For Release November 10
Regents Release: The State of Public Higher Education
PIERRE—This week the Board of Regents is releasing the third edition of The State of Public Higher Education in conjunction with Governor Janklow's proclamation of November 10-14 as Higher Education Week in South Dakota. The document assesses where South Dakota's Unified System of Public Higher Education stands with respect to opportunity, quality, and value as a new century approaches.
Presenting the document, Regents President David Gienapp said, "The system is proud of what it has accomplished in the last century and excited about charting new directions for the future and education is the key to that future. Education is the key that opens doors of possibilities that lead to quality of life, more career options, and community involvement."
Regents Executive Director Robert T. Tad Perry said that opportunity can mean many things to graduates. "History shows that college graduates earn more in a lifetime than those with less education. Also, projections for future employment growth clearly indicate a strong need for higher education attainment in the labor force. The university system is working to expand opportunities and adapt to meet the changing needs of citizens, so that more can achieve upward mobility and obtain higher paying jobs."
Quality indicators show the dedication of system faculty, who have increased their teaching load in recent years while their salaries have not remained competitive with neighboring states’ universities. Perry added, "Faculty are an important factor in the success of students and their commitment is important to recognize. The Regents are working on this issue as it is imperative in maintaining quality at South Dakota’s public universities."
Other quality indicators show that fewer university students are requiring remedial education and that average ACT scores of incoming students are rising. Also, university students are performing above national norms on national standardized proficiency exams and have consistently higher passing rates on professional certification exams.
The State of Public Higher Education also addresses value. Gienapp said, "South Dakota’s public universities are very affordable." A South Dakota undergraduate will pay less by attending a South Dakota public university than any other university, he explained. "But more important is that students and families realize that higher education is an investment in their lives, it is not an expense. Some families may spend more on an annual vacation than on a year at a public university. The investment in education clearly provides a lifetime of opportunities."