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BELOW NAMED DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Nov. 27, 2001 - Deborah Below of Hillsboro Mo., director of admissions and financial aid at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, has been named director of admissions at Southeast Missouri State University.
Below will begin her new duties at Southeast Jan. 7.
“The director of admissions is a key position at Southeast,” said Dr. Pauline Fox, vice president for administration and enrollment management at Southeast. “We expect that Ms. Below will continue to refine the very successful student recruitment plan that has been implemented over the past few years. In addition, we expect that she will find ways to further involve the entire Southeast community in student recruitment and retention efforts.”
Below is no stranger to Southeast. Before serving at Jefferson College, Below was employed by Southeast from 1990 to 1994. At Southeast, she served as interim assistant director of residence life, acting director of admissions, admission counselor, assistant hall director and resident advisor.
“Ms. Below is an experienced professional who, as an alumna and former employee of Southeast, is familiar with us,” Fox said. “In addition, she has strong managerial and communication skills. I am looking forward to working with her.”
Below currently is completing a doctorate of philosophy degree with an emphasis in higher education administration with the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She holds a master of science in administration degree and a bachelor of science in mass communications with an emphasis in public relations, both from Southeast Missouri State University.
Below, who received a Young Alumni Merit Award from Southeast earlier this year and who was a finalist for Southeast Woman of the Year in 1990, says she is proud of her Southeast education.
“I welcome the opportunity to share my enthusiasm with prospective students, their families and the Southeast community,” she said.
Below’s higher education background includes work experience in admissions, financial aid, new student orientation and residence life. Her most notable achievements at Jefferson College include managing the successful merger of the Admissions and Financial Aid offices, implementation of admissions and financial aid components of the campus’ new management information system, development of a new student orientation program and sustained growth in new student enrollment from Jefferson County high schools by 25 percent over a five-year period. At Jefferson, she has held several leadership roles including representation of Student Services on the North Central Association Steering Committee as well as on the Long Range Planning, Student Outcomes, Marketing and Academic Advisement committees.
She served on the Missouri Commission on the Affordability of Higher Education and currently serves on the Missouri Student Assistance Resource Services (MOSTARS) Administrative Advisory Board and the MOSTARS Advantage Missouri Program Advisory Council. Below is a member of the American Association of College Registrar’s and Admissions Officers, the Jefferson County School Counselor’s Association and the Missouri Community College Association. She has been a regular participant in conferences of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, the Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the Missouri Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers.
In her new position, Below will replace Jay Goff, former director of admissions who left Southeast in May to accept a position as dean of enrollment management with the University of Missouri-Rolla. Shani Lenore has been serving as interim director of admissions for the past six months. With the arrival of Below, Lenore will become associate director of admissions. Prior to serving as interim director of admissions, Lenore was associate director of admissions for minority recruitment.
SOUTHEAST TO CONFER 514 DEGREES DEC. 15
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Nov. 30, 2001 - Degrees will be conferred on 514 graduates during commencement exercises scheduled for Dec. 15 at Southeast Missouri State University.
Sheryl Crow, an internationally known vocalist, guitarist and songwriter - and a native of Kennett in the Missouri Bootheel, will present remarks during exercises scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Show Me Center. Crow has received five Grammy Awards and the Gibson Guitar Award as the Best Acoustic Guitarist-Female. University officials also plan to present Crow with an honorary doctoral degree during commencement exercises.
During commencement exercises, degrees will be conferred on 454 undergraduates and 60 graduate students. In addition, Christopher Goeke, Southeast professor of music, will be leading the national anthem and alma mater during the ceremony.
Leading the class of undergraduates are two students with perfect 4.0 grade point averages. They are: Amanda Gremaud of Perryville, Mo., who will receive a bachelor of science in education degree with a major in early childhood education; and Matthew Pierce of Patton, Mo., who will receive a bachelor of science in business administration degree with a major in accounting.
Three honors scholars will be recognized in the graduating class. They are: Kelly Blakeslee of Lansing, Ill., Melissa Olges of Ava, Ill., and Kenneth “Brandon” Stricker of Sikeston, Mo. To be recognized as an honors scholar, students must complete 24 hours of honors coursework, six of which are at the senior level, and maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.25. Honors scholars also must complete a senior research project.
