At Southeast Missouri State University, we are proud to celebrate Women’s History Month. Every year, March is designated as Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions to American history. The Office of Equity Initiatives along with many other departments across campus are hosting and recognizing this month with activities and celebrations. This year, the Office of Equity Initiatives has highlighted several women on campus who have continued to contribute to our campus community and society.
Women’s History Month traces its origins back to a grassroots initiative in Santa Rosa, California. It all started with the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, which organized a commemoration called "Women’s History Week" in 1978, timed to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8. The momentum quickly spread nationwide, with various communities adopting their own Women’s History Week celebrations in the subsequent year. In February of 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the inaugural Presidential Proclamation, designating the week of March 8th, 1980, as National Women’s History Week. Since 1995, every president has annually issued proclamations designating March as “Women’s History Month.”
A native of Arkansas, Nora Bouzihay graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in chemistry and received her Master’s in Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service. During her time at the Clinton School, Bouzihay spent her time working in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Rabat, Morocco focusing on education programming for the Middle East North African region. Bouzihay recently moved to Cape Girardeau and currently serves on the Executive Staff team as Assistant to the President for Equity Initiatives and Title IX Coordinator at Southeast Missouri State University. In addition to her philanthropic work, she is a proud charter member of the Mu Phi Sigma Dubai chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, and serves as an advisor for the Lambda Eta Chapter at SEMO. Bouzihay started the first hijab/scarf company in the state of Arkansas in 2018 called NowaraCo. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling around the world, spending time with family, and trying out new local coffee shops!
Dana Branson is an associate professor of social work in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology. Branson earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Northcentral University, her Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Southwest Baptist University. Branson has been a licensed practitioner (LCSW) and a member of NASW since 1997. Dr. Branson has over 25 years of clinical experience with substance use disorders, mental health, co-occurring disorders, and trauma-informed care. Branson’s practice is focused primarily on women and adolescents and incorporates the many diverse dynamics of rural social work. Branson regularly serves as a conference presenter discussing vicarious and secondary traumas, Adverse Childhood Events (ACE), substance use disorder topics, the importance of school social workers, and a variety of other topics. Branson has participated in international social work opportunities in Ireland, Brazil, and Belarus.
Tamara Zellars Buck is a professor and chair of Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Mass Media. She is a former reporter and PR professional who serves as coordinator of the Multimedia Journalism option and also teaches Diversity in Media and Media Law. She served as faculty adviser to the award-winning Arrow student news organization for more than a decade and in 2022 was named a College Media Association Distinguished Adviser. Buck is currently a board member for the National Scholastic Press/Associated Collegiate Press and Southeast Missouri Press Association, and a member of the Power Shift Project Trainers Council. She is a 2020-21 AEJMC Institute for Diversity in Leadership Fellow and in 2013 was named to the inaugural class of Kopenhaver Center Fellows.
Shay Cecil is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience. In Addition to working as a high school social worker, she worked in private practice and the hospital setting. Shay Cecil received her bachelor’s degree in Social work from Southeast Missouri State University in 2010, and her Master’s Degree with a mental health concentration from Saint Louis University. Shay Cecil has been the Director of Field Education for the BSW program since 2022. Shay is on several boards and is committed to the community of Cape Girardeau.
Dr. Clubbs grew up in Kankakee, Illinois. She earned her BSEd in speech and theatre education at Southeast in 1998. She completed graduate degrees at Western Illinois University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Missouri-Columbia. After serving the Department of Communication Studies and Modern Languages for over fifteen years teaching public speaking, intercultural communication, and health communication, she moved to the Department of Leadership, Middle, and Secondary Education. Now she prepares student affairs professionals to grow the next generation of college students. Her research interests include the use of different modalities to increase college access, communication in higher education, and the wellness of the university community, particularly regarding burnout and mindfulness. Dr. Clubbs hosts “To Your Health” on KRCU. She is the wife of Bob, the mother of Avery, Eli, and Lily, the daughter of Susanne Hildebrand, and the granddaughter of Irene Jarvis and Rell Yohnka.
Dr. Brooke DeArman earned degrees from Southeast in Trumpet Performance (B.M.) and Higher Education Administration (M.A.). She was active in many music ensembles, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, and Presidential Ambassadors, and was the very first Rowdy the Redhawk Mascot, (one of the very few female mascots in the NCAA). Brooke received her Master of Music from Oklahoma City University, then moved back to Cape with her husband Ken to work for Southeast and pursue her Doctorate in Education which she completed in 2018. In her current role as Assistant. Director, of Int’l Student Services (PDSO/RO) she oversees legal aspects, programming, and orientations for int’l students. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Cape Girardeau and maintains an active trumpet performance schedule and lesson studio. Brooke strongly advocates for blood donation and serves as a resource and research participant in advocacy groups for the prevention of female-specific genetic cancers.
