Arrow on the Air

SEMO Board of Governors approves academic program changes and contract for demolition of Brandt HallSEMO’s Board of Governors approved several academic program changes Feb. 27. The TV and film program will split into two paths, with TV merging with multimedia journalism and a new Bachelor of Science in film production being created. The agribusiness animal science degree will transition into a Bachelor of Science in animal science, allowing students to pursue both pre-vet and business studies. The board also approved a new Master of Science in network security and an MBA concentration in marketing management, pending final approval from the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education. Additionally, the board authorized a contract to demolish Brandt Hall this spring, with completion expected by the fall semester.How SEMO's Student Government Association is shaping students into future leaders Student involvement in college often helps with networking and résumé building, but at Southeast Missouri State University, the Student Government Association (SGA) also provides leadership experience. According to Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Dan Presson, skills gained through campus involvement align with the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ eight key workforce competencies, including leadership, teamwork, communication and critical thinking. Through activities like passing legislation, planning events and representing students, SGA members develop professional skills outside the classroom.International Women's Day coming March 8March 8, 2026 marks International Women’s Day, which recognizes the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while encouraging action toward gender equality. First celebrated in 1911, the day grew out of labor movements and campaigns for women’s rights and has since become a global movement supported by governments, organizations and communities. This year marks 115 years of advocacy, highlighting women’s accomplishments while raising awareness about issues such as the pay gap, unequal access to education and gender-based violence. The day is often represented by the colors purple for justice and dignity, green for hope and white for solidarity.

A story previewing the community event was provided by KRCU Public Radio: Educators as Artists: Creating Beyond the Classroom, an exhibition of works by SEMO alumni, hosted by the Missouri Art Educators Association will be on view Friday, March 6 through Friday, March 27 in the Arts Expansion (ARX) Gallery. The exhibit spotlights about 25 SEMO alumni art teachers, showcasing diverse works and underscoring art’s vital role in education.

Leadership shifts in the Arts Council of Southeast MissouriFeb. 4, the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri announced they are seeking a new executive director and assistant director. The transition is meant to give the board of directors a stronger role in guiding the council's future. As the search begins, interns, volunteers and community members will play a key role in maintaining programs and outreach, with board members expressing hope that the change with strengthen the organization overall.Proposed changes to the Missouri state income tax structure Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has proposed gradually eliminating the state’s income tax over the next five years, an idea he introduced in his Jan. 13 State of the State address. The plan would need approval from the state legislature and voters before taking effect. The proposal could affect many college students, as nearly a quarter of undergraduates at Southeast Missouri State University are 25 or older and likely to pay state income taxes. The proposal is still in early stages, with legislative debate just beginning.SEMO now offering Twilight Tours as an alternative to Show Me Day SEMO is offering new evening “Twilight Tours” to give prospective students a more flexible way to visit campus. The tours provide the same experience as traditional Show Me Day events, including admissions presentations, faculty meetings and guided campus tours. University officials say the goal is to make campus visits more accessible while helping students picture themselves at SEMO.

In an episode of the KRCU Public Radio podcast, SEMO Spotlight Abbie Van Pelt is junior BFA Musical Theater with two minors. One is in Human Resources and the other is Integrated Marketing and Communications.

In an episode from the KRCU Public Radio Station's arts and culture podcast, Exposition, we speak with Alana Hamilton, a junior BFA Design and Tech major, shares insights about her role as the assistant scenic designer for the new play Six Inches Above the Knee. Six Inches above the Knee will take place February 26th through 28th at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 28th through March 1st at 2 p.m. in the Rust Flexible Theatre. It is intended for mature audiences.

CoSTEM Faculty & Staff Award recipients impact students through collaborationExplore how CoSTEM faculty and staff award recipients are collaborating with students and expanding hands-on learning opportunities. Learn more about how agriculture agribusiness communications major Lainey Canning landed a niche internship, and the professor who guided her. How Cape Girardeau Spent Valentine's DayValentine's Day in Cape Girardeau was celebrated in a ton of different ways. Some people planned special outings, while others worked and planned to celebrate another day. Learn more about how the Cape Girardeau community spent their holiday.Digital DeclutteringAre your laptop files overflowing? Is your camera roll out of storage? You're not alone. Learn more about how to declutter your digital life, from organizing files, deleting old emails, and more. 

Senior Clara Billing sets a 13’7.25” pole vault school record at the Heartland Invitational as Redhawks stack podium finishes ahead of their Feb. 20 home meet in Cape Girardeau.

More than 200 SEMO students, athletes and community members held a candlelight vigil outside Houck Stadium to remember sophomore kicker Danny Duray.

In this episode of 'Expositon', from the KRCU Public Radio Station , we speak with Craig Milde from CREATE Cape County about the upcoming February Annual #11. This year's theme is particularly exciting as it revolves around film. CREATE Cape County's February Annual #11 will take place on Saturday, February 21st, at the American Legion Hall in Jackson, with doors opening at 6:30 PM and the film presentations starting at 7 PM.