Four students will graduate with academic distinction in their major department. They are: Cassandra Hicks of Sikeston, Mo., who will be recognized for academic distinction in the Department of Management; Andrea Holloway of Mt. Vernon, Ill., who will be recognized for academic distinction in the Department of Psychology; and Kendra Johnson of Centralia, Ill., who will be recognized for academic distinction in the Department of Psychology. Students who graduate with “Academic Distinction in the Department of Major” complete a special project in conjunction with a faculty committee, department chair and dean. Students carry out the project after they complete at least 75 credit hours of course work with a minimum 3.25 grade point average in their major department and a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average.
In addition, 25 members of Phi Kappa Phi will be recognized during commencement exercises. Phi Kappa Phi is an international honor society for academic distinction that brings together individuals from a variety of disciplines. The charter is only extended to colleges and universities meeting the society’s rigorous standards. The society is open to men and women in all academic fields who have demonstrated excellence of scholarship and integrity of character. Graduating seniors who rank in the upper 10 percent of their class and have a grade point average of at least 3.75 on a four-point scale; juniors who rank in the upper five percent of their class and have at least a 3.85 grade point average; and graduate students who are near graduation with a grade point average of at least 3.9 and have an outstanding record are eligible for consideration.
Ten members of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society for college students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni, are candidates for graduation. Students chosen for Omicron Delta Kappa are juniors and seniors in the top 35th percentile of their class who have demonstrated achievement in one of the following areas: scholarship, athletics, campus and community service, social and religious activities, and campus government; journalism, speech and the mass media; and creative and performing arts. The society is designed to recognize those who have exhibited a high standard of leadership and effectiveness in collegiate activities, to bring together student leaders from all sectors of collegiate interest; and to bring together members of the faculty and the student body on a basis of mutual interest and understanding.
An Honors Convocation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in the Show Me Center, during which 94 undergraduates and 26 graduate students will be honored. Dr. Allen Gathman, Southeast professor of biology, will present the Honors Convocation address. Among the undergraduates participating in the honors convocation, 14 students will graduate summa cum laude, 24 will graduate magna cum laude and 56 will graduate cum laude. Twenty-six will graduate with honors in graduate degrees. The required undergraduate grade point average for graduating cum laude is 3.5 to 3.74, for magna cum laude is 3.75 to 3.89 and for summa cum laude is 3.9 to 4.0. Graduate students participating in the Honors Convocation must have achieved at least a 3.9 grade point average.
The commencement speaker, Sheryl Suzanne Crow, is the daughter of Wendell and Bernice Crow of Kennett. She learned to play the piano by age six and wrote her first song at age 13. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia, with majors in music composition, performance and education. She worked as an elementary school music teacher for children with special needs, and says, “It’s amazing to see music work on little human beings who are otherwise unreachable. They feel the vibration of a guitar and they come alive.”
At the age of 23, Crow moved to Los Angeles, determined to be a professional musician, armed with a few thousand dollars in savings, a classical music degree and experience singing with a college band. Her savings were soon depleted, but she found work as a backup singer for such talents as Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson and the late George Harrison, earning respect and opportunities in the music world. During the 1980s, she continued to write songs, some of which were recorded by other famous musicians. Her own debut recording, “Tuesday Night Music Club,” released in 1993, displayed her gift of catchy lyrics and non-aggressive rock sound, and by 1995 had been certified as a 5x platinum LP. Sheryl Crow had become a star.
Since that time, songs by Sheryl Crow have regularly made the Top 10 lists, and she has received the top accolade in her profession, the Grammy Award, numerous times, beginning in 1995 with Grammies for “Record of the Year,” “Best Pop Vocal Performance-Female” and “Best New Artist.” She has also won a Grammy for “Best Rock Album,” and in February 2001, she won her latest Grammy for “Best Rock Vocal Performance-Female,” her third in that category. She has also won the Gibson Guitar Award as the Best Acoustic Guitarist-Female (2000).
With another recording artist, Nanci Griffith, Sheryl Crow has supported the work of the Campaign for a Landmine-Free World, touring Vietnamese and Cambodian rehabilitation clinics for 11 days, raising funds to curb the effects of landmines in the Third World and to provide rehabilitation services and artificial limbs for the victims of these explosive devices.
