REGENTS REPORT

South Dakota Higher Education: Good Investment. Great Future. NO. 74, 06/13/97

Centers of Excellence
One Part of Reinvestment Through Efficiencies

In response to 1995 Senate Concurrent Resolutions 1 and 2, the Board of Regents adopted the Reinvestment Through Efficiencies Plan which included detailed efficiency reviews of university operations and academic programs. As part of the Plan, seven goals were identified to enhance the educational quality and service provided by South Dakota’s public universities. The seventh goal calls for the development of a Center of Excellence on each campus to make selected academic programs of regional and/or national quality. This report outlines two proposals for a Center of Excellence at Black Hills State University and Northern State University, a review of other university proposals will appear in coming weeks.

Center of Excellence in Math and Science Education at BHSU

What It Will Do

The proposed Center of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education will provide enhanced preparation for selected students from elementary and middle school education students, as well as secondary education majors in mathematics, biology, chemistry, environmental physical science, and physical science. These students will complete a rigorous curriculum that will emphasize a thorough preparation in the content of mathematics and the sciences, hands-on experience in the latest teaching strategies and instructional technologies, and a year long classroom apprenticeship under a master teacher. The Center will also work with school districts to improve math and science instruction.

Why It Is Important to South Dakota

The Center of Excellence is designed to move South Dakota into national leadership in K-12 math and science education. South Dakota students will be better prepared in math and the sciences, resulting in more of them pursuing careers based in math and science, which will help to stimulate and diversify our economy. The Center will help accomplish this goal by preparing teachers with superior preparation and skills in innovative instructional methods for our young people. In addition, the Center will establish a resource center for curriculum and discipline support for pre-service and professional teachers; will provide assistance to school districts; and will support research into creative and original math and science education programs.

The Center of Excellence in Math and Science Education is important because:

• Today’s students must be prepared to meet the increasing demands of society and the job market affected by rapid technological advancements, math and science competency is the basis of this preparation.
• The success of American education will largely depend upon the critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Numerous studies show that students have not been well-prepared in math and science and that many K-12 educators feel inadequately prepared to teach scientific concepts.
• Math and science education is the foundation of technology that will tomorrow, as it does today, play an important role in our economy.

525 copies of this document were produced by the South Dakota Board of Regents at an approximate cost of $0.03 per copy.
For more information contact Zachary Ainsworth at (605) 773-3455 or E-mail at zacha@bor.state.sd.us.

Center of Excellence in International Business at NSU

What It Will Do

The Center of Excellence in International Business at Northern State University will enhance the existing International Business major with additional exchange and internship opportunities for students. The Center’s activities will also include research, service, and the annual South Dakota International Business Conference.

Why It Is Important to South Dakota

The nature of the emerging economy requires a professional and entrepreneurial workforce which can appreciate and successfully manage in the global economy. The proposed Center at NSU will provide invaluable education and service to South Dakotans and businesses to improve our competitive edge in the international marketplace. Most South Dakota businesses are small and this sector of the national economy typically generates 85% of all new jobs. Furthermore, between 1992 and 1995, export related jobs in South Dakota increased an estimated 65%. NSU is perfectly situated to provide South Dakota businesses with the professionals who have substantial depth of understanding in international business practices to help South Dakota businesses to compete internationally. These graduates will be a significant factor in the economic development of the state and are essential for South Dakota businesses seeking to compete in the global marketplace. The global market is an increasingly important part of our economy; the chart below shows increasing exports from South Dakota.

South Dakota Manufacturing Exports: 1991-96

SOURCE: SD International Business Institute

Manufacturing exports from South Dakota have increased nearly 92% since 1991. As South Dakota’s businesses increase their presence in the international economy, the Center’s faculty will also be able to provide consultation services and other outreach activities to enhance competitiveness and expansion. These business will be an important source of jobs for South Dakotans. There were over 7,000 export jobs alone in South Dakota in 1995, not including the number of jobs created due to expansion to meet increased demand.

E-mail us at: info@bor.state.sd.us

Conclusion

The Centers of Excellence will bring regional and national recognition to South Dakota’s programs and students and is one area of the Reinvestment Through Efficiencies Plan, which also places great emphasis on technology investments to increase and improve educational and service opportunities for all South Dakotans.