Southeast Missouri State University was founded in 1873 as a normal school. Normal schools served as training grounds for elementary and high school teachers and were eventually referred to as “teachers’ colleges.” Missouri already had two normal schools in other parts of the state, and so when a group of local businessmen and politicians founded our school in 1873, it was called the Third District Normal School. The school began with five faculty members and only 57 students! Since this brand-new Normal School lacked physical buildings, teachers conducted classes at the nearby Lorimier School as work started on the “Old Normal Building.” Workers completed construction of this building in 1875, and “Old Normal” was a hauntingly beautiful building. But it was not to last, burning to the ground in 1902. Soon, Academic Hall, the University’s landmark copper-domed building, was built in its place.

President: Dr. Carlos Vargas

Esports: At Southeast, we want our students to have every opportunity to find their fit during their time in college. The Esports Club and Esports Arena give students a community to compete in tournaments and connect with other Redhawks, or simply provide a great place to play recreationally and make new friends.

Library: Reference sources help you start your research by providing background information. They give overviews of topics, concepts, and people; summarize current issues and controversies; provide statistics and country data; and offer definitions, synonyms, and etymologies for unfamiliar words.

Special Collections and Archives at Southeast Missouri State University acquires, preserves, and makes accessible research materials that document the historical, literary, and cultural experience of Southeast Missouri, the Mississippi River Valley region, and the history of Southeast Missouri State University.

Courses Offered:
Biology
Agriculture
Art & Design
Management
Chemistry & Physics
History & Anthropology
Engineering & Technology
Accounting, Economics & Finance
Allied Health, Kine-siology & Sport Sciences

Southeast Missouri State University
One University Plaza Cape Girardeau – MO 63701

Tel: (573) 651-2000
Email: admissions@semo.edu
Website: www.semo.edu