arrested for cheating at Cape casino (12/18/12) A university professor was in a Jackson courtroom Monday on charges that accuse him of cheating during a weekend visit to Cape Girardeau's new casino. Longtime Southeast Missouri State University literature professor Roger C. Arpin, 66, was arrested at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau on Friday night by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on one felony count of violating Missouri's riverboat gambling laws. ... Wells named to Mineral Area College board of trustees (12/16/12) Alan Wells, longtime director of the St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve counties Joint-Communications Center, has been appointed to serve out the remainder of State Sen.-elect Gary Romine's term on the board of trustees at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo... SEMO students celebrate winter graduation (12/16/12) More than 700 graduates -- cheered on by proud parents and well-wishers -- were awarded degrees Saturday at Southeast Missouri State University's Fall Commencement ceremony. In all, 532 undergraduates and 192 master's candidates had degrees conferred upon them. Fifteen students earned specialist degrees... SEMO Regents approve River Campus construction (12/16/12) A motion to move ahead with construction of academic and residence space at the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University was unanimously approved Friday during a meeting of the university's Board of Regents. Regents approved the design and construction of a three-story, L-shaped building to be positioned close to the Seminary Building at the River Campus. ... Board of Regents to consider River Campus expansion today (12/14/12) Approval for new academic and residence hall space at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus will be considered during today's meeting of the Southeast Board of Regents. University officials have been calling for a $20 million facility at the River Campus to alleviate overcrowded academic space and the need for housing and dining facilities for students who study there. ... With land sale, SEMO moves on from 'technology village' concept (12/13/12) A vision of a technology park once held by leaders of Southeast Missouri State University has turned into one of a different sort led by the city of Cape Girardeau. Wednesday's announcement of the sale of land from the university to the city for development of a business and technology park will leave the university with money to endow agricultural studies, and, according to university president Ken Dobbins, opportunities for experiential learning for Southeast students. ... Cape Girardeau buys land for business park (12/13/12) The city of Cape Girardeau has purchased from the Southeast Missouri University Foundation land that was home to a demonstration farm. It will be used for future business development. The city is buying about 247 acres, at the Interstate 55-East Main Street/LaSalle Avenue interchange, at $25,718 per acre, for a total cost of $6 million... Students take directors' roles at Directors I Showcase on Tuesday (12/12/12) FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com ABOVE: Evyn Johnson, left, and Anna Hebrank perform a scene from "Parallel Lives," directed by Madison Doty as part of the Directors I Showcase on Tuesday in the Rust Flexible Theatre at the River Campus. ... Mo. lawmakers consider college funding formula (12/11/12) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Ten percent of state funding for Missouri's colleges and universities would depend on whether they can meet performance goals such as improved graduation rates, according to a plan presented Monday to state lawmakers. It's part of an initiative, required by state law, to develop a funding formula for higher education institutions similar to what exists for public K-12 education. ... More Illinois students calling Mizzou home (12/10/12) COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Students from Chicago and the rest of Illinois are increasingly calling the University of Missouri home. The Chicago Tribune reported that Illinois students now make up more than 20 percent of Mizzou's freshman class. That's up from just 6 percent in 2000... Proposal would create funding formula for Missouri higher education (12/11/12) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Ten percent of state funding for Missouri's colleges and universities would depend on whether they can meet performance goals such as improved graduation rates, according to a plan presented Monday to state lawmakers. It's part of an initiative, required by state law, to develop a funding formula for higher education institutions similar to what exists for public K-12 education. ... Mother of student killed in scooter accident supports Cape helmet ordinance (12/10/12) Meg Herndon, a member of the Southeast Missouri State University soccer team, was hit by a truck while driving her scooter Sept. 9. She wasn't wearing a helmet and died Sept. 20 from brain injuries. Since the tragedy, her mother, Cindi Herndon, has supported the ordinance passed by the Cape Girardeau City Council on Nov. ... U.S. Sen. Blunt to speak at SEMO commencement (12/04/12) U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt will deliver the address for Southeast Missouri State University's winter commencement, 2 p.m., Dec. 15, at the Show Me Center, the university said Monday. Blunt has served in the U.S. Senate since 2010. He is the vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and is a member of the Senate Republican Whip Team. The university said 739 students are expected to graduate... Project will boost theater, dance, art, music majors (12/03/12) The Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts at Southeast Missouri State University, better known as the River Campus, has been a popular addition to the university and the community since 2007, when it opened at a cost of more than $50 million. ... 3 dead in Wyoming attack at school, neighborhood (11/30/12) CASPER, Wyo. (AP) -- A man wielding a sharp-edged weapon killed one person in a Casper neighborhood Friday before killing a male teacher and himself in a community college classroom, causing a campus-wide lockdown as authorities tried to piece together what happened. Southeast closed for Thanksgiving (11/20/12) Southeast Missouri State University will be closed Thursday in observance of Thanksgiving. Classes will not be in session Wednesday through Friday, and offices will be closed Thursday and Friday. Southeast will resume operation at 8 a.m. Monday. Pertinent address:... City slows alcohol age ordinance; toughens own rules (11/19/12) An ordinance some hoped would help keep alcohol out of the hands of those less than 21 years of age may not be coming onto the books in Cape Girardeau anytime soon, but city officials say stepped-up enforcement of current laws is on its way. The ordinance would have disallowed anyone younger than 21 from being in a restaurant or bar -- with 35 percent or more annual gross sales from alcohol -- past 10 p.m. ... University of Central Missouri set to go tobacco free (11/19/12) WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- The University of Central Missouri will become a tobacco-free campus by July 2014. Under a policy approved Friday, tobacco will be prohibited on campus grounds and in all university-controlled buildings, including residence halls and apartments. Tobacco use also will be barred in university-owned or leased vehicles. There are a handful of exceptions. For instance, the policy won't be enforced on parking lots during public events, such as commencement... SEMO officials say statistics suggest students are safe (11/14/12) Although they acknowledged that room for improvement remains, Southeast Missouri State University officials on Tuesday said a new report depicts a campus that is largely free of violent crime. With incidents such as assaults involving student athletes, some hazing and a flasher making headlines in recent years, they hope the report can assure students and parents that Southeast not only is an affordable place to receive an education, but also is a safe one... La Russa touts trust, respect, character at SEMO appearance (11/09/12) Almost 1,300 people were at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau on Thursday night to hear future Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa deliver his thoughts about "Leading Successful Teams." Before he gave his appearance, La Russa briefly fielded questions from local media. He was asked by the