Former SEMO president Dale Nitzschke dies at 87

Dale F. Nitzschke, former president of Southeast Missouri State University, and his wife, Linda, both died unexpectedly within the last week. Dale, 87, who had been hospitalized for an infection, died early Thursday, Oct. 17. Linda passed Saturday, Oct. 12. Their daughter-in-law shared a tribute on social media.

During his tenure as SEMO president from 1996 to 1999, Dale Nitzschke spearheaded initiatives that expanded the university’s regional footprint and positioned it as a leader in technology-driven education. His efforts were instrumental in securing significant government and private funding for major projects, including the development of the Polytechnic Institute and Cape Girardeau's River Campus, which now serves as the hub for the university’s Holland College of Arts and Media.

The university shared a statement on the passing of Nitzschke from Southeast president Dr. Carlos Vargas.

"I heard the sad news this past week of the passing of Dr. Dale Nitzschke, Southeast Missouri State University’s 16th president," Vargas said in the statement. "During his three years as president of SEMO, the University experienced impressive advancement in how and where education was delivered."

Vargas recounted many of the significant projects during Nitzschke's tenure at the university, laying the foundation for many of its current facilities, programs and education delivery.

"Dr. Nitzschke’s leadership had a great impact on shaping the SEMO we know today," Vargas said. "I am certain the SEMO community joins me in recognizing these contributions that continue to benefit our students, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Art Wallhausen served as the assistant to six of SEMO's 18 presidents, including Nitzschke. He was the first SEMO employee to meet Nitzschke when he picked him up at the St. Louis airport for his interview with the Board of Regents. Wallhausen called Nitzschke, who he said came out of retirement to take the Southeast job, a "visionary leader."

"In addition to taking charge at SEMO, when he first looked over the city of Cape Girardeau, he saw a part of town that needed redevelopment and started looking for ways the university might contribute to that process," Wallhausen wrote in an email to the Southeast Missourian. "One of my colleagues says she remembers the day he saw a 'for sale' sign on the deteriorating Vincentian seminary property and immediately came back to the office and contacted the realtor. He then started the difficult process that led to completion of the beautiful River Campus eight years after his departure, under the leadership of his protégé, Dr. Ken Dobbins."

Nitzschke’s tenure saw the university expand its physical presence with new higher education centers in Sikeston and Kennett, catering to underserved parts of Missouri’s Bootheel region. On the main campus, he oversaw the completion of Robert A. Dempster Hall, home to the business school, and the renovation of several facilities, including Carnahan Hall and Towers Residence Hall. During his time, SEMO completed the expansion of its Student Recreation Center.

Emphasizing regional outreach and technological advancement, Nitzschke launched initiatives like SEE-NET, a telecommunications network for remote instruction, and led the creation of the Southeast Missouri Educational Consortium, fostering collaboration among five regional institutions. His tenure was marked by a new strategic plan and multi-million-dollar fundraising campaign.

Following his time as president, Nitzschke served as chancellor for development of the River Campus and Polytechnic Institute and was a lobbyist for the university.

Wallhausen said when he retired from the university in 2008, Dale and Linda Nitzschke drove from Cincinnati, Ohio to attend his retirement dinner.

"They were both great people."