SEMO board approves $10 million campus renewal plan

Campus renewal plan

Southeast Missouri State University’s Board of Governors approved a Capital Renewal Program during its September meeting. The university identified six projects intended to update facilities, address maintenance needs and improve spaces used by students.

The plan includes replacing the roof at Scully Hall and the elevators in Towers East. It also covers heating, ventilation and air-conditioning replacement and skylight repairs at the Sikeston Regional Campus.

Other projects are part of the second phase of stadium work, interior improvements at the University Center and replacement of laboratory fume hoods in Magill Hall. SEMO President Brad Hodson said the program is tied to the university’s Fearlessly Forward strategic plan and its focus on strengthening campus infrastructure.

Fall 2026 enrollment

The board also received an update on fall 2026 enrollment from Stephen Schultheis, vice president of enrollment management and student success. Overall enrollment declined 4.5%, while dual enrollment and Early College participation increased 2.5%. Online enrollment rose 3.5%.

SEMO met its undergraduate retention goal and exceeded its graduate student retention goal by 3.5%. Schultheis cited expanded scholarship programs, partnership agreements and changes to the campus visit experience among the university’s enrollment strategies.

Vandiver award

The board approved the Vandiver Show Me State Award for Missouri Sen. Brian Williams, a SEMO and Washington University graduate. Williams has served in the Missouri Senate since 2018 and was the first Black man elected to the chamber in two decades.

Williams served as assistant minority floor leader from 2020 through 2022 and is the Senate minority caucus whip. SEMO said the award recognizes his leadership and service to his community, the university and Missouri.