Southeast Missourian if he knew during his tenure as Cardinals manager that baseball fans in Southeast Missouri bleed Cardinal red... SEMO Press to release book on Veterans Day (11/09/12) Sunday, Veterans Day, marks the release of "Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors." Four local veterans contributed to the project: Levi Bollinger, Larry Breeze, Aaron Horrell and Nicholas Watts-Fernandez. "Proud to Be" contains essays, stories, poems and photographs from 61 contributors from across the nation. ... Tony La Russa to speak at Show Me Center this week (11/06/12) A future hall of fame baseball manager who is a household name among St. Louis Cardinals fans is coming to Cape Girardeau. Former Cardinals manager and three-time World Series winner Tony La Russa will present a speech, "Leading Successful Teams," at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Show Me Center... American classic: University students perform "The Crucible" at River Campus (11/02/12) Southeast Missouri State University theater students will tackle an American classic when they perform Arthur Miller's Tony Award-winning drama "The Crucible" starting next week. Miller's play will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Nov. 10 at the Wendy Kurka Rust Flexible Theatre at the River Campus, with other performances scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 9 and 2 p.m. Nov. 10 to 11... Three Rivers campus expansion poised to begin (10/28/12) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Work soon will begin on the phase one of the new Three Rivers College campus in Sikeston. Three Rivers president, Dr. Devin Stephenson, addressed the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday at Tanner Street Church of God and gave an overview of the plan... Southeast DPS have suspect in sexual misconduct incidents reported on campus (10/26/12) Authorities at Southeast Missouri State University say they are closing in on a man who has reportedly been exposing his genitals to female students across campus over the past several weeks. No arrests have been made but a suspect has been identified, said Doug Richards, director of the university's Department of Public Safety. ... Southeast approves charter school through 2018 (10/24/12) Southeast Missouri State University says a charter schools it oversees can continue operating through 2018. The university's Board of Regents renewed the charter for the Lift for Life Academy in St. Louis last week. Charter schools must have a sponsor, which reviews the performance of the publicly funded but independently run schools. Sponsors determine if the schools can continue to operate... SEMO officials: Paperwork for Nafis was done appropriately (10/24/12) From the time they recruited Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis until the day they transferred his paperwork, Southeast Missouri State University officials said Tuesday they never broke protocol or procedures in their brief affiliation with the former international student charged last week with trying to blow up the Federal Reserve building in New York... College price hikes more modest but still unpleasant (10/24/12) The sticker price of in-state tuition at four-year public universities climbed about $400 this fall -- an increase of nearly 5 percent that brought the average to $8,655. That's a modest increase compared to recent years but still painful for families with stagnant incomes amid a prolonged economic slump... SEMO Board of Regents promotes two (10/23/12) The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents approved two promotions to fill vacancies of retiring faculty, according to a news release Monday. Dr. Debbie Below was promoted to vice president for enrollment management and student success and dean of students. Dr. Bruce Skinner was promoted to associate vice president for student success and director of residence life... Mo. legislative panel focuses on higher ed funding (10/23/12) WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- A panel of state lawmakers holds a hearing at the University of Central Missouri this week on creation of a funding formula for higher education institutions. Tuesday's hearing is the second of three scheduled by the Legislature's Joint Committee on Education... Regents approve River Campus expansion project (10/21/12) The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents has taken the first step toward construction of $20 million in new facilities at the River Campus. Regents gave unanimous approval Friday for a project that envisions the combination academic space and student housing into one building at the northeast corner of the River Campus or, as an alternative, the north side of Morgan Oak Street... Homecoming brings back friends, memories (10/21/12) Red and black congestion ruled downtown Cape Girardeau as alumni, students and friends crowded onto Broadway for SEMO's annual Homecoming Parade on Saturday morning. Escorted by Cape Girardeau's finest the parade began with members of the ROTC bearing flags, followed by the cheerleaders, flag corps and twirlers. The Redhawks marching band danced down the street and preceded the parade marshals, Southeast Missouri State University President Ken Dobbins and his wife, Jeanine... Alleged Nafis co-conspirator arrested for child pornography (10/19/12) A man federal authorities say plotted with a former Southeast Missouri State University student to blow up the Federal Reserve in New York is accused on child pornography charges, The Associated Press reported. Howard Willie Carter II was arraigned Thursday in federal court in San Diego on three counts of child pornography. He pleaded not guilty... Suspect's family shocked at N.Y. bomb plot allegations (10/19/12) DHAKA, Bangladesh -- A few hours before he was arrested in an FBI sting, a Bangladeshi man accused of trying to blow up New York's Federal Reserve building calmly spoke via Skype with his parents back home and updated them on his studies, his family said... Man shocked by terror claims against ex-classmate (10/18/12) ST. LOUIS (AP) -- A former college classmate of a Bangladeshi man accused of plotting a car bomb attack on New York City's Federal Reserve says the allegations don't square with the peaceful student he remembers. Jim Dow says he was shocked to learn of 21-year-old Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis' arrest Wednesday during an FBI terror sting in New York... AP source: Obama was considered potential target (10/18/12) NEW YORK (AP) -- A Bangladeshi man and former Southeast Missouri State University student snared in an FBI terror sting considered targeting President Barack Obama and the New York City Stock Exchange before settling on a car bomb attack on the Federal Reserve, just blocks from the World Trade Center site, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday... Terror suspect's family says he asked to go to US (10/18/12) NEW YORK (AP) -- Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis was a terrible student in his native Bangladesh, and his middle-class parents say he persuaded them to send him off to study in the U.S. as a way of improving his job prospects. Terror suspect showed no hint of plot in time at Southeast (10/19/12) Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis was shy and quiet, said one person who shared the faith. He had no car, so sometimes he would make small talk with those offering rides to his apartment on Pacific Street. Former classmates found him likable enough, with one recalling Nafis making several comments that true Muslims don't like violence... Timeline: Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis in the United States (10/19/12) January to May Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis starts classes at Southeast Missouri State University. A foreign student from Bangladesh, Nafis announces his major as cybersecurity and takes 12 credit hours of classes before transferring out of the school after the semester ends... Regents to consider academic space, residence hall Friday (10/19/12) The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents will meet Friday to consider the feasibility of new academic space and a residence hall at the River Campus and contracting for architectural and engineering projects. The meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Room 112 of the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Technology and Entrepreneurship... University president releases letter, says SEMO campus is safe (10/19/12) Southeast Missouri State University President Dr. Ken Dobbins released