We embrace the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who said, “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

Houck Field was one of the most identifiable landmarks in southeast Missouri. For nearly a century, Houck Field has been the stage for some of our most cherished memories. Southeast faithful have celebrated unforgettable victories and witnessed the birth of professional sports careers. Southeast students and alumni have sung and danced with the Beach Boys, paid tribute to Chief Sagamore, reunited with friends and classmates, and tailgated with a future spouse. From game day to graduation day, the stadium served us well for 91 years. But now, the institution looks to the future with a heightened sense of urgency to rebuild this beloved landmark. A bold new vision for SEMO and this region began in December 2021 with the first phase of construction of a new Houck Field. Southeast officially broke ground Sept. 6, 2022, for the first phase of a new transformational Houck multiuse complex. The $15,978,000 contract includes the construction and replacement of the south sideline and grandstand of Houck Field as well as new seating, turf replacement, concession stands, restrooms, ADA access and associated HVAC, mechanical and other systems work. In addition to benefitting the football and soccer programs, the new facility will increase the fan experience as well. The full Houck Project will offer not only improved athletic facilities but also needed academic spaces. Work will continue in several additional phases as the University works toward completion of the comprehensive Houck Project.

In August 2017, Southeast opened the fall semester as a tobacco-free, smoke-free campus. This followed a policy revision by the Board of Regents, now the Board of Governors, in February 2017. Times were similar in 1880 when President Richard C. Norton implemented a catalogue of regulations on student conduct, including prohibiting the use of tobacco in or near the Normal Building.

Decades of courage punctuated by dedicated efforts to advance, make amends and seek new opportunities are woven throughout the Southeast narrative. From physical campus enhancements to our social landscape, the institution is evolving. 

The first African American students enrolled at Southeast in 1954. Those who have followed have continued to excel through challenges and adversity. In 1970, our first two international students enrolled. Today, Southeast’s tapestry is substantially more diverse, and the University's new Strategic Action Plan outlines a path to greater inclusivity. 

While work remains, the institution continues making vital strides. The winds of change led to the retirement of our longtime “Indian” and “Otahkian” Native American nicknames in 2004, and we embarked on a new tradition in 2005 as the Redhawks. We also have introduced a Black Faculty and Staff Alliance, Diversity Peer Educators, an LGBTQ+ Employee Alliance and events showcasing the people and cultures represented here.  

With dialogue, we continue to seek common ground, and we are proudly making progress.