Closer to home, Crow has not forgotten her Southeast Missouri roots. She has contributed generously of her time and talent to benefit higher education students in this region. She was the featured performer at a benefit concert in Kennett in 1999 which created the Sheryl Crow Kennett Area Higher Education Center Scholarship endowment, and also at a concert in December 2000, which raised additional funds for the Kennett Center Scholarship endowment and created a new Sheryl Crow School of Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship endowment to benefit students on the Cape Girardeau campus. She is scheduled to perform a second benefit concert Dec. 14 at Southeast Missouri State University. All proceeds from that concert will be divided equally to support endowed scholarships for students enrolled in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Southeast and at the Kennett Area Higher Education Center.
SHERYL CROW TO RECEIVE HONORARY DOCTORAL DEGREE
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Nov. 30, 2001 - Sheryl Crow, a Kennett, Mo., native turned songwriter, guitarist and celebrity vocalist, will receive an honorary doctoral degree from Southeast Missouri State University during commencement exercises planned for 2 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Show Me Center.
An honorary doctoral degree is one of the most prestigious awards presented by Southeast Missouri State University. It is awarded for distinguished achievement, accomplishment or service that is recognized by peers in the field and by a broader spectrum of society.
“We are delighted to honor Sheryl Crow with an honorary doctoral degree from Southeast in December,” said Dr. Kenneth W. Dobbins, president of Southeast Missouri State University. “Just recently, we announced that Sheryl will perform an unplugged benefit concert here on Dec. 14 to add to her endowed scholarships for students enrolled in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Southeast and at the Kennett Area Higher Education Center. Last December, she performed a benefit concert here to support the same cause.
“She also has performed concerts in her native Kennett to benefit students at the Kennett Area Higher Education Center and other local agencies. As you know, education is near and dear to her heart, and she is near and dear to ours. As Southeast Missouri State University continues its development of the School of Visual and Performing Arts, it is only fitting that we honor those individuals who have made significant and noteworthy contributions to the arts. We salute her for her musical accomplishments. May this honorary doctoral degree represent a gesture of our pride in her.”
The benefit concert Crow performed here last year, raised over $48,000, which was distributed to the Sheryl Crow School of Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship and the Sheryl Crow Kennett Area Higher Education Center Scholarship.
This was not the first time Crow demonstrated her generosity to education. Crow previously has performed benefit concerts in Kennett. In September 1999, Crow performed a benefit concert at the American Legion Hall, with more than $25,000 in proceeds going to the Kennett Education Foundation. Those dollars provided scholarships for students attending the Kennett Area Higher Education Center, which opened in June in a newly renovated facility, and created the Sheryl Crow Kennett Area Higher Education Center Scholarship endowment. In 1997, she performed a concert at the high school football stadium, with those proceeds also benefiting the Kennett Education Foundation and for scholarships for two other local civic organizations.
Dobbins said that Crow’s commitment to her home region and to education for residents throughout the Heartland cannot be overstated.
“Sheryl’s generosity and talent are testimony to her strong hometown roots in Kennett and her understanding of the need to help other young people in this region pursue their dreams,” he said. “Our students, both here and in Kennett, are the true beneficiaries of her sharing her talents.”
Crow is the daughter of Wendell and Bernice Crow of Kennett. She learned to play the piano by age six and wrote her first song at age 13. She graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia, with majors in music composition, performance and education.
She worked as an elementary school music teacher for children with special needs, and has said, “It’s amazing to see music work on little human beings who are otherwise unreachable. They feel the vibration of a guitar, and they come alive.”
At the age of 23, Crow moved to Los Angeles, determined to be a professional musician, armed with a few thousand dollars in savings, a classical music degree and experience singing with a college band. Her savings were soon depleted, but she found work as a backup singer for such talents as Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Rod Stewart and Michael Jackson, earning respect and opportunities in the music world. During the 1980s, she continued to write songs, some of which were recorded by other famous musicians. Her own debut recording, “Tuesday Night Music Club,” released in 1993, displayed her gift of catchy lyrics and non-aggressive rock sound, and by 1995 had been certified as a 5x platinum LP. Crow had become a star.
