This esteemed award will be bestowed during the annual President’s Council recognition event, which coincides with Southeast’s Sesquicentennial Ball on Saturday, April 6, 2024, celebrating the legacy of Southeast Missouri State.

Of SEMO's higher education awards, The Friend of the University award stands as SEMO’s most prestigious, honoring individuals who make significant contributions through the Southeast Missouri University Foundation. It recognizes those who passionately support the mission and objectives of Southeast Missouri State University. Blakemore’s selection embodies his steadfast dedication and generosity towards Southeast Missouri, aligning seamlessly with the principles of higher education awards.

“David is an alumnus of SEMO who continually works to make us better,” said SEMO President Dr. Carlos Vargas. “He serves on the Harrison College of Business and Computing Advisory Committee to ensure our curriculum aligns with contemporary industry standards and best practices. He lends his thought leadership to the University, particularly through the Blakemore Family Business Initiative which he established with SEMO in 2021.” 

The Blakemore Family Business Initiative serves as an endowment that provides business students with crucial resources, including research dedicated to family business ownership, growth and succession planning. This initiative also sponsors a series of lectures by industry experts, creating experiential learning opportunities and partnerships with entrepreneurial programs at SEMO.

Blakemore is president of Blakemore Cotton and Grain, his family's business. Blakemore began working for his father when he was in the fourth grade. They worked together for over 45 years.

He graduated from SEMO with a Bachelor of Science in business administration in 2010 and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in finance in 2015. He currently serves on the Southeast Missouri University Foundation Board of Directors and has held various leadership roles within the ginning industry, including a term as president of the National Cotton Ginners Association and an executive committee member of the National Cotton Council (NCC).

As chair of the NCC's Cotton Flow Committee, Blakemore establishes policies for the U.S. raw cotton supply chain, enhancing the industry's efficiency and global delivery capabilities.

In 2018, Blakemore was elected president of the Missouri Cotton Growers Organization and later reappointed by Gov. Mike Parson. This organization is crucial in Boll Weevil eradication efforts in Missouri, advocating for sustainability and profitability for local cotton growers.

He has served nationally and internationally on the Boards of Directors for Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Ducks Unlimited Canada and Ducks Unlimited de Mexico.

Alongside his wife, Carolyn, he has created scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students at SEMO, reinforcing their dedication to philanthropy in higher education.

“Being selected as Friend of the University is an unexpected honor,” said Blakemore. “Cape has always been a second home to me, and SEMO is a great part of that. I loved my instructors. I got so much from all of them, and I use my education in some form every day. Supporting Southeast is the least I could do for other students starting their college and career journeys.”

For further details about the Sesquicentennial Ball or to buy tickets, visit semo.edu/150ball.