Southeast Missouri State University
06/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/02/2026 17:38
SEMO Announces Interim Academic Leadership Appointments
Southeast Missouri State University has announced four interim academic leadership appointments.
Dr. Jason Wagganer has been named interim vice provost and dean of graduate studies. Wagganer currently serves as chair of the Department of Allied Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Sciences and has been a member of the SEMO faculty since 2010. Throughout his tenure, he has provided leadership in academic program development, student success initiatives, and faculty governance while helping advance experiential learning opportunities for students. Dr. Wagganer holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from SEMO and a Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
As interim vice provost and dean of graduate studies, Wagganer will provide leadership for the University's graduate programs and support academic initiatives across SEMO.
Dr. Charlotte Cervantes has been appointed interim chair of the Department of Allied Health, Kinesiology and Sport Sciences. Cervantes is associate professor and program director of nutrition and has served SEMO students through teaching, program leadership, and mentorship. Dr. Cervantes has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from SEMO, and a Ph.D. in agricultural sciences from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
In her interim role, Cervantes will oversee departmental operations and support faculty, staff, and students across the department's diverse academic programs.
Dr. Jim Caldwell has been named interim chair of the Department of Management. Caldwell is professor of management and brings extensive experience in teaching, scholarship, and service to the position.
As interim chair, Caldwell will provide leadership for the department's academic programs, faculty, and students while continuing to support the department's mission of preparing future business leaders. Dr. Caldwell holds a B.S. from Utah Valley University, an MBA from Willamette University, and a Ph.D. in business management from the University of Central Florida.
Dr. Suhair Amer has been named interim chair of the Department of Computer Science. Amer is a professor and has served as assistant chair of the department. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in computer science from The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt, and a Ph.D. in computer science and software engineering from Auburn University.
In her interim role, Amer will provide leadership for the department's academic programs, faculty, staff and students while supporting the continued growth and innovation of SEMO's computer science programs.
Drs. Wagganer, Cervantes and Amer's appointments are effective June 1. Dr. Caldwell's appointment begins July 1.
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