Dr. Carlos Vargas describes decade of leadership as Southeast Missouri State President

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo.,(KBSI) – Transformational, that’s how Dr. Carlos Vargas, the 18th president of Southeast Missouri State University would describe his tenure at SEMO.

“It was transformational for me, but I think it was transformational for the university itself. ” Said Dr. Vargas, describing the impact his tenure had on not only himself, but everyone surrounding the university as a whole. “I think transformation is a word that really encompasses what has been going on in higher education for some time now.”

Dr. Carlos Vargas, who took the helm of Southeast Missouri State University on July 1, 2015, is marking nearly a decade of leadership as the universities 18th president.

Before joining Southeast, Vargas served as acting president of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he also held roles as provost and vice president for academic and student affairs. His career in higher education spans multiple institutions and decades, beginning at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and continuing through Kent State University and Central State University in Ohio.

At Southeast, Vargas has prioritized student retention and persistence, while advancing academic innovation.

During his tenure, the university has launched several new degree programs, including bachelor’s degrees in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Geographic Information Science, and Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Vargas has also focused on expanding the university’s global footprint in many ways. One way was supporting study-abroad programs and engaging international students to all that SEMO has to offer. He has pressed on cross cultural experiences and continued support for the teacher-scholar form of education.

His tenure has also been marked by strengthened regional partnerships, including collaborations with Three Rivers College, Mineral Area College, and other community colleges.

Prior to his administrative roles, Vargas spent 18 years at Kent State University, where he served as founding director of the electron beam technology program and held several leadership roles in research and academic affairs. He began teaching at Kent in 1985 and remained there until 2003.

A native of Mexico, Vargas holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from UNAM and earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in physics and aerospace science from the University of Michigan.

Vargas and his wife, Pam, who directs Southeast’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs have a son, a daughter, and two granddaughters.

As for what’s next for Dr. Vargas, he tells me, “I am open to to see what kind of opportunities develop” says Dr. Vargas,  “I’m still very excited about contributing. I think that I have credibility and I have a good experience and certainly in education in general.”

Hear more from Dr. Vargas and his tenure at SEMO soon.