Fourth Annual See Me Series Focuses on Hidden Figures

The movie tells the remarkable story of three African American women who made vital contributions to NASA's space missions despite facing both racial and gender-based challenges. Their work as mathematicians and engineers was instrumental in John Glenn's successful orbit of Earth and has since inspired discussions about similar "hidden figures" in various industries.

"Hidden Figures is a powerful movie that inspires us to do better," said Dr. Pam Perry, this year's moderator and mass media professor at SEMO. "I hope our conversations about discrimination of all kinds help us to eradicate them and to understand how we can contribute to true diversity, equity and inclusion."

Learn More About Mass Media

The See Me Series will feature a panel discussion of SEMO faculty and students, who will provide insights related to the film and its broader implications. Panelists include:

• Tamara Zellars Buck, Chair and Professor of the Department of Mass Media
• Vera Campbell-Jones, Associate Professor of Nursing
• Fred Jones, Film Professor
• Kendal Lewis, Multimedia TV/Film Major and Sports Management Minor
• Leola Poe, Junior Public Relations & Marketing Student

"I have been pleased with the participation we've seen in the See Me Series since its inception. The interdisciplinary nature of the program makes it an opportunity for faculty from different disciplines to incorporate media topics into their coursework," said Dr. Tamara Zellars Buck, a panelist in this year's discussion. "In particular, I love how this year's film demonstrates the impact public relations has on public perception. Corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations are all reconsidering their treatment of people from marginalized identities and finding new ways to connect with those communities. This event allows us to have a public discussion about that using the film as our starting point."

The Department of Mass Media's Fourth Annual See Me Series will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, September 30, in the Rose Theater. This event is free and open to the public.

Applying To SEMO
Eligible new Missouri undergraduate students with a 2.75 high school GPA and who are eligible for Pell Grants won't pay any tuition or fees at Southeast Missouri State with the Will To Do Award. SEMO also offers one tuition rate nationwide for domestic students. Apply at semo.edu/apply.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit campus. For more information or to visit campus, visit the Southeast Admissions page or [email protected].