Time for SEMO name change

I earned two degrees and spent six years of my life on the Southeast Missouri State University campus. I'm proud of the education and life experience I received there. Southeast has a special place in my heart. But as I work toward a Ph.D. and an academic career, I find myself embarrassed telling people I went to Southeast. Why?

One simple reason: the name. Southeast Missouri State University. This may be the longest and most regionally specific university name in the country. Reactions from my colleagues range from "That's a mouthful" to "Is that a real university, because it sounds like a community college?" A long, regionally specific name sends the message that Southeast doesn't care about national affairs or students, only those of Southeast Missouri.

If something as inconsequential as the name of the university is causing issues for alumni and students, why not change it? Northeast Missouri State University changed its name to Truman State University for this exact reason. Truman State benefited greatly from the move. The name of a university doesn't define its faculty or students. But a university's name is a first impression, and for many people and prospective students, Southeast is making a bad one. Change and shorten Southeast's name so that our wonderful university can receive the attention and national recognition it deserves.

CALEB TANKERSLEY, Hattiesburg, Mississippi