Through the years

Over the past 10 years, several changes have taken place at Southeast Missouri State University-Sikeston. The following highlights just a few milestones of Sikeston's higher education center.

1960s-1990s: -- Sikeston and area community members explore the development of a community college for Sikeston. --Area legislators receive approval for $1.5 million from the state to begin construction of the Sikeston Area Higher Education Center, which was a partnership between Sikeston R-6 schools, City of Sikeston, Southeast Missouri State University and Three Rivers Community College.

1998: --Seventy-eight percent of Sikeston voters approve a $3 million sales tax to provide additional money for construction.

-- A temporary facility opens January 1998 at 210 S. Kingshighway. Enrollment was about 175.

-- Roger Sherman served as interim director until Judy Buck was hired. -- April 3, City of Sikeston and Southeast Missouri State University agree to partner in construction and operation of SAHEC.

2000: --SAHEC begins fall semester in new 33,000-square-foot facility located at 2401 N. Main St. in the Sikeston Business, Technology and Education Park.

-- Industrial training courses offered at center.

2004: --Dual enrollment courses offered for area high school students. Enrollment is 34 with five participating area high schools. --City of Sikeston approves one-cent sales tax. Funding of $2.1 million ear-

marked for 11,408-square-foot expansion of SAHEC. Expansion to include includes four classrooms and 3,000-square-foot child development lab.

2005: --Southeast begins offering all courses at the Sikeston campus.

--Bachelor of General Studies and Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies offered. -- Expansion completed.

-- Bachelor of Science in human environmental studies, child development option on-site. -- Name changed from Sikeston Area Higher Education Center to Southeast Missouri State University-Sikeston. -- Southeast and Missouri Southern University partner to offer dental hygiene associate's degree at Sikeston campus. Room remodeled for state-of-the-art dental hygiene training lab. Funds for renovation provided through legislation.

Fall 2007: --Sikeston campus served 768 students from 23 counties, 71 communities and ages ranged from 15 to 68.

-- 64 high school students participating in dual enrollment classes from six area high schools.

Fall 2008: --Bachelor of Science in criminal justice offered.

Source: Judy Buck, director of Southeast Missouri State University-Sikeston