Cape Girardeau County: A great place to make friends with students

Dr. Carlos Vargas became the 18th president of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau on July 1, 2015.

Since then, he and his wife, Pam, have settled in to the Cape Girardeau community and have begun making connections with students, faculty, staff and community members.

Vargas' strongest connections, seemingly, have been with the diverse student body at Southeast. From attending university-sponsored student events like art exhibits, theater and dance productions and sporting events to participating with students in club meetings and extracurricular sportings, Vargas spends as much time interacting with students as possible.

Carlos Vargas-Aburto, president of Southeast Missouri State University, smiles after climbing a rock wall inside the Student Recreation Center - North on Saturday, March 12, 2016.Laura Simon

Although basketball was his sport of choice while growing up, he says coming to the United States made him realize he had to be taller to make it as a basketball player. Since then, he has taken up soccer more seriously, and plays with students as often as they invite him and when his schedule allows.

"Our students are great competitors, and they keep me on my toes," Vargas says.

Carlos Vargas-Aburto, president of Southeast Missouri State University, is lowered down after climbing to the top of a rock wall inside the Student Recreation Center - North on Saturday, March 12, 2016.Laura Simon

Carlos Vargas-Aburto, president of Southeast Missouri State University, and his wife, Pam, pose for a photo inside the Student Recreation Center North on Saturday, March 12, 2016.Laura Simon

He and Pam even served students a midnight breakfast during finals week in December, and they plan to do so again in May.

Vargas says he enjoys being able to learn new things from students on a daily basis, and likes to get a sense of the varying life experiences and challenges they've faced in the past.

In terms of those planning to visit Cape Girardeau, Vargas says he always recommends visiting Southeast's River Campus.

Carlos Vargas-Aburto, president of Southeast Missouri State University, speaks with students after participating in a cricket tournament at the Student Recreation Center - North on Saturday, March 12, 2016.Laura Simon

"Visit the Crisp Museum; see an art exhibit. Visit the beautiful Shuck Hall for a concert or a recital. Purchase tickets to one of our theater or dance productions," he says. "If you do nothing else, just visit the River Campus for the awesome view of the Bill Emerson Bridge and the Mississippi River."

Though he and Pam have lived in Cape Girardeau less than a year, Vargas says they feel proud and honored to be a part of the community, and to have the opportunity to work with all those involved with the university, especially the students.

Carlos Vargas-Aburto, president of Southeast Missouri State University, is lowered down after climbing to the top of a rock wall inside the Student Recreation Center - North on Saturday, March 12, 2016.Laura Simon

Carlos Vargas-Aburto, president of Southeast Missouri State University, speaks with students after participating in a cricket tournament at the Student Recreation Center - North on Saturday, March 12, 2016.Laura Simon

"Our university is blessed with outstanding students who are dedicated to their studies and to achieving their goals," he says. "We are very proud of all they accomplish and participating in commencement ceremonies, and seeing their success is the icing on our cake."