Southeast president speaks with students' families at brunch

Around 25 families of students wrapped up Family Weekend on Sunday at a brunch with the president of Southeast Missouri State University.

President Dr. Ken Dobbins personally greeted families as they ate a home-style spread that included Belgian waffles, biscuits and gravy and scrambled eggs, sponsored by Chartwells.

"I hope it says that we care about our students," Dobbins said after brunch, "and that's just a part of the personal touch that we try to provide to our students."

Terry Hume of Columbia, Mo., mother of freshman Corey King, confirmed his hope, saying Dobbins is "very personable, seems to be very interested in the students."

Dobbins shook hands with her son and discussed how the student was faring with his biology major. He had also greeted and asked the names of King's grandparents and stepfather, discussing the dynamics of Saturday's football game.

King's family arrived Friday night at their hotel, and by Saturday evening had cleaned his dorm room, toured Trail of Tears State Park, attended a football game and watched a comedian-hypnotist.

As for how King feels about his family's desire to spend time with him, "we talk on the phone a lot, so it's not really any different," he said, to the amusement of his parents.

Likewise, freshman Rachel Ross, 18, was adjusting to college life better than her family was adjusting to her absence, her mother said.

The student brunched with her family of St. Louis -- her parents, grandparents, a brother and a cousin.

"They miss me," Rachel Ross said about who missed who most.

"Yeah, we miss her," her mother said, quickly following.

"Tremendously," added her father, Gregory Ross. "I find myself washing dishes more in the last few days."

They miss her so much that they have already booked hotel reservations for Homecoming in late October.

The Ross family did not get to meet Dobbins, but expressed their impression of the weekend and the Cape Girardeau community.

"Everything was nice," her father said. "People were friendly. It's a warm atmosphere."

jmetelski@semissourian.com

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