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1) AWARDS SEASON – It doesn’t just happen in Hollywood. April on campus and my first cycle of awards banquets has left me impressed and proud. I have participated in a number of events from the Student Life and Leadership Banquet to the Provost’s Awards for Teaching Excellence. Hearing stories of the accomplishments of what our students have contributed to the University, and the world, this year is incredibly fulfilling. It’s been particularly enjoyable to see our faculty and staff be recognized by our students. In that spirit, we invited two graduating seniors to the Town Hall this week to share what faculty and staff support has meant for their experience at SEMO. It was a wonderful reminder of what our work is really about. I hope you never lose sight of the incredible difference you make in the lives of these young people.
2) SUMMER CONSTRUCTION – I am very excited for the construction work that will occur on campus this summer. Shortly after coming to SEMO, I heard from many of you that, in places, the appearance of campus was of concern, especially as we think about making an impression on prospective students and families.
This year, we have successfully demolished buildings no longer serving us (Henderson, International Village Cottages, and Dearmont), began work on the new Roy Blunt Health Professions Hall (completion anticipated spring 2028), and started the demolition of Brandt Hall which will provide greenspace when complete. At the April Board of Governors meeting, the Board gave authorization to proceed with a completely donor funded project to reimagine the Kent Library plaza into Talbert Terraces, giving us a truly stunning front door to campus that will increase accessibility and ease of hosting events in this popular location. Work will get underway this summer with anticipated completion August 31. We are making great strides in improving campus aesthetics and showing families just what a beautiful home away from home SEMO is.
3) ENROLLMENT UPDATE – Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success Dr. Stephen Schultheis gave an enrollment update at the Town Hall. Dr. Schultheis reported we have seen a small bump from where we reported numbers at the March Town Hall. This projection would have us flat with fall 2025.
There is still time before fall 2026 census for that number to rise or fall. We are actively working on several initiatives to achieve an increase, including expanding partnerships with Early College schools, working with our online partner Archer Education, emphasizing summer enrollment and re-registration for fall, and launch of our new 90 credit hour bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. There are a host of strategies underway to do all we can to impact enrollment in the short term and the long term. It’s going to take us all working together to see these strategies bear results. Please consider how you can contribute.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedicated efforts of our chairs and faculty as they worked through major academic restructuring and extraordinary program review this semester, making recommendations to strengthen the institution. I value your thoroughness and thoughtfulness in this process. I know it was a heavy lift. We will review the final academic restructuring and program review decisions from the Board of Governors during our next Employee Town Hall at 10 a.m. on May 13 in Academic Auditorium. Hope to see you there.
Go Redhawks,
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