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1) NEW BOARD MEMBERS – In January, the Senate Committee on Gubernatorial Appointments held a hearing for numerous appointees to state boards and commissions, including two to SEMO’s Board of Governors. Southeast alumnus Jeff Davis was appointed by Gov. Kehoe in July for a six-year term on the board and Sarah Chapman, a current music major, was appointed in July as the student representative on the board. Both Jeff and Sarah testified before the Senate committee and were voted favorably out of committee. The full Senate took up their nominations on Tuesday, February 3, and both were approved. Congratulations to Jeff and Sarah.
2) BUDGET HEARINGS – Last week, we wrapped our first ever Budget Review Committee budget hearings. I had the opportunity to listen, and the presentations were terrific examples of the important work we do and how we use our existing resources. Hearing nearly 50 “New Investment Opportunity” (NIO) proposals was energizing. These were new ideas brought forth with the potential to move the University forward. I firmly believe our budget work must include more than simply balancing the budget. We must be developing ideas to innovate and grow. The NIOs delivered. The hearings are another step in our transparent budget process. I want to thank the BRC members who spent two days listening, asking thoughtful questions, and deliberating recommendations. I appreciate your thoughtful consideration and the commitment of your time to this important process.
3) STUDENT DEATH – As you’re all aware, last week, our SEMO community faced a tragedy. The death of a student impacts an entire campus. The loss of a young life too soon is heartbreaking for everyone. We grieve deeply for Danny Duray’s family and friends, but we also grieve for the coaches, administrators, and faculty who were part of this young man’s life. The people who make up a university give tremendously to the students they teach and mentor, and we are all feeling the pain of this loss. I found the candlelight vigil planned by Danny’s football teammates remarkable. The grace with which those young men led this campus and their peers to express their hurt and sorrow was admirable and inspiring. In that sorrow, SEMO came together and felt like family. I am proud to be part of this community that rallied together to support our students and prouder still of how our students stepped forward to help us all begin to heal.
Take care, check in on one another, and go Redhawks,
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