MBA PROGRAM, BUILDING SUBJECT OF FRIDAY COFFEE

Gerald McDougall is excited about the new master of business administration program being launched on the Southeast Missouri State University campus this fall.

"The new business program and a new state-of-the-art business facility were two goals when I came here three years ago," said Dr. McDougall, dean of the Donald L. Harrison College of Business at Southeast.

McDougall and Dr. Ken Heischmidt, director of the new MBA program, were guest speakers during the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Coffee Friday.

"When I appeared before the chamber coffee two-and-a-half years ago, I discussed the possibility of a new building and development of a business accreditation and an MBA program," said McDougall Friday.

These goals have been accomplished.

The 100,000-square-foot building will open Aug. 19, and the MBA program will get under way this fall. Southeast received its accreditation by the American Assembly of Collegiate School of Business on April 30.

"The new business facility will be one of the premier facilities in the Midwest," said McDougall. The new structure includes 11 general classrooms, eight computer labs/rooms, two general seminar rooms, a 400-seat auditorium.

"It will provide students and faculty access to all of the university's computer resources," said McDougall.

Earlier in the program, Heischmidt described the new MBA program.

Individuals admitted to the program must have an undergraduate degree in business, or the equivalent, from an accredited institution. However, students without the undergraduate knowledge base in business and economics will be admitted to the program after the successful completion of some necessary background course work.

Between 60 and 100 students are expected to enroll for the fall program.

In attendance at Friday's coffee, which was delayed from July 5 due to the Independence Day holiday, was Francoise Toret, of Nuits-St.-Georges, France, a guest of chamber member Jane Daume.

Toret, a psychoanalyst, is in the U.S. to attend the Zonta International Convention at St. Louis where she will present a workshop on women's health at the conference.

John Mehner, chamber president, announced that a special training session on lead-related hazards will be held at the chamber office, 1267 N. Mount Auburn Road, July 19.

"A new federal law will impact homeowners and renters in Cape Girardeau and throughout the nation," said Mehner. "The law requires property owners to disclose information about lead-related hazards when selling or renting residential property built before 1978.

Although lead-based paint was banned in 1978, three of every four homes in the U.S. contain lead paint.

Michael Carter, M.H.A. Lead and Accreditation director, Missouri Department of Health, Jefferson City, will be speaker at the 1:30 p.m. meeting.