Each year, during Opening Week students are welcomed to campus by faculty and staff, but Southeast's chief welcomers are Dr. Carlos and Pam Vargas. And, while students have likely heard or met Dr. Vargas before moving in, they quickly learn with Mrs. Vargas they get another cheerleader and champion.

By day, First Lady Pam Vargas serves as Southeast's director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. It's a big job to provide support for the faculty and staff of Southeast in their pursuit of external funding for research, creative, service and other scholarly activity.

But in addition to that, Pam has a second job as First Lady. You'll find her at most campus events. While she says she is the unofficial president wrangler, getting him to events on time, you can always find her ensuring students feel welcomed. For the last seven years, she's been there for SEMO students when they move away from home, most for the first time. She's attended their New Student Convocation. She's cheered them on at most all of their plays, exhibits, ceremonies, and athletic events. And, she has watched them achieve their dreams as they walk across the graduation stage. 

We got a peak at her friendliness and supportive spirit by tagging along with Pam to Opening Week activities as she welcomed a whole new flock of Redhawks to campus.