Southeast Missouri State University Athletics

Dear Southeast Students,

Three months ago today, I began my journey as Director of Athletics for Southeast Missouri State University. It has been an exciting and eventful ride. I’ve had an opportunity to meet so many people both internally on campus and externally in the community and surrounding areas. St. Louis, which is home to approximately 20,000 proud alums, has been a city which I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many of our constituents. The summer came and went very quickly, but there was one group in particular who I had not had the opportunity to meet and introduce myself to. That group is our student body here at Southeast Missouri State University.

Last week was very special to me as I noticed activity begin to pick up around campus. Faculty and staff were busy preparing Southeast for the arrival of a group of folks that make our job worth the hard work that we put into it. Who is that group of folks, you might ask? Of course, it is you, our students! From move-in to convocation, it was good to see the campus alive and vibrant with a new energy level attached to it. Sunday was our annual Welcome Back Picnic in the Show Me Center and Monday was the first day of classes. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see our proud students on campus.

For some of you, you’re like me experiencing Southeast for the first time. All I can recommend to you is to get involved on campus through various channels such as Engage in 8, campus organizations and leaning on upperclassmen and staff to help you with your transition to our great University. In addition, as your Director of Athletics, I need to see your Redhawks Pride as I welcome you to come out and support our athletic teams throughout the school year.

As our returning students can attest, our NCAA Division I Sport Programs here at Southeast cannot grow without the support of our students. We have the best and most supportive students in the Ohio Valley Conference. I want us to have the best student body in the nation which shows up in full force to our athletic contests, cheers very loudly and in a respectable manner toward our opponents. It is going to be an exciting year and we are honored to have you join us on this journey.

Again, I would like to welcome everyone back to campus. I look forward to introducing myself to you personally on campus and/or at various campus and athletic events in the future.

GO REDHAWKS!!

Sincerely,

Mark Alnutt
Director of Athletics