FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOCKENSMITH SWORN IN AS NEW STUDENT REGENT

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 18, 2002 - Laura Hockensmith of St. Louis, a Southeast Missouri State University sophomore from Manchester, Mo., was sworn in as the student representative to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents during a ceremony today in St. Louis.

The oath of office was administered by the Honorable Carol Kennedy Bader, associate circuit judge of the 23rd Judicial Circuit of Missouri. Gov. Bob Holden appointed Hockensmith to the Board in January. Her appointment was confirmed by the Missouri Senate Feb. 27. Hockensmith will serve a two-year term.

A marketing major, Hockensmith is a member of Southeast Student Government and is the chair of the University Affairs Committee. Last year, she served as a member of the University Student Affairs Committee and of the Freshman Selection Committee.

Hockensmith also is a member of Alpha Delta Pi, a sorority in which she has served as director of social enrichment and risk management chair and as a member of the Homecoming and Parents' Weekend committees. She is a member of Delta Epsilon Chi and serves as secretary of the Distribution Club of America. She currently is serving as an intern in Southeast's Sports Marketing Department.

Hockensmith also has been active in volunteer work, assisting with Special Olympics and the Pony Bird Residential Home and serving as a tutor at Blanchard Elementary. She is a 2000 graduate of Parkway South High School, where she served as student body president.

She replaces Doug McDermott, whose term as student regent on the Board has expired.