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1) KENT PLAZA – Yesterday, the Board of Governors authorized the redevelopment of the plaza in front of Kent Library and approved naming the space “Talbert Terrace,” in recognition of a gift from Dr. and Mrs. C.R. Talbert to fully fund the project. This upgrade will provide a stunning front door to campus. I’m very excited for this work to be completed, and very grateful for the generosity of the Talbert family in helping us reimagine the heart of campus. You can read more about the project at SEMO News.
2) STADIUM PHASE II – Recently, Southeast Missouri State University received five bids for construction of the Stadium Phase II project. Upon reviewing those bids, it was determined the scope and current design of the project resulted in bid costs that exceeded our financial capacity.
Based on this outcome, I recommended, and the Board of Governors approved, that we not award a contract or proceed with the project as currently designed. Instead, the Board has authorized the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to initiate a design-build process. This approach has been shown to result in a faster, more cost-effective project delivery that better aligns with our budget, while still meeting the needs of our programs. We will immediately begin this process.
We are grateful to those who have already supported this initiative, and we remain committed to delivering a facility that will benefit our Football and Women's Soccer programs, while strengthening our community and advancing SEMO’s broader mission.
3) BEST SMALL COLLEGE TOWN IN AMERICA – Thank you to all who voted in the USA Today poll I mentioned in our most recent Town Hall. I am proud to say we learned this week that Cape Girardeau was voted the 5th Best Small College Town in America, giving evidence to what Sue and I knew immediately when we moved here—this is a very special place.
Have a great weekend. Thank you for all you do for SEMO and all you do for our students.
Go Redhawks,
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