Southeast's impact goes beyond our students. We're committed to making an impact in the community where we live.
In 2010, some of the most vulnerable members of our community needed help. From 2000-2010 the Bootheel region of Missouri reported infant mortality rates similar to those of developing nations. Southeast and other community organizations came together to create Bootheel Babies and Families, and began grass roots initiatives to help save babies in our community. What resulted was a strong network of resources for future parents and a whole classroom's worth of children alive today.
More Than education
We sat down with Christy Mershon, director of the Economic Business Engagement Center, to discuss Southeast's part in helping keep Bootheel babies safe, as well as the greater impact the institution has on the region.Outcome Rates for Bootheel Babies & Families Initiative
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9%
Original Infant Mortality Rate
From 2000 to 2010.
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<7%
Goal Rate
Over the life of the initiative from 2013 to today.
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<3.4%
Current Rate
Since 2019, well exceeding the original goal of under 7%.
What's Beneath the Iceberg
Christy put it best when she said Southeast is like an iceberg. Educating students is the tip of the iceberg, but the Southeast community does so much more to impact the region.