Since that time, songs by Crow regularly have made the Top 10 lists, and she has received the top accolade in her profession, the Grammy Award, numerous times, beginning in 1995 with Grammies for “Record of the Year,” “Best Pop Vocal Performance-Female” and “Best New Artist.” She also has won a Grammy for “Best Rock Album,” and in February 2001, she won her latest Grammy for “Best Rock Vocal Performance-Female,” her third in that category. She also has won the Gibson Guitar Award as the Best Acoustic Guitarist-Female (2000).
With another recording artist, Nanci Griffith, Crow has supported the work of the Campaign for a Landmine-Free World, touring Vietnamese and Cambodian rehabilitation clinics for 11 days, raising funds to curb the effects of landmines in the Third World and to provide rehabilitation services and artificial limbs for the victims of these explosive devices.
COMMENCEMENT TIP SHEET
December commencement at Southeast Missouri State University is planned for 2 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Show Me Center. An Honors Convocation is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Dec. 15, also in the Show Me Center. There are several interesting feature stories that could be developed in association with students graduating from Southeast. Several story tips with contact names and phone numbers are listed below. Please do not hesitate to call the News Bureau at (573) 651-2552 with any questions about these or other commencement stories.
Matthew Pierce of Patton, Mo., will graduate from Southeast with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree majoring in accounting. Pierce was home-schooled from pre-school thru 12th grade. He tested out of several credit hours and is graduating with a 4.0 grade point average. His parents are Kenneth and Judy Pierce of Patton, Mo. Matthew Pierce can be reached at (573) 866-3301.
Sarah Stephens of Cape Girardeau, will graduate from Southeast with a BSBA degree in marketing management and a Bachelor of Science in General Studies (BSG) degree. She is the first graduate of the Cape Girardeau Alternative School to graduate from college. Her parents are Michael and Martha Stephens of Cape Girardeau. Sarah Stephens can be reached at (573) 334-5305.
Eric Wortman of Decatur, Ill., will graduate from Southeast with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in environmental science with a concentration in biology. He will be the first, along with one other, to graduate from Southeast with an environmental science degree. His parents are Mike and Mary Wortman of Decatur, Ill. Eric Wortman can be reached at (573) 332-8575.
Nicole Gowin of Vichy, Mo., will graduate from Southeast with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in environmental science with a concentration in business. She is one of the first two people graduating with the environmental science degree from Southeast. In addition, Gowin is graduating with her undergraduate degree at the same time her older sister, Stephanie Gowin, is graduating with a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA). Her parents are Richard Gowin of Jerseyville, Ill., and Norma Watkins of Vichy, Mo. Nicole Gowin can be reached at (573) 651-6554.
Cortia Williams of Sikeston, Mo., will graduate from Southeast with a Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) degree majoring in elementary education and specializing in behavior disorders. As an incentive to graduate, her grandmother left her $500 in silver dollars. Her grandmother’s dying request was for her granddaughter to get an education. Williams’ parents are Lawrence and Sylelta Williams of Sikeston, Mo. Cortia Williams can be reached at (573) 471-6710.
“JAZZ AT NOON CHRISTMAS CONCERT” TO BE HELD DEC. 5
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Nov. 30, 2001 - The University Jazz Program at Southeast Missouri State University announces the upcoming “Jazz at Noon Christmas Concert” presented by the Southeast Studio Jazz Ensemble on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at noon in the University Center lobby.
This annual performance by the Studio Jazz Ensemble is open to the public and is a free concert. With a special guest appearance by Santa Claus himself, the Southeast Jazz Ensemble will perform several pieces, including: “The Big Sur,” “Walk on the Water,” “Here’s that Rainy Day,” “Pegasus,” “The First Circle,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Christmas Medley,” “The Christmas Song,” “Four for Christmas,” and “Deck the Halls.”
For more information on upcoming Southeast Band events, contact the University Bands Office at (573) 651-2335.
UNIVERSITY BAND PROGRAM TO HOLD ITS FINAL CONCERT OF THE YEAR DEC. 6
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., Nov. 30, 2001 - The Southeast Missouri State University Concert Band, Clarinet Choir and Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform a concert on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. in Academic Auditorium.
This will be the final program presented by the University Band Program for the fall semester. The concert will feature the following pieces: “The Glory of the Yankee Navy,” “I Am,” “Who Puts His Trust In God Most Just,” “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” “Divertimento No. 1,” and “Praeludium XXII.”
For more information on upcoming Southeast Band events, contact the University Bands Office at (573) 651-2335.
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