James C. and Jeannine O. McGinnis

Jeannine O. McGinnis has established this scholarship fund to help individuals and families who have chosen to serve in the Military to achieve their educational goals.

James (Jim) was born in Springfield, MO. Jim enlisted in the Air Force in 1952 and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. After retiring from Military Service in 1973, the McGinnis’ were both employed by Southeast Missouri State University. Almost immediately after being employed at the University, Jim decided to continue his education. He received an Associate Degree in 1976 and his Bachelor of Science degree in 1979. Jim’s last work title was Supervisor, Buildings and Grounds Services, and he retired from the University in 1991. After a terrific retirement, Jim passed away on January 31, 2016.

Jeannine was born in Portageville MO. Jeannine’s career at Southeast Missouri State University also began in 1973. She worked in a couple of different roles at the University before settling in the Registrar’s Office in 1974. In the Registrar’s Office, Jeannine was originally an assistant registrar, was promoted to associate registrar in 1985, and then promoted to Registrar in 1987. Jeannine retired from full-time University service in 1993, but continued to do special projects for the Registrar’s Office until 1998. Like Jim, Jeannine enrolled in courses offered at the University almost immediately after beginning her employment. Jeannine earned two Bachelor’s Degrees in 1975 and 1976, and then a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling in 1984.

To date, both of the McGinnis’ sons and one of their grandchildren have also graduated from Southeast Missouri State University.