Isabella Pittman, Simon Lanter and Nathan Harris are all President's Scholarship recipients. Here is a bit about their experiences as a President’s Scholar: 

How did you feel when you found out that you were a President's Scholarship recipient? 

Simon: Incredible. It was this mountain top moment. The stress of college, the countless essay revisions, and the waiting had all paid off the second I saw SEMO representatives walk into my first hour AP Government class. 

Isabella: Seeing Katie, Regina, friends and family walk in with a big check with my name on it, surrounded by flowers and balloons, was an experience in itself. A weight lifted from my shoulders. Being surrounded by my family and friends who have been with me every step of the way was the best feeling. 

Nathan: Receiving the President's Scholarship has shown me that I need to believe in myself more. I doubted that I would get the scholarship, but I proved myself wrong which strengthened my confidence in myself.   

How has the change in the cost of college impacted your experience at SEMO?  

Isabella: I had planned to attend a community college in my hometown, but this scholarship helped me attend a four-year university. I am not having to take out student loans this semester. 

Simon: A large portion of my finances are being paid for by the President’s Scholarship. I spend less time worrying about how I am going to pay for my degree, and more time focusing on academics and bettering myself as an individual. 

Nathan: My tuition is almost completely covered. The scholarship has relieved the stress of needing to work or secure loans during college. My focus is on being successful academically instead of having to split my time between work and school.   

Isabella Pittman receiving her check for the Presidents Scholarship.

 Simon Lantern playing in the SEMO Marching Band at a Football game. 

 Nathan Harris graduating from SEMO, ready to become a professional pilot.

How has the scholarship influenced your academic journey?  

Nathan: I received a study abroad stipend through my interviews for the President’s Scholarship. Being able to learn about other cultures and visit other countries will benefit me academically as I learn to be a professional pilot.  It would have been a challenge to afford both study abroad and tuition/pilot fees without the scholarship. 

Isabella: The scholarship has given me networking opportunities that otherwise would not have been possible. I find myself being recognized as a President’s Scholarship recipient by SEMO staff, and it is a great opportunity for me to introduce myself to them and spark up a conversation. 

Simon: Not only has this scholarship helped to alleviate financial burdens for my academic journey but has also given me a new drive. As a President’s Scholar, I now feel a heightened sense of responsibility, one that will ultimately better me and my academic career. 

Has the scholarship changed or accelerated your long-term goals? 

Simon: I can start looking to the future; my financial scope has widened. I’ve begun to think about applying to master's programs. Receiving this scholarship showed me what I can accomplish with hard work and fearlessness. 

Nathan: The scholarship allows me to consider additional academic endeavors. I would not have been as likely to consider an additional major or minor, or to consider attending graduate school without the significant tuition assistance. 

Isabella: I will be able to graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in three years instead of four. 

Southeast Missouri State University President Brad Hodson announced a new scholarship program for fall 2026 with revisions to the President’s Scholarship. This renewable merit-based scholarship is valued at $8,000 (per year? Per semester? I am going to call about this!) The new eligibility requirements are receiving a 4.0 high school GPA and 28 or above ACT score, or 1300 or above SAT score. 

SEMO financial aid and scholarships reduce the cost of attendance for a career-shaping education. Take hold of your potential and see what SEMO can offer you. Everyone who meets the requirements will receive scholarships. No separate application is required.

All you need to do is Apply to SEMO