a letter to the campus and community Thursday, letting people know the school is a safe place despite the arrest of a former student on terror charges. The FBI arrested 21-year-old Quazi Mohammad Rezwanul Ahsan Nafis of Bangladesh on Wednesday after he tried to detonate a fake 1,000-pound (454-kilogram) car bomb, according to a criminal complaint... University of Missouri leaders support tobacco tax (10/18/12) COLUMBIA, Mo. -- A November ballot measure to significantly raise Missouri's tobacco tax to increase public education spending is drawing financial support from leaders of the state's flagship university and the other Missouri system campuses. The Columbia Daily Tribune reported Tuesday that the campaign donors in favor of the Proposition B ballot measure include University of Missouri curator Warren Erdman, who contributed $5,000. ... Scooter, alcohol regs approved by council (10/16/12) Cape Girardeau's city council will allow travel by scooters on more of the city's streets, but hasn't budged so far on a requirement for operators to wear helmets that would be included in a proposed ordinance to regulate the operation of scooters. Purchase of insurance may also be required... Council proposal would kick underage from bars after 10 p.m. (10/15/12) Bar owners can do their best to prevent it -- pore over driver's licenses, study every borderline face or mark black X's onto the wrists of those with birth dates that miss the legal age. But David Creech says it's not possible in today's world to outsmart every faker. If the job entails serving cold brews and cocktails, he says, then at some point the patron who pays up the cash and throws back that drink is not legally old enough to drink it... Southeast's Homecoming week events begin Monday (10/12/12) Organizers of this year's festivities at Southeast Missouri State University promise one of the best Homecoming weeks yet, culminating in a parade with more than 130 entries. "Going Places with Southeast" is the theme of the 2012 edition of Homecoming week, which wraps up next Saturday with the annual parade and the Redhawks taking to the gridiron at Houck Stadium... River Campus concert will raise funds for instruments (10/12/12) As part of the initiative to replace aging musical instruments at Southeast Missouri State University's School of Visual and Performing Arts, critically acclaimed Russian piano virtuosa Valentina Igoshina will perform a special benefit concert Sunday at the River Campus... SEMO student spending increasingly goes to tech (10/11/12) Southeast Missouri State University students' spending habits have changed over time, according to figures from a new university-generated economic study and numbers from previous studies. Students are now spending more on technology items like computers and cellphones... Marlers named Southeast homecoming parade marshals (10/09/12) Lawrence and Donna Marler of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., will serve as marshals in Southeast Missouri State University's Homecoming parade Oct. 20, the university announced in a news release Monday. The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Capaha Park and travel east on Broadway to Main Street, ending at 43 S. ... High court looks at race in college admissions (10/09/12) WASHINGTON -- Nine years after the Supreme Court said colleges and universities can use race in their quest for diverse student bodies, the justices have put this divisive social issue back on their agenda in the middle of a presidential election campaign... Study: SEMO students spend more than $60 million locally (10/07/12) Students at Southeast Missouri State University are spending more than $63 million locally, according to a new study released Friday by the university. Researchers, including professors and students at Southeast, looked at spending in 48 categories from rent to tattoos during the fall of 2011... Southeast gets agriculture grant from USDA (10/04/12) Southeast Missouri State University was awarded the Missouri Higher Education Partnership for Agriculture Relevancy grant by the USDA, according to a Wednesday news release. The two-year grant is worth $30,000 and will be used for improving agriculture and renewable resources teaching... 'We're still No. 1': Colin Powell speaks on diplomacy, values at Show Me Center (10/03/12) More than 1,600 people were at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau on Tuesday night to hear retired four-star Army general, statesman and author Colin Powell deliver his speech, "Diplomacy: Persuasion, Trust and Values." At the outset, Powell noted that it was his first time to visit Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri State University, "but at this stage of my life," he jokingly said, "it's good to be anywhere, man. ... Colin Powell to speak Tuesday at Show Me Center (10/01/12) Retired four-star Army general, statesman and author Colin Powell will present a speech, "Diplomacy: Persuasion, Trust and Values," on Tuesday at the Show Me Center. The presentation is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Southeast Missouri State University president Dr. Ken Dobbins has met Powell before, and expects him to make for a great kickoff to the university's Speakers Series... Endowment donors get first chance at Three Rivers bonds (09/30/12) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Three Rivers College Board of Trustees voted Thursday in a special meeting on requirements donors must meet to participate in the initial offering of a donor secured bond sale. Three Rivers has $5.4 million in bonds to sell, with preference given until December to those who contribute to the Three Rivers Endowment Trust... ‘Grease' opens to large audience at Bedell (09/27/12) It's 5 p.m. opening night, and sophomore Michael Burrell is already hard at work, preparing for the role of Danny Zuko, the lead role in "Grease," the first production put on at the River Campus this school year by the SEMO Department of Theatre and Dance... Humanities series speaker presents lecture on separation of religion, government (09/26/12) A near-capacity audience was on hand Tuesday night at Southeast Missouri State University's Rose Theatre to listen to Dr. Daniel L. Dreisbach's lecture, "Mending Wall or Spite Fence?: Revisiting Thomas Jefferson's Wall of Separation." Dreisbach, a professor at American University in Washington, D.C., spoke for nearly an hour in what was Southeast's fourth installment of the Crader Humanities Lecture Series. ... SEMO receives $18,000 ag grant (09/25/12) The Department of Agriculture at Southeast Missouri State University has been awarded a two-year $18,000 grant, the university said in a release Monday. The grant will be used to evaluate methods to reduce nutrient losses from underground water systems... Lecturer at SEMO to discuss Jefferson's 'separation of church and state' remark (09/24/12) A Rhodes scholar will talk about what Thomas Jefferson meant about keeping church and state separate when he championed the idea at a special lecture this week at Southeast Missouri State University. The Crader Family Endowment for American Values will present a lecture by Dr. Daniel Dreisbach, professor at American University in Washington, D.C., at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Rose Theatre... Southeast student in Sept. 9 scooter accident dies (09/21/12) A Southeast Missouri State University student died Thursday afternoon at a St. Louis hospital, following a Sept. 9 motor vehicle accident that left the 21-year-old senior in critical condition. Meg Herndon of Fenton, Mo., suffered a severe brain injury when the scooter she was riding was hit by a truck at South Sprigg Street and Normal Avenue. The driver of the truck, Steven Minner of Morley, Mo., has since been cited for failure to yield and for not wearing a seat belt... College partnership to promote nurses getting master's degree (09/21/12) Southeast Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Cape Girardeau has partnered with Cox College, a nursing college in Springfield, Mo., to establish a program that beginning in October will provide an avenue for registered nurses to obtain a master of science in nursing... Cape police to increase underage drinking enforcement (09/21/12) Local law enforcement agencies will be working to spoil the party if those imbibing are underage. They also will be stepping up their presence at area bars to try to spot those under the age of 21 who used fake identifications to have an alcoholic drink illegally. Four-week numbers show SEMO enrollment at all-time high (09/20/12) Enrollment at