Southeast Missouri State University’s Holland College of Arts & Media (HCAM) is setting the stage for student success through its impressive facilities and collaborative approach to arts education at the River Campus. With versatile spaces like the Bedell Performance Hall, Rust Flexible Theatre, Shuck Music Recital Hall, and a newly equipped sound studio, the campus delivers a first-rate visual and performing arts education experience.
Designed with collaboration in mind, the River Campus supports students in the Departments of Art & Design, Music, and the Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre & Dance by offering hands-on, real-world experiences in performance, production, and artistic creation. From theatre productions to symphony concerts, the spaces adapt seamlessly to meet the demands of diverse creative endeavors.
“The River Campus was conceived to celebrate the arts and encourage cross-discipline collaboration,” said Rhonda Weller-Stilson, dean of the Holland College of Arts & Media. “Over the years, we’ve built a culture of partnerships and shared resources, which now defines how we operate.”
A distinguishing factor of SEMO’s River Campus is its capacity to provide students with professional-grade environments across multiple disciplines. Unlike many universities with limited performance or exhibition spaces, SEMO equips students to work across various scales of production, preparing them for the demands of the arts industry.
“Having access to purpose-built spaces with the right tools and equipment makes all the difference,” Weller-Stilson added. “These facilities help students bring their creative visions to life while gaining real-world experience.”
Each semester, the River Campus serves over 1,000 students, giving them the tools, opportunities, and environment to create, collaborate, and showcase their work to the community. With its location overlooking the Mississippi River and proximity to downtown Cape Girardeau, the River Campus’ innovative facilities and cross-disciplinary learning ensures students graduate well-prepared to thrive in the entertainment industry. To learn more about SEMO's River Campus, visit the website.