What does Southeast Missouri State University mean to you?

I came to SEMO in 1963 as a transfer student from Central Methodist College in MO. I liked CMC also, but SEMO fit me better by that time. There were more faculty members and a more diverse campus. I lived in a rental room with other students/and later an apartment off campus which fit me better than a dorm. There were more options in course work at SEMO. Another friend of mine (student) and I became friends with a family in town and to this day I feel close to them. I completed my Pol Science major and also a teachers life certificate which helped me on in my next few years-and then military service, first jobs, and completion of PhD at University of Arizona. SEMO was a a great place for me to grow at that point in my life.

Why is it important to support students (at a time like this)?

There are many roads for students and they need to get their feet on the ground, establish their values, and feel the need to contribute to society. That's what makes one successful--not necessarily finding a high paying job and becoming a star--despite what others feel or need.

Why do you give to Southeast?

To support what helped me develop to the person I grew to be. Others need that also.

Why do you believe the work of the Foundation is important?

The foundation may help others get their start through a good education for the times, develop the values needed in one's life, and then contribute to others.

What personal experiences have you had with the students you have helped (who have been helped by the Foundation)?

I was first a teacher in public schools, then a military officer for 4 years, then moved on to graduate degree completions. I became an school administrator and then a professor in higher education. I helped many students in their education as a professor: in their successes in education, as teachers and school administrators, as higher education professors: I completed 91 doctoral students in my career, have 2 text books for school administrators (1 with 17 editions), and other contributions to students and professionals. I am not a rich man such as an entrapranure, but I feel rich in my contirbutions to others over the years.

Why should other people give to Southeast?

To help those students that don't always have the opportunities that others have. But also to improve what can happen in the development of better programs in doing so.

Are you a Southeast alumnus?

Yes

How has earning your degree from Southeast impacted your life?

Greatly in that it made me eligible to becomes an officer in the air force when I would have otherwise been an army private most likely; it made be want to continue my education--by the time I left the air force in 4 years, I had completed my masters and nearing completion of my PhD. I moved to Brazil for 2 years where I worked in an American school overseas, as an administer. Then came my 42 years as a professor in a major institution of higher education. It started from my family, but SEMO helped greatly.