A lot has happened since the establishment of the Normal School in Cape Girardeau. 150 years is a long time and there's a lot of history between 1873 and 2023, both at Southeast Missouri State University and in the world.
We invite you to explore the timeline of Southeast Missouri State University and experience our ups and downs from the Normal School fire to our all-time best student retention rate. You'll get to know our past presidents, see how Southeast has responded to world events, and see the campus change and grow. History is not the least bit boring. Come relive this journey with us.
SEMO Through the Decades
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1873-1879
Southeast Missouri Normal School is established during this decade in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
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1880-1889
Campus improvements and additions begin with the addition of society halls. The establishment of student regulations begins.
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1890-1899
Plans are made for routes into campus to be improved. Willard Duncan Vandiver and Washington S. Dearmont both serve as presidents during this decade.
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1900-1909
The Normal School burns. Classes are held in several community buildings from churches to schools, and the courthouse. The first football team is fielded.
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1910-1919
Academic Hall dome gets its first name. The textbook rental system is piloted. Normal School weathers the influenza epidemic.
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1920-1929
Southeast holds its first homecoming. The college farm is purchased. Special regulations exist for women.
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1930-1939
Houck Field House and Houck Field are named in honor of Louis Houck. Academic Hall gets its swimming pool. The four-quarter academic year is adopted.
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1940-1949
The new library is named "Kent Library" in honor of Sadie Kent. The student government is formed. The institution is renamed Southeast Missouri State College.
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1950-1959
The power plant goes into service. The first Greek organizations arrive on campus. The first African American students enroll at Southeast.
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1960-1969
The first computer arrives on campus. The Greek housing complex opens. Southeast launches its own graduate program. The "gum tree" tradition begins.
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1970-1979
Enrollment grows to 8,000. Plans for a new student union building are approved. The name Southeast Missouri State University is approved. KRCU begins broadcasting.
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1980-1989
An active campaign to attract more black students is launched. The Southeast Missouri University Foundation, the Copper Dome Society, and the Honors program are established. The Show Me Center opens.
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1990-1999
Southeast begins offering online courses. Linda Godwin operates her first shuttle mission. A strategic plan is approved. Planning for the River Campus begins.
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2000-2009
KRCU becomes a full member of National Public Radio. A groundbreaking ceremony is held for the River Campus project. Vandiver Hall opens. The Indians/Otahkians nickname is retired and Redhawks is adopted.
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2010-2019
The Autism Center opens. B.S. in Cybersecurity is launched. The first Camp Redhawk is held. Benefits are extended to same-sex spouses of employees.
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2020-2022
Plans are announced to expand the River Campus with a new art complex. The university weathers the COVID-19 pandemic. The Veteran's Plaza is dedicated. A new retention milestone is reached, and Southeast adopts a new statewide mission.