When you think of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the first thing that usually pops into your head is the Mississippi River or maybe a specific brand of Midwest humidity. But for a mid-sized school tucked away in the bootheel region, Southeast Missouri State University—or SEMO, if you’re a local—punches way above its weight class. You’ve probably seen their faces on TV or heard their names in sports commentary without ever realizing they spent their formative years walking across Academic Hall.
Honestly, the list of southeast missouri state university notable alumni is a bit of a trip. It’s not just a bunch of regional business owners; we’re talking about A-list comedians, record-breaking athletes, and people who literally help steer the course of national politics. It's weirdly diverse.
The Faces You Definitely Know (And One You Won't Forget)
If we're talking star power, we have to start with Cedric the Entertainer. Long before he was one of the "Kings of Comedy" or starring in The Neighborhood, he was Cedric Kyles, a student at SEMO in the late 80s. He didn't just pass through, either; he was involved on campus and actually graduated in 1987. He’s been pretty vocal about his roots there, too.
Then there’s the late Rush Limbaugh. Love him or hate him, he was arguably the most influential radio personality in American history. While he didn't finish his degree—he famously dropped out to start his radio career—his ties to Cape Girardeau and the university are baked into the town's DNA. His brother, David Limbaugh, is also an alum (class of '75) and has made a massive name for himself as a lawyer and New York Times bestselling author.
Wait, it gets more eclectic.
Remember America’s Got Talent back in 2008? The guy with the massive opera voice who won the whole thing? That was Neal E. Boyd. He was a 2001 grad. He wasn't just a singer; he was a guy who deeply loved his community and even dipped his toes into Missouri politics before he passed away in 2018.
Breaking the Atmosphere: Linda Godwin
Not everyone stays on the ground. Linda Godwin is a name that every SEMO student hears at least once during freshman orientation. She graduated in 1974 with a degree in mathematics and physics.
She didn't just get a job in a lab.
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She became a NASA astronaut. Godwin spent over 38 days in space across four different missions. Think about that for a second. A student from a regional Missouri school ended up conducting spacewalks and helping build the International Space Station. It kinda puts your "I’m too tired for this 8:00 AM lab" excuse to shame.
The Redhawks in the Pros
The sports legacy at SEMO is... surprisingly deep? People often overlook the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), but the talent pipeline is real.
- Kerry Robinson: If you’re a St. Louis Cardinals fan, you know this name. He was a SEMO standout before playing several seasons in the MLB.
- Joey Lucchesi: A more recent success story. He pitched for the New York Mets and the Padres, carrying that SEMO grit to the mound in the big leagues.
- Eugene Amano: He played nearly a decade in the NFL as an offensive lineman for the Tennessee Titans.
- Drew Forbes: Another "big man" success who made the jump from Cape Girardeau to the Cleveland Browns.
It isn't just about the guys on the field, though. Dick Hantak is a legendary NFL referee who graduated in 1960. He spent decades making the calls that determined the outcome of some of the biggest games in football history.
Power Players and Business Titans
You might not see these people on a movie poster, but they’re the ones actually running the show behind the scenes. Sheri Dew is a massive deal in the publishing and motivational speaking world. She was the CEO of Deseret Book and has written bestsellers that have reached millions.
In the tech world, Ashley AuBuchon-Arcand is a heavy hitter at IBM. She’s currently a strategy and transformation leader who has basically helped the company save billions through AI and digital efficiency. She’s a 2008 grad and recently picked up a 2025 Merit Award from the university for her work.
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On the political front, Peter Kinder served as the Lieutenant Governor of Missouri for over a decade. He’s a 1976 grad. Then you have Steven Tilley, who served as the Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives. The school basically acts as a finishing school for Missouri’s political elite.
The Creative Rebels
I have to mention Roy Thomas. If you’ve ever watched a Marvel movie or read a comic book, you’ve probably interacted with his work. He was the Editor-in-Chief at Marvel Comics after Stan Lee. Thomas is the guy who co-created characters like Wolverine, Vision, and Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel). He graduated from SEMO in 1961. It's wild to think that the DNA of the modern MCU started, in part, with a guy from Southeast Missouri.
Why This Matters for You
When people search for southeast missouri state university notable alumni, they usually want to know if the degree is actually worth the paper it’s printed on. Does a degree from a regional state school limit you?
Clearly, no.
The common thread between a Marvel editor, an astronaut, and a legendary comedian isn't just the mascot. It's the fact that SEMO provides a platform where you aren't just a number in a 500-person lecture hall. You get to actually do stuff. Whether it’s the arts, the sciences, or athletics, the "Cape" has this weird way of producing people who are scrappy. They don't have the Ivy League silver spoon, so they work harder.
If you’re a current student or thinking about heading there, look at these names. They didn't have any secret advantages. They just used the resources in Cape Girardeau to launch themselves into something much bigger.
Take Action: Researching Your Path
If you are looking to follow in these footsteps or just want to verify the credentials of the university, here is what you should do next:
- Visit the SEMO Alumni Association website: They maintain a detailed database of "Bears of Distinction" and "Merit Award" winners that goes back decades.
- Check out the Departmental Success Stories: Many departments, like the Holland College of Arts and Media, keep their own specific lists of where their grads ended up (Broadway, Disney, IBM, etc.).
- Leverage the Network: If you’re an alum or student, reach out to these folks on LinkedIn. You’d be surprised how many "notable" people are actually willing to help a fellow Redhawk.
The legacy of Southeast Missouri State University isn't just in the bricks of the buildings; it's in the weird, wide-ranging impact these people have had on the world. From the depths of space to the sidelines of the Super Bowl, SEMO graduates are everywhere.