REGENTS REPORT

South Dakota Higher Education: Good Investment. Great Future. NO. 68, 03/26/97

Unified System of Public Higher Education

Six Universities - Six Missions to Serve

The public higher education system in South Dakota as we know it today has been in existence for 100 years. The system of six public universities and two special schools is interconnected through the Board of Regents which is responsible to the legislature for the administration of the university system. The Board of Regents is a body of nine lay members appointed to four year terms by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. One member of the Board is a student member that serves a one-year term. The Regents were formed to insulate higher education from the political whims of the day. It was felt that legislative control would create a turbulent and counter productive environment for the universities.

SIX INSTITUTIONS TO SERVE SOUTH DAKOTA

Though each of the universities have some of the same programs, they specialize within these programs creating unique educational experiences at each institution. Also, in some programs, such as French, universities cooperate by sharing curricula and faculty. Below are summaries of the various missions of South Dakota's public universities:

Black Hills State University - Spearfish

In 1884 the first building was completed at the Dakota Territorial Normal School, eventually to be known as Black Hills State University. Through much of its history BHSU has focused on teacher education. Today, teacher preparation is still important, though only a facet of BHSU's mission. BHSU is a comprehensive liberal arts university that provides programs in liberal arts and sciences, education, and human services. BHSU's business program specializes in travel industries management and tourism. BHSU offers degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master's (education) levels. Current enrollment is about 2,800.

Dakota State University - Madison

Founded in 1881, Dakota State University, like other state institutions, was originally designed to prepare teachers for the growing populace of the territory-first known as Madison Normal School. The 1984 Legislature and Board of Regents changed the mission DSU. Now, DSU provides educational programs designed to create leaders in information technology, DSU has developed first-rate programs in areas such as computer science and information systems. In addition, DSU has been an innovator in the application of technology to traditional academic fields, and DSU's teacher education programs emphasizes expertise in using computer technology in teaching and learning. DSU also provides two- and one-year programs and short courses for skill updating and training in technology for employees and those wishing to advance their careers. The current enrollment at DSU is about 1,200.

Northern State University - Aberdeen

In 1901 the Legislature created Northern Normal and Industrial School to meet the growing need for educational services in the northern part of South Dakota. The institution has matured over the years and today it is a comprehensive university boasting, in addition to its School of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences, the University College, the School of Business and Technologies, the School of Fine Arts, and the Graduate School. Northern is the only institution in the state with authorization to offer course work in international business and has the largest undergraduate business enrollment in the system. The current enrollment at NSU is around 2,600.

South Dakota School of Mines & Technology - Rapid City

The School of Mines was created by the Territorial Legislature in 1887 to provide technical instruction in mining. After World War I a school of engineering was added to meet increased demand. Over its history, the School of Mines has grown to include degrees up to the doctorate level in fields of engineering, science and technology. Some of the programs are geological engineering, materials engineering, and geology. SDSM&T also provides an advanced degree in Atmospheric, Environmental and Water Resources through a cooperative arrangement with South Dakota State University. Current enrollment at the SDSM&T is around 2,200.

South Dakota State University - Brookings

As the state's land grant institution SDSU has a special mission to serve South Dakota through teaching, research, and extension activities. In 1881 the institution was created as an agricultural college, but grew as demand for other programs was demonstrated. SDSU is the state's largest university offering degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate level in a variety of fields. SDSU operates the Agricultural Experiment Station which conducts research concerning agricultural production and the Cooperative Extension Service which provides current research based information on agriculture, family, and youth. Current enrollment at SDSU is around 8,300.

University of South Dakota - Vermillion

USD is the state's oldest institution, created by the Territorial Legislature in 1862. From its beginning USD has been a comprehensive university offering degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate levels in a variety of liberal arts and science fields. USD also operates the academic units of the School of Law and the School of Medicine. Current enrollment at USD is about 6,900.

South Dakota's Public Universities

CONCLUSION

South Dakota's public universities form a unified system of public higher education and each offers a unique educational experience. Most were created early in South Dakota's history to meet geographical accessibility needs as well as the demands of a growing territory and state. South Dakota's public universities will continue to provide access to quality educational programs to serve needs across the state.