Dr. Erin Rae Fluegge is a Professor of Management in the Harrison College of Business and Computing at Southeast Missouri State University. She holds a Bachelor of General Studies and MBA from Southeast and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Florida. She teaches a variety of management courses, fostering an environment that encourages students to step out of their comfort zones. Dr. Fluegge's research centers on workplace fun, leadership, and experiential exercises, leading to publications in and presentations at national and international journals and conferences. Driven by a passion for service, she also actively contributes to her university, professional, and local communities. As a faculty fellow at Southeast, she enjoys organizing Women in Entrepreneurship events. Dr. Fluegge presides over the North American Management Society, engages with the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, participates in Leadership Cape and Leadership Missouri alumni networks, and serves as the Chair of the Faculty Senate at Southeast.
Greetings! I am a proud wife, mother, and Sunday school teacher. Professionally, I serve as the Director of Regional Campuses. I oversee a fantastic staff of bright, ambitious, student-centered professionals. I am a first-generation college student from the southside of Chicago. I obtained my Bachelor's degree from Bradley University and my Master's in Higher Education Administration from Southeast! I am a proud alumna. I have over 15 years of progressive experience in higher education, starting as an undergrad student worker in Admissions. Most recently, I am celebrating becoming a co-chair on the executive board of the Black Faculty and Staff Alliance (BFSA), an ex-officio member of the Sikeston Regional Chamber Board, and being accepted into the 2024 class of Leadership Missouri! It has been a rewarding experience to be part of the SEMO community, and I look forward to playing a role in the positive change to come!
Amanda Lincoln has worked at SEMO since 2006 and currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Advancement. She finds her job rewarding and challenging and she is driven to help students achieve their dreams by assisting others with their philanthropic goals. She is a 2001 SEMO graduate where she majored in mass communications, and public relations, and minored in management. She received her Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University in 2018. She is grateful for her time at SEMO, both as a student and in a professional capacity, as it has introduced her to new people and global concepts. Amanda enjoys volunteering as a mentor to young women and is committed to service and advocacy projects that empower women. She is proud to serve as the President of the Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau. Amanda is an avid reader, enjoys traveling, and seeks outdoor adventures. She lives in Jackson with her husband, Greg, and their two children, Peyton and Audrey, who are her greatest joy and pride.
Christie McIntosh was born and raised in Southern Illinois. She began her career with Compass Group in Cincinnati, Ohio where she worked for over 11 years at Eurest Dining Services, the business sector of Compass Group. In 2015 Christie joined Southeast Missouri State University as a catering supervisor. In 2018, as a result of her hard work and dedication, she was promoted within the company to the position of Carved+Crafted Catering Director. Utilizing her meticulous eye for detail, Christie has had the honor of meeting and working with multiple members of the Southeast community including Cape Chamber, NAACP, Teen Challenge, and many more to plan and prepare extraordinary on and off-campus events. Working and collaborating with everyone at Southeast Missouri State University is something Christie enjoys every day. In addition to spending time with her family and friends, Christie enjoys spending time with her three daughters and two granddaughters. Being a cancer survivor, the Sarcoma Foundation of America is near and dear to her heart. Christie has participated in the STL Cure Sarcoma 6K run/walk which focuses on raising awareness and research funds for sarcoma.
Dr. McNeely serves as the Director of Southeast Online & Early College Programs. She draws on her experiences as a first-generation, non-traditional student to fuel her passion and purpose for finding innovative and effective ways to deliver education. Her research interests are in supporting faculty in delivering flexible learning opportunities and in distance student support. Dr. McNeely has published work on the changing demographics of online learners and the adoption of hyflex models. Her flipped student service model for distance students is nationally recognized by the Online Learning Consortium as an effective practice. She was honored to participate in the Institute for Emerging Online Leaders. This year, she serves as Chair of the Marketing, Enrollment Management, and Student Success network of UPCEA. Her doctorate from Maryville University is in Educational Leadership. She is proud to have completed an online doctorate as a full-time mom, wife, director, and online learning scholar.
