Southeast Missouri State University is a comprehensive regional state university with five colleges, approximately 11,00 students, and a faculty and staff of over 1,100.  Southeast, a moderately selective institution, offers baccalaureate, masters and specialist degrees, and participates in joint doctoral programs with the University of Missouri.  Its intercollegiate athletics program is classified NCAA Division I and the University is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference.  The University currently sponsors 15 sports; 6 for men and 9 for women.

Cape Girardeau, a historic city overlooking the Mississippi River, is the hub of a thriving county with a population of approximately 78,000.  Serving a region of more than 500,000 people, it is the largest center for retail, medical, manufacturing, communications, and cultural activities between St. Louis and Memphis.