Brad Hodson appointed 19th president of SEMO

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors has announced the appointment of Dr. Brad Hodson as the 19th president of the university.

Hodson, currently the executive vice president at Missouri Southern State University, will assume his new role Tuesday, July 1. This appointment follows a comprehensive national search that began last fall, culminating in Hodson's selection as the sole finalist.

Jim Limbaugh, president of the Board of Governors, expressed confidence in Hodson's ability to lead the university.

"The board is excited to make this announcement and strongly believes in Dr. Hodson’s ability to lead SEMO," Limbaugh said.

Limbaugh emphasized the board's criteria for the next president, which included a strong presence in Jefferson City, a focus on enrollment, experience in philanthropy and fundraising, financial acumen and the ability to build relationships. Hodson's extensive higher education experience and track record in these areas made him an ideal candidate.

Hodson's career in higher education spans 30 years, with significant achievements at Missouri Southern State University. He led the admissions team to record enrollment numbers and was instrumental in securing a $2 million increase in core funding for the university. His efforts in fundraising resulted in a more than 1,500% increase in annual gift revenue over eight years. Before his tenure at Missouri Southern, Hodson served as vice president for advancement at Pittsburg State University, where he led a successful $120 million fundraising campaign.

Hodson's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Missouri Southern State University, an MBA in management from Pittsburg State University, and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His diverse experience and educational background equip him to address the fiscal and enrollment challenges facing regional comprehensive institutions such as SEMO.

Hodson's visit to the SEMO campus Wednesday, Feb. 12, was met with enthusiasm from the university community. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and looks forward to joining "Redhawk Nation" this summer.

"My wife, Sue, and I were warmly welcomed yesterday by everyone we met on campus and in the community," Hodson said.

The Board of Governors is optimistic about Hodson's leadership and the future of SEMO.

"As we have gotten to know Dr. Hodson, the board has no doubt that he is the right person to lead this transformative milestone in SEMO’s history," Limbaugh stated.

He added his six-member search committee viewed Hodson as having elevated himself above the other presidential candidates, of which nearly 40 were interviewed. Part of this was because of Hodson's existing familiarity with the state of higher education in Missouri. Hodson also committed himself to being engaged with the SEMO community and the larger Southeast Missouri region.

"He meets all the points," Limbaugh said. "... Each individual member of the search committee was so comfortable with him, we just said come on, let's do it."