State Rep. Denny Merideth of Caruthersville will lecture at Southeast Missouri State University today on the importance of foreign language studies.

The presentation will be the final lecture in the department of foreign languages "Travel Abroad at Home" lecture series.

The lecture will begin at noon in Crisp Hall Auditorium. Free pizza and beverages will be provided to all who attend. The lecture is open to the public.

Merideth spent a number of years abroad while in the military.

"He has seen firsthand what foreign language studies can do, as well as what they have done for him," said Dr. Dieter Jedan, who chairs the foreign languages department.

Merideth's talk also address the importance of foreign languages for the economy of Missouri.

"The export/import sector are one of the biggest growth industries in the state of Missouri," Jedan said.