Southeast Missouri State University welcomes Dr. Brad Hodson as new President

Southeast Missouri State University announced on Thursday, Feb. 13, that Dr. Brad Hodson, executive vice president at Missouri Southern State University, has been unanimously selected by the Board of Governors as the institution’s next president. Hodson will officially assume the role on July 1, 2025.

Hodson brings 30 years of experience in higher education, including 19 years in two cabinet-level positions. During an open forum, he highlighted his background in fundraising, student recruitment, marketing, community relations, economic development and applied research.

As SEMO’s president, he emphasized a commitment to increasing university revenue through strategic recruitment growth.

In the announcement, Board of Governors President Jim Limbaugh said Hodson met all the requirements the board was looking for in a new president.

“Someone that would place an emphasis on enrollment; someone with experience in philanthropy and fundraising; someone with a strong financial acumen; and someone that could build relationships both internal and external to the University—these were the characteristics that the Board felt were critical for the next president of the University. Dr. Hodson meets and exceeds these criteria.”

“SEMO is a University with tremendous momentum and a very bright future. I am excited for the opportunity to lead its next chapter,” Hodson said.