Southeast Missouri State University

The meeting commenced with introductions. Key discussion points included updates on Museum Programming and upcoming shows, such as the Jazz Photography exhibit, noting that Sunday museum operations will cease next semester. A new Production Operations Manager for HCAM was introduced. Ticket Sales Updates indicated a 5.2% rise in gross ticket sales, attributed to a new pricing structure, enhanced social media presence, and improved online student ticketing options. Recruiting and outreach initiatives were reviewed, detailing plans for faculty trips to New Orleans for portfolio reviews and auditions, and discussions concerning community outreach with Rotary and Chateau groups. Furthermore, the Board discussed a member's resignation and the city's replacement process, and began planning the next year's season calendar.

The report from the President covered extensive regional engagement activities, including meetings with community college presidents, economic development leaders, K-12 leaders, corporate partners, and elected officials. Key initiatives discussed included a joint legislative request for $16.65 million focused on the local airport, with SEMO requesting $3.8 million for an air traffic controller bachelor's degree program. Executive staff searches were updated, noting the hiring of Dr. Stephen Schultheis as the next vice president of enrollment management and student success, and the commencement of the search for the vice president of finance and administration. The report also detailed the launch of the grassroots legislative advocacy network, SEMO NOW!, the initiation of a five-year Strategic Planning roadmap development, and the start of the Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget process by the Budget Review Committee. Other topics included discussions regarding the former Malden regional campus ownership transfer, updates on academic program reviews (including the Middle School Education program and the Nursing Department's response to the State Board of Nursing), reaccreditation recommendations for the Harrison College of Business & Computing, and the launch of SEMO Athletics' 'Built Different' life and leadership development initiative. Furthermore, updates were provided on campaign progress for the Transforming Lives Comprehensive Campaign and significant improvements in national rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

The meeting included discussions on personnel changes within the Department of Art + Design, Music, Theatre and Dance, and Mass Media. Updates were provided on summer programs at the museum, including quilt exhibits, World War I and II exhibits, and various art classes and workshops. The shows for the next season were reviewed, highlighting events such as Pops in the Park!, Percussion's Trick or Treat Movie Night, and the Pluckophony Series. Season ticket information and HCAM Newsletter updates were shared. Planning for the season calendar was discussed, including considerations for university events and River Campus departments. The River Campus mission as a world-class entertainment and education venue was reiterated.

The meeting included updates on the Restaurant Hop and Extravaganza fundraising events, as well as the upcoming Theatre & Dance Extravaganza. Updates were provided about the upcoming season, including musicals and plays. Information was shared about the upcoming New Orleans trip for faculty and students from Music and Theatre & Dance. Updates were given on the upcoming Music season and the scheduling of Band Events, with a focus on America's 250th anniversary. Ticket sales were up by over 25% in quantity and 60% in gross. Updates were provided about the HCAM newsletter and Giving Day initiatives for the River Campus.

The meeting included a presentation that analyzed different performing arts rental spaces, comparing River Campus offerings to other areas. There was discussion about transparency in the scheduling calendar to provide more flexibility for show dates, the costs of productions, and clarity on blackout dates. The deadline for the 2025-2026 season was discussed, including aligning dates with university events.