Remembering five of SEMO’s impactful presidents

University presidents play a big role in guiding the students and faculty of their institution. They oversee things from academics, finances and campus culture to campus innovation and policy changes. These decisions made by the president often leave a lasting impact on the college community.

Choosing a university president is an important process that leads to the institution's future. The selection process is long but extensive. As the university elects a new president, the history of leaders at SEMO remains important. SEMO’s website provides a deeper look at the university’s presidential history, but a few stand out with their lasting impacts on the SEMO community.

1. Lucius H. Cheney

Starting back in 1873, the Third District Normal School opened, housed in the old Lorimier School Building. They started with only five faculty members and 57 students, who were led by Lucius H. Cheney, the school’s first president. He led a three-year term in which he helped to start classes, build the school’s first building and create a curriculum for teacher education. During his time at SEMO, enrollment grew to 229 students.

Cheney died in 1876 during an archaeological expedition, and he is buried in Lorimer Cemetery. Cheney’s work left a lasting impact on the university and built the foundation for the university as it’s known today.

Mark F. Scully, who was president from 1956-1975.Photo from SEMO

2. Willard Duncan Vandiver

Moving forward, Willard Duncan Vandiver served as the fifth president of the Third District Normal School, as it was still known at the time. Vandiver was best known for coining the phrase “the Show Me State.” It was during his later time in political office that he became famous for the phrase, saying, “I am from Missouri. You have got to show me.”

Vandiver served as president from 1893 to 1897, during a time period of declining enrollment. His main task at the time was to recruit new students. He spoke at events to boost enrollment and worked to preserve the school when a proposal came to abolish the state’s normal schools.

During his time, he also approved the construction of two halls for literary societies. Vandiver entered the political scene in 1896 and resigned from his presidency in 1897. Vandiver played an important role in securing the future of the university and defending it against efforts to shut it down.

3. Mark F. Scully

Next up, Dr. Mark F. Scully was the president of SEMO from 1956 to 1975. Under Scully’s leadership, enrollment at the university grew from 1,500 to 8,000 students, and expanded the campus with new buildings, including the Scully Building, which was named in his honor.

He established new programs, including graduate studies, nursing, law enforcement and ROTC. Scully also served his term as president during the transition from Southeast Missouri State College to Southeast Missouri State University, which occurred in 1972.

Mark F. Scully, who was president from 1956-1975.Photo from SEMO

4. Kala Stroup

Dr. Kala Stroup left a significant mark on the university, where she served as SEMO’s first female president. Stroup served as president of SEMO from 1990 to 1995.

During her time as president, she oversaw the transition of SEMO Athletics to NCAA Division 1 and the addition of new fraternities and a sorority. Stroup initiated the $11 million renovation of the Towers residence hall and the construction of Dempster Hall, which opened in 1996.

Stroup also hired the first two African-American deans. She led the university’s first capital fundraising campaign, which raised $28.5 million.

Stroup resigned in 1995 and became the commissioner of the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, and her legacy includes a fountain outside of Kent Library, which was funded by a personal donation from Stroup.

Kala Stroup, university president from 1990-1995.Photo from SEMO

5. Dale F. Nitzschke

Finally, Dr. Dale F. Nitzschke served as SEMO’s 16th president, his term lasting from 1996 to 1999.

During his term, he led the university through major growth, including the creation of the Polytechnic Institute, SEMO’s River Campus, and new academic programs focused on technology.

Nitzschke oversaw the expansion of campus facilities, including new higher education centers in Kennett and Sikeston. He also led significant capital improvements like renovating Greek Housing and Dempster Hall.

Nitzschke launched a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign for the university and laid the groundwork for long-term development.

Dale F. Nitzschke, who served as university president from 1996-1999.Photo from SEMO

Current & upcoming presidents

As SEMO moves into the future, it’s important to recognize the university’s current president, Dr. Carlos Vargas. Vargas became SEMO’s 18th president in 2015 and has worked to emphasize the university’s regional impact and commitment to accessible education.

Looking ahead to upcoming years, SEMO’s new president and Dr. Vargas’ successor will be Dr. Brad Hodson, who is coming to SEMO from Missouri Southern State University. With experience in higher education, his leadership skills focus on growing enrollment and funding for the university.

Throughout the years, SEMO has experienced significant growth and change throughout the leadership of its past presidents, with improvements to campus infrastructure and academic programs. As Dr. Hodson takes on the role of university president, it marks a new chapter for the university, with anticipation for continued advancement and success.