Dr. Odegard holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Counseling with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University. She is currently a Professor at Southeast Missouri State University and serves as Chairperson of the Department of Psychology and Counseling. She teaches courses in the MA in Mental Health Counseling program at Southeast and has been doing so for the last 15 years. She has her LPC in Missouri and has served a variety of clients at Gibson Center for Behavioral Change in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Many of the concerns she's addressed are diverse and include but are not limited to: depression, anxiety, substance use, LGBTQ concerns, grief and loss, and telehealth. She also incorporates alternative creative modalities such as hypnosis, expressive arts, and popular culture interventions. Her previous experiences involved working with both urban and rural populations within a clinical context. Her professional research and publications highlight the need for counselor educators, supervisors, and professional counselors to incorporate social justice paradigms into their work. Her most recent article was published in the American Psychological Association (APA) Special Edition of the Psychologist-Manager Journal and entitled “The Intersectionality of Mindful Leadership: Promoting Wellness in a Budget Cutting Environment,” (2020). The recent publication focuses on her current work as a leader in higher education and the challenges IHE’s face and strategies to promote wellness in order to foster relationships and model effective leadership in this context.
Dr. Lesli K. Pace is the Chairperson and a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies and Modern Languages. Her research focuses on the rhetoric of race and gender, particularly civil rights and women’s movements. She is the co-editor of two books about the U.S. civil rights movement, and her most recent publications explore ethics and leadership for women in academic settings. She teaches public speaking, interpersonal, gender, visual rhetoric, and social movements regularly. Dr. Pace offers professional growth opportunities for chairpersons at the national Academic Chairperson’s Conference and provides service to her discipline as a reviewer and by serving on a variety of committees. She is the former Chair of the Constitution Committee, the current Chair of the Association for Communication Administrators, and the Chair-Elect of the Finance Committee of the Southern States Communication Association. Dr. Pace earned her BA from SEMO, MA from Texas State, and PhD from Southern Illinois.
Dana Saverino, Director of Creative Marketing Strategy at SEMO's Marketing and Communications, truly embodies the authentic Redhawk spirit. As an alumna who found love on our campus, her connection with SEMO has remained unwavering. You'll consistently find Dana and her daughters at every athletic event, wholeheartedly cheering on our Redhawks. Within our department, Dana takes the lead as she consistently inspires and encourages each member of the creative team to reach their best. Dana's approachable spirit creates an environment where reaching out with concerns is easy. She's always available, ready to listen, and offer solutions. Our campus is fortunate to have someone like Dana in her position; she serves as an inspiration to all the women around her.
Kristen Seabaugh, Annual Fund Coordinator at SEMO. I found my passion for higher education when I started working at SEMO in 2018. I graduated from SEMO in 2012 (BSBA) and 2021 (MA). In my current role as Annual Fund Coordinator, I help raise funds for the University Fund and foster alumni relationships. Throughout my career, I have drawn inspiration from many influential women I have had the pleasure of working with. I strive to be that person for others.
I am a townie and have lived in Cape Girardeau my whole life. I like to spend my free time with my partner Fabian, our daughters, Grace and Jada, and our fur babies, Prim, Banks, and Maeve. Outside of work, I find joy in dancing and sharing my passion through choreography. Through my work and hobbies, I try to empower others and contribute to a brighter future for all.
Alicia K. Ticer grew up in Cape Girardeau and the surrounding community. In 2011, she joined the Southeast Missouri State University community to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, with an emphasis in Public Relations and minors in Human Resource Management and Criminal Justice. Throughout her collegiate career, she was a proud member of several organizations including, Alpha Delta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and the Public Relations Student Society of America. Upon graduating summa cum lade in 2016, she returned to Southeast as the Director of Marketing and Student Engagement for “SEMO Dining,” an extension of Chartwells Higher Education. In her personal life, Ticer finds ways to connect with her community by donating her time and talents to events such as Vintage Now, which benefits the Safe House of Southeast Missouri, and Dancing with the Show Me Stars, which benefits the Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri.
Camryn Whitmore, a proud alumna of Southeast Missouri State University, serves as the Digital Marketing Strategist in the Marketing and Communications Department. With a huge passion for SEMO, Camryn enthusiastically advocates for the university at every opportunity. Her dedication goes beyond just managing SEMO's social media. She values teaming up with other departments and student groups on campus.
Hailing from Westfield, Indiana, Betsy Wilcox is the Assistant Director of Athletics for Student Support Services and Senior Woman Administrator for SEMO Athletics. Wilcox came to SEMO in the Fall of 2018 and has since loved every moment of athletics. In her spare time, you will see Betsy anywhere on campus, whether it be a SEMO athletic game, a campus event, or hanging with her puppy, Ranger, at the park.