Southeast Missouri State University has reached an all-time high this fall, according to the four-week official census released by the university Wednesday. The total number of undergraduate and graduate students this semester is 11,729, a 1.9 percent from the same time last year. The university is in its 18th consecutive year of enrollment growth... Frank Nickell retiring after four decades at SEMO (09/17/12) When Dr. Frank Nickell arrived in Cape Girardeau from Albuquerque, N.M., to begin teaching history at Southeast Missouri State University, the Vietnam War was still raging and college campuses across the country were exploding with protest and turmoil... SEMO, Mineral Area sign transfer deal for students seeking two-year degree (09/18/12) PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Southeast Missouri State University and Mineral Area College announced an agreement Monday that will allow Southeast students to more easily transfer their credits to and earn an associate of arts degree from Mineral Area College... SEMO receives $1.1 million grant for scholars program (09/16/12) A post-baccalaureate achievement program at Southeast Missouri State University has been awarded a five-year $1.1 million federal grant. The university's McNair Scholars Program is one of seven federal TRIO programs and prepares first-generation, limited-income and underrepresented students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other activities, according to a university news release... SEMO on 'pathway to improvement,' examiners say (09/16/12) Examiners from the Higher Learning Commission visited Southeast Missouri State University this week to further evaluate the university's ongoing reaccreditation process. At a noontime meeting held Friday at the University Center, the examiners summarized their findings to administration officials and faculty members... SEMO to host reaccreditation meeting today (09/14/12) Southeast Missouri State University will host a meeting today concerning its reaccreditation. The open meeting will host two representatives of the Higher Learning Commission who are visiting Southeast to study the university's commitment to the Academic Quality Improvement Program, which centers on quality of education improvements and the university improving its overall performance... Civil War document project at SEMO moving into final phase (09/04/12) After a year of phone calls, travel and surveys of original Civil War materials, the digital-documentation project at Southeast Missouri State University's Kent Library is now prepared to begin its final phase. The project, titled "Confluence and Crossroads: The Civil War in the American Heartland," has gathered more than 1,600 individual documents, photographs and artifacts from the period that are relevant to the history of the conflict in 23 Southeast Missouri counties and five in Southern Illinois. ... Southeast regent, community advocate Kimberly Mothershead dies at 53 (08/29/12) Described as a "person of joy" by a friend, Kimberly Mothershead left a legacy of service to the community when she passed away Monday after a battle with cancer. She was 53. "Anytime you were with her the world would be lighter and brighter," said Jane Stacy, director emerita of alumni services at Southeast Missouri State University. Stacy said she knew Mothershead as a student at Southeast and later in their Sunday school class... Three Rivers enrollment tops 4,800 (08/28/12) One week into classes, Three Rivers College has reported more than 4,800 students are enrolled on campuses in Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Kennett, Cape Girardeau, Malden, Portageville and Sikeston. The duplicated headcount -- which means students who are taking classes at multiple campuses may be counted more than once -- is nearly 14 percent more than the 4,235 students the college had at census in the fall of 2011. ... SEMO may end up in No. 2 spot in state for university growth (08/26/12) By the time the official numbers come out in a few weeks, Southeast Missouri State University could have the second-highest percentage increase of all public universities in Missouri for the second year in a row. Only the University of Missouri in Columbia is growing at a more rapid pace... The Arrow fall kickoff (08/26/12) Nathan Hamilton ~ The Arrow The Arrow held its first full staff of the 2012 fall semester at 5 p.m. Wednesday in Grauel Building on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. Forty-four people attended the meeting, and 29 of them were students interested in joining the staff. The editorial staff introduced the potentially new writers, photographers and designers to Arrow procedures, and some new writers were assigned a story to write... Southeast history lecture set for Sept. 25 (08/23/12) Southeast Missouri State University's annual Crader History Lecture will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The lecture will be held at the Rose Theatre at 408 N. Pacific St. Admission is free. Dr. Daniel L. Dreisbach will present "Thomas Jefferson and the Wall of Seperation." Dreisbach is a professor at American University and a noted author and commentator... Southeast enrollment increases for 17th consecutive year (08/22/12) Southeast Missouri State University enrollment has grown for the 17th consecutive year, the school said in a news release Tuesday. Enrollment stands at 11,132 students, up 2.4 percent from last year, according to the release. During the last four years, enrollment has grown an average of 1.9 percent annually... SEMO students start to fill dorms on move-in day (08/17/12) New arrivals began filing into Southeast Missouri State University Thursday, the university's official move-in day, and joined an anticipated record high number of students who will live on campus. On Wednesday, the university's Office of Residence Life had more than 3,000 housing contracts in place for this fall, and director of residence life Dr. Bruce Skinner said some contracts were still in flux... Southeast to offer U.S. Army Reserve officer training program (08/15/12) Expect the military presence to increase next year at Southeast Missouri State University. Kent Library receives grant to digitize Civil War materials (08/14/12) The Special Collections and Archives at Southeast Missouri State University's Kent Library has received a grant for digitizing original Civil War materials. The $73,139 grant, funded by the Missouri Library Services and Technology Act, will pay for digitizing materials held by libraries, historical agencies and individuals from the region and across the country. ... Mo., Kan. universities seek out-of-state students (08/14/12) KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Out-of-state students are becoming increasingly important at universities in Kansas and Missouri, which are searching for ways to offset rising costs and cuts in state funding for higher education. About 35 percent of the University of Missouri's freshmen this fall are from outside the state, more than double the 17 percent 10 years ago. And this year, for the first time, Missouri received more applications from other states than from Missouri residents... Police: 3 dead after shooting near Texas A&M (08/13/12) COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) -- A gunman and a law enforcement officer were among three people killed Monday in a shooting near the Texas A&M University campus, police said. A male civilian also was killed, while two other officers and a woman were injured in the shooting in College Station, said Bryan Police Department spokesman Jon Agnew. Bryan police are assisting nearby College Station in the investigation... SEMO regents to consider additional locations for River Campus expansion (08/07/12) Come October, Southeast Missouri State University officials will look at several scenarios when they consider future expansion of the university's visual and performing arts campus. An architectural firm, the Lawrence Group, is developing multiple plans for the addition of a 150-bed residence hall and academic space near the River Campus, which it will present to the university's board of regents at an October meeting. ... Charleston building may become welding school after firm leaves (08/05/12) CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Whether a new business moves in to the Gates building or it becomes a jobs training center, it's a win for Mississippi County. Either outcome beats a vacant building falling into disrepair. Carlin Bennett, presiding commissioner of Mississippi County, said during Thursday's county commission