The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors approved the conferral of the Vandiver Show Me State Award to Senator Roy Blunt for his public service and commitment to Southeast Missouri State University.
The award will be presented at Southeast’s 2 p.m. commencement ceremony on December 17.
The Vandiver Show Me State Award was created by Southeast’s governing board in 1997 to recognize outstanding contributions to the institution, the region, and the state either by individuals or corporate entities.
“From his time as a history teacher to his role as president of Southwest Baptist University to his advocacy as a United States Senator, Senator Blunt has sponsored countless education initiatives and has been a great supporter of Southeast Missouri State,” said Southeast President Dr. Carlos Vargas.
Senator Blunt has worked alongside seven Southeast presidents and been a tireless advocate for the University including:
- Sponsoring legislation to require the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a Collegiate Training Initiative program related to unmanned aircraft systems.
- Supporting Congressional colleagues in their efforts to secure over $3,600,000 for various University academic programs, research, equipment and technology upgrades, health initiatives, and campus infrastructure projects.
- Securing $1.5 million in federal funds to enhance law enforcement training through the SEMO Law Enforcement Academy and to assist in equipment upgrades
- Securing $1.8 million in federal funds to upgrade equipment and to enhance STEM education and training in aviation related fields, including professional pilot and unmanned aircraft systems
Senator Blunt’s Dedication to Education
During his public career, Sen. Blunt has championed many causes in support of education. Specifically, Sen. Blunt authored legislation to increase the maximum Pell Grant award, and he led the effort to reinstate Year-Round-Pell. Additionally, he has worked to increase funding for campus-aid programs and for first-generation college students – all efforts that have benefited students at Southeast, and at higher education institutions throughout the country.
Sen. Blunt is a first-generation college graduate. He earned his undergraduate degree from Southwest Baptist University and has a Master of Art in history from Missouri State University.
Blunt was elected seven times to the U.S. House of Representatives, and he has served in the U.S. Senate since 2010.
The Vandiver Show Me State Award
The Vandiver Show Me State Award is named after Southeast’s fifth president, Willard Duncan Vandiver (1893-1897), who left his position to become congressman from Missouri’s then-14th District. History suggests it was Congressman Vandiver who gave Missouri its “Show Me State” nickname. In a speech in Philadelphia in 1899, Vandiver declared, “I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats; and frothy eloquence neither convinces me nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me.” The nickname has been a part of the Missouri landscape for over a century.
Southeast’s governing board has conferred the award just five other times, since its inception at spring commencement in May 1997. Past recipients of the Vandiver Show Me State Award include the Bootheel Education Center Advisory Council (May 1997), Judith R. Wilferth (December 1997), B.W. “Bill” Harrison (December 1998), Jay B. Knudtson (May 2006), and Cape West Rotary Club (December 2012).
“The leadership, support, and commitment to education that Sen. Blunt has shown in both the significant contributions he has made to Southeast as well as to the State of Missouri are exactly the type of efforts this award was created to recognize,” said Vargas. “We couldn’t be more pleased to honor his advocacy and his service.”