On this week's episode of Arrow on the Air, hosts Mallory Hawkins and Taylor Slavens a memorial being built on campus in honor of the late media professor Dr. Pam Parry, how to overcome academic doubt, and how the 2026 Winter Olympics are shaping pop culture and providing a happy distraction during uncertain times.Memorial on campusA memorial honoring the late professor Dr. Pam Parry is being built on SEMO's campus, at the Baptist Student Center. The memorial will include a three-person swing bench and flower beds, along with a commemorative plaque. The project was initiated by four Mass Media staff members, with a goal of being completed by the end of the spring semester.Overcoming academic doubtMany college students experience academic doubt when their major no longer feels like the right fit, especially during the first year. Challenges or unmet expectations can trigger uncertainty. SEMO advisors encourage students to look for patterns and to not make any quick decisions. Through reflection and exploration, advisors can help students to determine whether to stay the course or plan a thoughtful change.How the Winter Olympics are shaping pop culture and providing a happy distractionAs uncertainty and negative news dominates headlines, many people are turning to social media for connection during the Winter Olympics. Olympians are sharing lighthearted content like sponsor hauls, and fans are responding. Psychology professor Dr. George Yancey explains the psychological reason people turn to social media as a distraction during a period of collective stress.

Ivan Bradley, a junior majoring in music education. Ivan discusses the demanding nature of his major, which involves a mix of music and education courses requiring him to travel between campuses. He describes his experience teaching music to first and second graders in the Sikeston district during his second field block, emphasizing the enjoyment he finds in this role.

In this episode of Arrow on the Air host Taylor Slavens and Mallory Hawkins cover changes to SEMO's recruitment and retention program, the reasons why your New Year's resolutions may not stick, and the upcoming celebrations surrounding KRCU's 50th anniversary.

SEMO’s Winter Dance Collection brings student and professional choreography to Bedell Performance Hall Feb. 5–8, featuring six choreographers and diverse dance styles.

In this episode of Arrow on the Air, we speak with Dr. Abram Book, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies and Modern Languages. Dr. Book discusses his recent recognition with the Vernon Gantt Award for Distinguished Community Service from the Kentucky Communication Association.

Dylan Day and Jordan Pavelka, two music students preparing for the upcoming MMEA Preview Concert on January 27 at 7 p.m. - Shuck Recital Hall. MMEA conference brings together SEMO future music educators, All-State ensembles, a horn choir performance premiering Cosmos and alum Dr. Jordan Redd.

We feature Leola Poe, a Public Relations (PR) Major at Southeast Missouri State University who details her future ambitions to use PR and marketing to uplift Black-owned businesses, support community nonprofits, and amplify underrepresented voices through purposeful and professional storytelling.

Dr. Christopher Goeke, a professor of music who specializes in voice and opera, regarding the upcoming performance of the Opera Double Feature: Dido and Aeneas & Alcina. The performance is on January 16th at 7:30 p.m. and January 18th at 3:00 p.m. in the Bedell Performance Hall.

In this episode of Arrow on the Air, we cover a recent episode of Exposition from the KRCU Public Radio Station. Our Arrow Audio Producer, Ella Tinsley, spoke with Asa Faust about the upcoming performance of the Big Band Holiday Jukebox. The performance will be Dec. 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bedell Performance Hall.The Big Band Holiday Jukebox is back again this year with a new cast and new songs! Enjoy singers from the Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance and the Department of Music collaborating with the Southeast Studio Jazz Band as they rev up for the holidays! The performance will include favorites like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “The Christmas Song”, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, “We Are Lights” (The Chanukah Song), as well as some surprise pieces! The show is suitable for all audiences and sponsored by Saint Francis Healthcare System.

In this episode of Arrow on the Air, we cover a recent episode of Exposition from the KRCU Public Radio Station. Our Arrow Audio Producer, Ella Tinsley, spoke with Kinsley Wardle about the upcoming performance of the Big Band Holiday Jukebox. The performance will be Dec. 5-6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bedell Performance Hall.The Big Band Holiday Jukebox is back again this year with a new cast and new songs! Enjoy singers from the Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance and the Department of Music collaborating with the Southeast Studio Jazz Band as they rev up for the holidays! The performance will include favorites like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “Little Drummer Boy”, “The Christmas Song”, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, “We Are Lights” (The Chanukah Song), as well as some surprise pieces! The show is suitable for all audiences and sponsored by Saint Francis Healthcare System.

Dane Stausing shares how hands-on training at the Police Academy prepares recruits for real-world law enforcement, highlights career outcomes, and details his journey from officer to academy director.Dane Stausing, a captain with the university police and director of the Police Academy, discusses his nearly 30-year career in law enforcement and the transition to his current role after teaching criminal justice. He emphasizes the importance of practical experience in training new recruits, highlighting hands-on learning methods like first responder training, driving practice, and firearm simulations.Dane recounts his initial motivation to join law enforcement after a personal tragedy involving drugs, shifting from his original aspiration to be a firefighter. He outlines current goals for the Academy, such as providing robust training, expanding continuing education for local officers, and fostering relationships with local law enforcement agencies.He also notes the increasing effectiveness for hands-on training and the successful employment rate of graduates from the Academy, mentioning that most current cadets have already secured positions in various police departments. Dane expresses pride in the Academy’s strong reputation for producing competent recruits.