meeting that he recently heard some good news during an informal meeting with Devin Stephenson, president of Three Rivers College... Former Cape police chief to direct SEMO academy (08/05/12) Former Cape Girardeau police chief Carl Kinnison was recently appointed director of the Law Enforcement Academy at Southeast Missouri State University. He will replace Dr. Michael Brown, who has announced his retirement after 25 years... Three Rivers, University of Missouri reach transfer agreement (08/03/12) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A 20-year-old Van Buren, Mo., forestry major will be the first student to benefit from a series of transfer agreements signed Tuesday between Three Rivers College and the University of Missouri. The agreements in teaching, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, physical therapy assistant, forestry and health science programs mark Mizzou's first formal agreement with Three Rivers, and first formal presence serving Southeast Missouri residents in their home communities... Cape Career and Technology Center to roll out more programs in '13 (08/03/12) Education officials hope some of Southeast Missouri's high school students could soon be on a faster track to becoming the region's future workforce with the help of a $1 million grant from the state. The development of the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center as an "Innovation Campus" during the next year will begin new programs locally and throughout the region that allow high school students to receive college credit and gain work experience, said Rich Payne, director of the center... Cape project to get $1 million 'Innovation Campus' funding (08/02/12) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri officials are awarding nine grants worth nearly $9 million to create so-called "Innovation Campuses" involving colleges and universities. The program pairs universities and colleges with businesses to train students for jobs in high-demand fields. It also is aimed at helping students earn their degrees faster and graduate with less debt... SEMO opens new biofuels research field in Sikeston (07/22/12) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Southeast Missouri may not only be the future home of biomass production and technology; it will also be the source for those versed in it. Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Agriculture hosted a grand opening ceremony for its Biomass/Biofuels Research and Demonstration Field at Southeast's Sikeston campus Thursday morning. ... Schedule of rec center construction changes (07/18/12) The Southeast Missouri State University Student Recreation Center-North will now be open July 30 through Aug. 5 due to a change in the construction schedule. It will be open during its normal operating hours of 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays... University Department of Public Safety officers begin bike patrols (07/15/12) Starting this weekend, five Southeast Missouri State University Department of Public Safety officers will pedal while patrolling the campus. Campus bike patrol is new to the university's police department. Department director Doug Richards said the bicycle patrols will be in addition the current patrols on campus done by officers on foot and using cars... Inquiry: Penn St. officials concealed sex abuse (07/13/12) PHILADELPHIA -- Joe Paterno and other top Penn State officials buried child sexual abuse allegations against Jerry Sandusky more than a decade ago to avoid bad publicity, according to a scathing report Thursday that exposed a powerful "culture of reverence" for the football program and portrayed the Hall of Fame coach as more deeply involved in the scandal than previously thought. Congress passes student loans, highway jobs bill (06/29/12) WASHINGTON (AP) -- Finding rare political accommodation on the cusp of a holiday recess, Congress passed legislation Friday designed to salvage 2.8 million jobs and shield students from a sharp increase in loan interest rates. The legislation, which also revamps highway and transit programs and shores up the federal flood insurance program, now goes to the White House for President Barack Obama's signatures... SEMO's financial outlook has turned around since January (06/29/12) Months of compromise and conversations over possible budget cuts for fiscal year 2013 are coming to a close at Southeast Missouri State University, but officials are still looking ahead cautiously. Since January, the university's financial outlook has done something of a turnaround. ... Three Rivers approves budget for next year (06/28/12) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Three Rivers College Board of Trustees approved during Tuesday's monthly meeting a $22.9 million operating budget for the next fiscal year. The budget contains no planned deficit spending or surplus revenue. President Dr. Devin Stephenson said the budget sets about $166,000 aside for a possible 4 percent withholding in state funds. This was wise, he explained, in light of Gov. Jay Nixon's recent announcement of what amounts to a 1 percent cut for higher education... Colleges moving toward absolute bans on smoking (06/28/12) COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As a political science major at Ohio State University, Ida Seitter says, she lit up many a cigarette to help her through the stress of exam season. Right or wrong, they were her security blanket as she toiled through college. Seitter, now 26, was old enough by then to make her own decisions, she says. ... Southeast Missouri is seeing a shortage of nurses in hospitals (06/25/12) All signs point to a shortage of nurses and other health care professionals coming to Southeast Missouri. Regional educational institutions with programs in health care study are facing maxed-out resources. Qualified faculty to teach nursing courses are becoming increasingly more difficult to find, and slots for students to participate in clinicals at area hospitals and other health care facilities are full... Starbucks, Subway coming to Southeast campus (06/22/12) A planned expansion of dining services in fall 2012 at Southeast Missouri State University will include the addition of two well-known national chains and more seating in the University Center. The Beanery Cafe now in the University Center will be replaced by a full-service Starbucks during the fall semester. ... SEMO regents pass $98.3 million operating budget (06/21/12) A long-term plan for dealing with consecutive years of cuts to state appropriations going to Southeast Missouri State University was deemed a success by its president and board of regents Wednesday as the board gave approval to the coming academic year's $98.3 million operating budget... La Russa, Powell, John Legend headline SEMO speaker series (06/17/12) Highlighting the 2012-2013 Southeast Missouri State University Speakers Series are former St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa Jr., music star John Legend and retired U.S. Army general and former secretary of state Colin L. Powell. Powell, decorated U.S. ... SEMO's River Campus announces 2012-2013 season (06/15/12) The Southeast Missouri State University River Campus has announced the lineup for its 2012-2013 season, which will again offer an array of performing arts events by professional touring companies as well as the school's faculty and students of music, theater and dance. Three Rivers expecting strong enrollment to continue (06/13/12) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Three Rivers College expects to see strong enrollment for the fourth straight year, according to a projected balanced budget presented to the board of trustees Monday during a workshop at Sam A. Baker State Park. The approximately $22.9 million budget for Fiscal Year 2013 bases revenue projections in large part on enrollment figures from this year's two record-setting semesters. Tuition and fees equal about half the college's annual revenue... Retiring director looks back on growth of SEMO's Sikeston campus (06/11/12) SIKESTON, Mo. -- Judy Buck has nurtured Southeast Missouri State University's Sikeston campus from the very beginning, and now, after 14 years, the director is preparing to say goodbye. The longtime educator is retiring, effective June 29. "This is my baby," Buck said about Southeast-Sikeston. "Someone said to me: ‘You took it from the incubator stage and on up.' And I have."