Pam Owens

Pam Owens credits the Harry L. Crisp Bootheel Education Center (CBEC) on the Southeast Missouri State-Malden campus with making a big difference in her life. 

She says it would have been impossible for her to obtain a college degree had it not been for the CBEC in Malden.  As the mother of a small child and working locally for minimum wage, she said she knew she had to get an education.  Pam graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in elementary education and completed all of her coursework at the Malden campus -- never having to travel to the Cape Girardeau campus.  

"As an area teacher, I am convinced that our local public schools have a powerful tool in the CBEC," Pam said. "Because of the support and generosity of this institution, many of the youth are able to attend college who might not otherwise be able to commute to a campus that is over 70 miles away.  There are many economic advantages in attending the CBEC.  Many students will qualify for additional financial support while attending the Malden campus through opportunities they won't find elsewhere. Additionally, local students will have the continued support of their friends and family that are in the area.  I received my teaching degree through SEMO and never left the city limits for one, single class.  The Malden campus is a vital component to the continued educational success of those seeking a higher education."  

Pam said the help and assistance she received from the staff at CBEC was tremendous.  Being a student ambassador was a highlight for her. 

“The experience working in the office was awesome, and I really felt a part of something great,” she said.

Pam attended college at the CBEC from 1999 through 2004 and served as a student ambassador working in the offices of the college during her time there as a student.  After graduating in 2004, she served for two years as the director of the Malden Alternative School. She recently accepted a position as the family and consumer science teacher for Gideon Schools.