John Ishee, acting head women’s basketball coach at Southeast Missouri State, was named women’s head coach Monday.  The interim title has been removed.

Ishee agreed to a three-year deal which will run through April 30, 2010.

The Southern Mississippi graduate led his team to their second consecutive Ohio Valley Tournament title this season, despite being picked to finish fifth in the preseason conference poll.  Ishee was named OVC Coach of the Year Friday.

"He has earned our support for being named head coach of the Redhawks Women’s Basketball team.  I am confident he will do a great job and will work hard to continue to win championships," said Don Kaverman, SEMO Director of Athletics.

Ishee became just the second coach in Southeast history to win Coach of the Year.  Ed Arnzen received the honor during the 1998-1999 season.