... SEMO students get hands-on farming experience at Sikeston campus (06/12/12) SIKESTON, Mo. -- A familiar crop is sprouting up in a new place -- Southeast Missouri State University's campus in Sikeston. As part of a simulated farm operation, 15 students planted 25 acres of soybeans at Southeast's Sikeston campus on May 1... Southeast preparing for visit from accrediting agency (06/11/12) Southeast Missouri State University's administration says its programs will be well recognized for quality during an upcoming evaluation to determine whether reaccreditation is deserved, even though there is a bit of a rush on campus to get ready. Southeast expects a visit in September by a team from its regional accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission. ... Ukrainian students learning how English is taught as second language in U.S. (06/07/12) For the past three weeks, several area schools and many classrooms at Southeast Missouri State University have played host to visitors from a faraway place. Four college students from Ukraine -- Kseniia Dabizha, Olena Melnyk, Tetyana Kucher and Tetiana Bondarenko -- said they've never visited a place like Cape Girardeau. ... New development director of SEMO foundation named (06/08/12) KRCU radio's development director will soon take over a new role in the university community. Amanda Lincoln, development director with KRCU radio, was recently named director of development with the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation, according to a university news release... Rep. Emerson celebrates service academy nominations Sunday (06/04/12) LAURA SIMON ~ lsimon@semissourian.com Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, right, poses for a photo at Celebrations in Cape Girardeau Sunday, June 3, 2012 with the three Eighth Congressional District students she nominated to the nation's service academies. ... Partnership for Higher Education discusses student tracking, increase in A+ students, marketing (05/31/12) Southeast Missouri's big three of higher education discussed Wednesday the effects that better tracking of students, efforts to step up marketing and an increase in A+ scholarship students might have on the growth and viability of their community college partnership... Bloomfield superintendent to run SEMO's Malden center (05/31/12) MALDEN, Mo. -- Dr. Nicholas Thiele, superintendent of the Bloomfield, Mo., schools, has been named director of Southeast Missouri State University's regional campus in Malden, it was announced Tuesday. Thiele will begin his duties at the center July 1. He replaces Dr. Rick Hux, a former Dexter, Mo., alderman, who is retiring June 30 after 12 years as director. Hux moved to Jonesboro, Ark., last year and has been making the daily drive to Malden this year... SEMO hires Sikeston superintendent to head Sikeston campus (05/27/12) SIKESTON Mo. -- Sikeston's superintendent of public schools, Steve Borgsmiller, has been named as the new director of Southeast Missouri State University's Sikeston campus. Borgsmiller will start in his new position in early July, according to a news release from the university. The center's current director, Judy Buck, is set to retire June 28 after 14 years... Mo. lawmakers approve fund for college building (05/23/12) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon is weighing legislation creating a new state fund that would help finance construction at public colleges and universities. Lawmakers approved the measure during the annual session that ended last week... SEMO projects on track and on budget, officials say (05/17/12) Seen from afar, the green dome of Academic Hall at Southeast Missouri State University is a recognizable feature to many. But with campuswide renovations this summer, a copper-colored glow will soon return. The 106-year-old building is in the midst of a $21 million upgrade that will replace its top with new copper, in addition to an interior overhaul that aims to preserve its historical features while making student services operations more convenient and accessible... SEMO releases penalties for participants in hazing incident (05/17/12) Southeast Missouri State University has punished eight members of the football team involved in an April 13 hazing incident. According to a university news release, the students will receive a range of penalties after going through the university's judicial review process. ... SEMO students concerned about effect of new limits on parking (05/15/12) As homeowners in an area near the Southeast Missouri State University campus push to implement a parking license system in their neighborhood, university students and some officials are expressing concerns about what effect new parking limitations could have... Southeast graduates record number of students (05/13/12) Students in Southeast Missouri State's first graduating class of 2012 entered the post-college world Saturday while setting several records for the university. More than 1,100 students accepted congratulations from Missouri's governor as they crossed the stage, and later from their families and friends at a packed Show Me Center... SEMO regents approve tuition increase (05/13/12) Southeast Missouri State University students returning in the fall will face a higher tuition bill for a second straight year. SEMO makes changes to commencement to accommodate greater number of graduates (05/11/12) Southeast Missouri State University's campus bustled with this week as students moved between buildings on the last day of final exams for the spring semester. Some packed their bags, headed home for the summer. Others prepared for life beyond the university campus when they picked up their caps and gowns at the Wehking Alumni Center along Broadway. Of those, there were many... Crowell: Stalling budget wasn't due to vendetta against SEMO (05/11/12) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Sen. Jason Crowell wasn't acting out of malice, he said Thursday. When the Cape Girardeau Republican tried to block Southeast Missouri State University from getting an extra $2 million this week, he said he was acting on principle... Southeast receives $500K grant from Energy Department (05/10/12) Southeast Missouri State University will develop a center to train students on energy engineering, funded by a $500,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant. The five-year award is a subgrant from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Faculty members at Southeast and the University of Missouri-Columbia are collaborating on the project titled "Missouri Industrial Assessment and Education Center."... Mo. universities could get $3M funding boost after compromise (05/09/12) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- House and Senate negotiators have agreed to provide an additional $3 million to several Missouri universities to resolve a dispute that had held up the state's budget. A budget conference committee approved the money Wednesday as a replacement for a proposal that would have allotted an extra $2 million to Southeast Missouri State University... Residents renew attempt at parking permits near SEMO campus (05/09/12) A group of residents who live near Southeast Missouri State University is lobbying Cape Girardeau officials for special parking permits that would only be available to those who own their own homes, a notion that has left some city leaders leery. Some residents who live in the Boulevard Historic District, which is adjacent to the campus, asked the Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday night to consider implementing a parking sticker system for certain side streets, such as portions of Park Avenue, West End Boulevard, Highland Drive and Normal Avenue.. ... Crowell fights against plan to give SEMO extra $2 million for funding equity (05/09/12) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A disagreement over whether Southeast Missouri State University deserves a $2 million funding increase was contributing to a stalemate Tuesday on Missouri's $24 billion budget plan. SEMA funds to help build Three Rivers campus in Sikeston (05/07/12) SIKESTON, Mo. -- A grant from the State Emergency Management Association will provide funding for the first building on Three Rivers College's Sikeston campus. Three Rivers College announced Friday in a news release the receipt of over $3.3 million in grant funding from SEMA... Senate turns to partisan fight over student loans (05/07/12) WASHINGTON -- The Senate is the newest arena in the election-year face-off over federal student loans, and both sides are starting out by pounding away at each other. With Congress returning from a weeklong spring recess, the Senate plans to vote Tuesday on whether to start debating a Democratic plan to keep college loan