Four Southeast Missouri State University students were selected to represent the University at the 2026 Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum February 12-14, a statewide program that brings together student leaders to engage with public officials, policy experts and peers from across Missouri.
The Forum is held in Jefferson City and included programming at the Missouri State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion and the Jefferson City Correctional Center. Participants took part in discussions focused on leadership development, civic engagement and public service.
SEMO’s 2026 delegates are:
- Ella Burns, a senior digital and integrated marketing communications major from St. Louis, Missouri. Burns maintains a 3.96 GPA and serves as a student creator for SEMO Marketing and Communications. She is a resident assistant in the LaFerla Business Learning Community, Hawk Flock student ambassador for the Office of Admissions and secretary of the Student Government Association.
- Dekyria Jones, a senior dual major in psychology and social work from Sikeston, Missouri. Jones holds a 3.03 GPA and is president of the Psychology Club and treasurer of the Student Social Work Organization. She is an Emerging Leaders participant, McNair Scholar and TRIO program member who has received multiple TRIO awards.
- Blake Deppe, a sophomore agribusiness major with an emphasis in agriculture communications from Washington, Missouri. Deppe maintains a 3.87 GPA and serves as a student government senator and member of the Budget Review Committee. He is a presidential ambassador, team lead for the Student Activities Council and active in numerous organizations, including Collegiate Farm Bureau, Delta Tau Alpha, Horticulture Club, Marching Band and Agriculture Future of America.
- Luke Gilmore, a sophomore psychology major with a minor in political science from Advance, Missouri. Gilmore holds a 3.5 GPA and is involved in Beta Alpha Psi, the Men’s Golf Club and volunteers as a boy’s golf coach at Notre Dame High School.
The Missouri Governor’s Student Leadership Forum is designed to help students explore leadership through the lens of state government and public policy. Throughout the weekend, students met with state leaders, participated in guided discussions and networked with fellow student representatives from colleges and universities across Missouri.
By engaging directly with policymakers and touring key state facilities, students gain a deeper understanding of how decisions made in Jefferson City affect communities throughout the state.
Burns said the experience changed the way she thinks about leadership.
“My experience at the forum deepened my understanding of servant leadership by challenging me to see the inherent dignity and humanity in everyone I encounter,” said Burns. “The conversations and shared experiences have armed me with the necessary tools to lead with greater empathy, humility and purpose in my remaining time at SEMO and in future leadership opportunities.”
Selection for the Governor’s Student Leadership Forum underscores the depth of student leadership at SEMO and the University’s ongoing investment in preparing graduates who are ready to serve and lead across Missouri.
If you’re ready to join a University committed to creating leaders, visit semo.edu/apply.