interest rates for 7.4 million students from doubling July 1. ... Mo. lawmakers consider fund for college building (05/07/12) JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lawmakers are considering a new way to help pay for construction on college campuses. The proposal calls for creating the Higher Education Capital Fund, which could be used to provide state matching funds for local contributions to capital improvement projects at colleges and universities... SEMO graduates facing mixed outlook for jobs (05/03/12) National studies released so far this spring show mixed prospects for new graduates seeking jobs as Southeast Missouri State University prepares to release diplomas to the largest-ever number of students in the college's history. A recent analysis of government data conducted for the Associated Press showed that while opportunities for college graduates vary widely, job prospects for bachelor's degree recipients fell to the lowest level in a decade last year... Symphony orchestra to perform 'Requiem' at Bedell (05/01/12) The Southeast Missouri State University Symphony Orchestra, University Choir and Choral Union will collaborate in performance of Gabriel Faure's "Requiem." Class of 2012 to be SEMO's largest (05/01/12) Southeast Missouri will graduate its largest-ever class during this year's spring commencement exercise. According to a news release from the university, 1,322 undergraduate and graduate students will receive degrees at 2 p.m. May 12 at the Show Me Center... 22 attend Partnership for Higher Education enrollment open house (04/27/12) The Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education welcomed students Thursday for an open house enrollment event while a semester approaches that could lead the way to a make or break situation among the region's three higher education institutions. Southeast officials: No form of hazing is acceptable (04/22/12) Hazing in any form won't be tolerated at Southeast Missouri State University, officials said Friday, one week after an incident involving members of the Redhawks football team. The team members allegedly duct-taped the hands, feet and mouths of several players and carried them from a locker room onto the field while the players tried to extract themselves... Assistant dean says SEMO sees several hazing cases a year (04/20/12) Officials remain tight-lipped on details about last week's alleged hazing activity involving Southeast Missouri State University's football team, but several university employees spoke Thursday on the frequency of similar incidents in past years, hazing education efforts on campus and their view on hazing's place in the university community. Southeast students wrap up 20th annual research conference (04/20/12) Twenty years ago, the first student research conference at Southeast Missouri State University consisted of the presentation of eight papers. Research projects were created by students independently of coursework. Participation back then was good for including on a resume, organizers of this year's annual event say, but now the conference serves a much larger purpose for many students... Southeast football players could face punishment for alleged hazing (04/19/12) At least 10 members of the Southeast Missouri State University football team may face discipline through the university's judicial system following an early morning hazing incident last week. Hazing was reported to the Department of Public Safety on Saturday after an incident that began Friday morning in the Merick Hall football locker room. ... Missouri Court of Appeals to hear cases at SEMO (04/17/12) The Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District, will convene to hear five cases at Southeast Missouri State University on April 30. "The Eastern District comprises large areas outside of St. Louis, and by traveling to all parts of the district, citizens of our state have an opportunity to observe a part of the judicial process that they normally do not see." said Chief Judge Kurt Odenwald in a news release Monday... Dobbins: No hotel, but SEMO still planning to expand housing (04/17/12) Sometimes ideas turn out to be only ideas. Southeast Missouri State University president Dr. Ken Dobbins put a kibosh on his idea for a hotel near the River Campus on Monday night when he announced to the Cape Girardeau City Council that plans are changing for university foundation-owned acreage along the Fountain Street extension... Tailor Institute at risk of losing funds; organization works with those with autism (04/16/12) Funding provided by the Department of Economic Development for programs of the Tailor Institute inside Southeast Missouri State University's Autism Center is again in question this year. Around $200,000 that goes to the Tailor Institute through the department's workforce development program was among cuts in a version of the state's annual budget approved by a Senate committee Thursday. The legislature is working toward balancing a $500 million shortfall in the budget projected for next year... Around 1,000 attend ‘Spring into Dance' performances at River Campus (04/16/12) More than 30 student dancers took to the stage of the Bedell Performance Hall at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus for this year's "Spring Into Dance 2012" productions. The group showcased their dancing skills in four performances, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and a Sunday matinee. Around 1,000 people attended the performances during the four-show run... Gov. Jay Nixon to speak at SEMO commencement in May (04/17/12) Gov. Jay Nixon will deliver the address at Southeast Missouri State University's spring commencement May 12. He will address the largest graduating class in the history of the University with 1,052 undergraduates and 270 graduate students receiving degrees. The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in the Show Me Center... Three Rivers College to raise tuition (04/15/12) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Three Rivers College Board of Trustees approved tuition increases Thursday during a special meeting that include a 4 percent bump for in-district students. The motion passed 4-2 and contains the stipulation employee jobs and student programs will not be cut in the next fiscal year due to budget restrictions... SEMO may avoid cut in state funding with amended budget proposal (04/13/12) Southeast Missouri State University could receive the same amount of state-appropriated funding as last year for fiscal year 2013 if Gov. Jay Nixon signs off on an amended budget approved by a Senate committee Thursday. The $24 billion budget underwent approximately $86 million in cuts at the hands of the Senate Appropriations Committee compared to a version approved earlier by the House. ... Choir to pay tribute to Dr. Gary Miller (04/11/12) Cantus Choralis, Southeast Missouri State University's Chamber Choir, will pay tribute to the late Dr. Gary Miller at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Shuck Music Recital Hall. Miller, who died May 2011, was the associate dean and director of the Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts, now more commonly known as the Southeast River Campus. ... Holocaust speaker at SEMO has only recently begun talking about experience (04/10/12) Nearly 67 years have passed since Ben Fainer was liberated by American troops from seemingly endless captivity by the German military. But he has only begun to talk about that time in his life during the past four years. Fainer, a Holocaust survivor now in his 80s, will speak Wednesday in Cape Girardeau during a commemorative event of Holocaust Remembrance Day at Southeast Missouri State University... SEMO picks director of alumni relations (04/03/12) A national search for a director of alumni relations and annual giving at Southeast Missouri State University has turned out a local choice. Jay Wolz of Cape Girardeau will begin in the position April 9. Wolz goes to the university with 25 years of experience in marketing and communications and is known locally for involvement with the United Way and other civic organizations... NPR correspondent to speak at KRCU breakfast Tuesday (04/02/12) Brian Naylor, Washington Desk correspondent for NPR News, will help local NPR affiliate KRCU kick off its spring membership drive this week. Naylor will speak at the station's annual membership breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday in Statuary Hall in the Wehking Alumni Center on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University. The station hopes to raise $38,000 in April... 'Bill Nye the Science Guy' to close out SEMO Speaker Series on Tuesday (04/02/12) Scientist, inventor, comedian, writer and award-winning television personality Bill Nye will speak at the final event of Southeast Missouri State University's 2011-2012 Speaker Series at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. Best known as "The Science Guy," Nye will discuss science as it relates to the world, climate and environment, and is expected to relate personal experiences and how he became interested in science... Southeast hoping hotel, Greek village will ease housing squeeze (03/30/12) While a new residence hall opening in fall 2013 will lessen some of the student housing squeeze at Southeast Missouri State University, officials are hopeful partnerships to build a hotel and a Greek village could mean more space is on the horizon. In fall 2011, the university enrolled 11,510 students and assigned housing contracts to 3,017, filling residence halls to the brim. ... Tighter security for SAT, ACT in wake of cheating (03/28/12) MINEOLA, N.Y. -- The millions of students who take the SAT or ACT each year will have to submit photos of themselves when they sign up for the college entrance exams, under a host of new security measures announced Tuesday in the aftermath of a major cheating scandal on Long Island... Southeast's proposed technology park sidelined by recession (03/27/12) Farmland surrounding the newest major traffic interchange between Cape Girardeau and Jackson was planned to be fully developed, or at least on its way there, by 2012. A technology and science research park, new business from big box stores to specialty shops and homes would make about 400 acres owned by Southeast Missouri State University a "major hit," according to the former executive director of the university's Innovation Center and CEO of its research foundation, Dennis Roedemeier... ESPN anchor will speak at Three Rivers commencement (03/27/12) POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Linda Cohn, longtime anchor for ESPN's "SportsCenter," will deliver the commencement address at the 2012 graduation ceremonies for Three Rivers College, the college announced Thursday in a news release. "I want the college and its students to be affiliated with impactful personalities," said college president Dr. ... Miss China 2008 attending Southeast (03/26/12) After six months and more than 50 competitions with more than 1 million other young Chinese women, Yaoyun Kang was named Miss China 2008 at 19 years old. Kang, referred to as Karen by her classmates and teachers, is now a 23-year-old senior mass media major at Southeast Missouri State University with an emphasis in video production. ... SEMO regents approve moves to reduce costs (03/25/12) An academic college and a school at Southeast Missouri State University will become one with Friday's approval by the Board of Regents of a consolidation of the College of Science and Mathematics and the School of Polytechnic Studies. The College of Science, Technology and Agriculture will be in existence effective July 1. ... SEMO regents may consolidate 2 colleges (03/23/12) The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents will decide Friday on the first of several measures to create a smaller budget under pressure of probable reductions in state appropriations for higher education. University president Dr. Ken Dobbins predicts a consolidation of two academic colleges, staff changes prompted by retirements and vacancies and budget cuts in various departments will help the university deal with a $3.3 million cut to its overall annual budget... Southeast names education dean (03/13/12) Dr. Diana Rogers-Adkinson has been named dean of the College of Education at Southeast Missouri State University. She is the chairwoman of the Department of Special Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Rogers-Adkinson has held that position since May 2006. Pending final board of regents' approval, she will begin at Southeast on July 1. She is replacing Dr. Tamela Randolph, who has been serving as interim dean... SEMO's equestrian team competed this weekend against six universities (03/12/12) Don't tell Meagan Smith her passion is "not a sport." "If they don't believe me, I say they need to come watch what we do," Smith said Sunday, surrounded by her teammates, some still wearing crisp traditional competition clothes, others in boots covered in dust and bits of straw... New SHOW Mobile partnership to help extend services (03/11/12) Southeast Missouri State University announced a new partnership with SEMO Health Network on Friday that representatives of both say will extend mobile medical and dental services from the SHOW Mobile farther into the Bootheel than ever before. The SHOW (Southeast Health on Wheels) Mobile is a 38-foot-long specially designed bus that includes a medical exam area, full dental suite, lab and office area. ... Journalist says follow dreams, forget about money at annual university lecture (03/01/12) Award-winning journalist and public relations consultant Byron McCauley spoke to students about the power of dreams Wednesday during Southeast Missouri State University's annual Michael Davis Lecture at Rose Theatre. The annual event held in conjunction with Black History Month gives students the opportunity to mingle with communications professionals who are what Michael Davis hoped to become, said Dr. Tamara Buck... Kurt Warner to speak Wednesday at Show Me Center (02/28/12) Leadership on and off the field will be the topic of two-time NFL MVP winner Kurt Warner's appearance Wednesday night at the Show Me Center. Warner is one of the headliners of Southeast Missouri State University's annual speaker series, which brings various presenters to Cape Girardeau to share life experiences, inspirational messages and entertainment with the campus and the community... Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk held Saturday (02/26/12) FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.com About 40 people participated in the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ... Gov. Nixon nominates student rep for SEMO board of regents (02/24/12) Gov. Jay Nixon nominated a new student representative to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents on Thursday. Kevin Magnan, a criminal justice major from Festus, Mo., was nominated for a term ending Jan. 1, 2014, to replace Brian P. Kelly, whose term is expiring. Magnan served as an intern for the U.S. Marshals Service in 2011... More students at Cape's Alternative Education Center becoming interested in college (02/24/12) College and planning for the future weren't popular topics among students at the Cape Girardeau Alternative Education Center when school began in August. That's recently changed, said Scott McMullen, the center's director. "I have students coming into my office, showing me test scores, or artwork, or asking me about how to get into college," McMullen said... Events planned to close out Black History Month (02/22/12) A business expo, a night of artistic performances and a guest lecture are among the events planned during the next week in celebration of Black History Month. This month provides an opportunity to highlight African-Americans that aren't always mentioned in history books, said Debra Mitchell-Braxton, who is coordinating a community celebration in honor of Black History Month at 6 p.m. Sunday at St. James AME Church in Cape Girardeau... Perryville Higher Education Center gets new director (02/22/12) PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- New direction is coming for the Perryville Higher Education Center with the retirement of longtime director Sally Werner. Werner will retire Feb. 29 after 13 years at the center. The center is a joint venture between Mineral Area College and Southeast Missouri State University, where both schools offer courses applicable to various certificate programs and two-year degrees, or transfer credits into a four-year degree program... Missouri curators approve more modest tuition increase (02/21/12) COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- University of Missouri curators have agreed to raise tuition at the system's four campuses this fall by an average of 3 percent for state residents. The increase is less than half the increase proposed by leaders of the four-campus system earlier this month. It also means the university will likely be able to avoid seeking a waiver from the state Department of Higher Education as well as angering Gov. Jay Nixon, who has warned the university to keep college costs down...