REGENTS REPORT

South Dakota Higher Education: Good Investment. Great Future. NO. 76, 07/11/97

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 Centers of Excellence on each campus to make selected academic programs of regional and/or national quality. This report outlines the Centers of Excellence at Dakota State University and the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. A review of the Centers at South Dakota State University, Black Hills State University, Northern State University, and the University of South Dakota appeared in previous Regents Reports.

Center of Excellence in Computer/Information Systems at DSU

What It Will Do

The DSU Center of Excellence in Computer Information Systems is based on the emerging discipline of information systems that focuses on the analysis of software, programming, and data communication needs for specific applications and solutions for business, industry, education, and government. Faculty, staff, and students will have a high level of expertise in information systems technology together with knowledge in a traditional discipline such as accounting, education, or management. The Center will also be active in providing training and technical assistance to businesses and educators throughout the state in computer and information management technology.

Why It Is Important to South Dakota

Technology and information related business and industry offer great promise to South Dakota. They are high profit and clean industries utilizing personnel who are well-paid and well-educated. The Governor’s telecommunications plan will help attract and develop businesses that are based on information management and this Center will assist these new and existing industries in utilizing the latest technology and information management methods in the solution of their problems. The DSU Center of Excellence will provide graduates at both the baccalaureate and master’s degree level to meet the needs of business and industry. The U.S. Department of Labor projects computer systems analysts at the baccalaureate level and computer operations research analysts at the master’s level to be among the fastest growing occupations through 2005 with average starting salaries in 1995 in the low- to mid-thirties.

Percent Growth in Computer Positions: 1994-2005

(Graduates of the DSU Center Will Have Qualifications to Fill These Positions)

SOURCE: US DOL

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 for Advanced Manufacturing & Production at SDSM&T

What It Will Do

The Center of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing and Production at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology will integrate students, faculty, and industry partners who will develop a unique approach to manufacturing engineering education while addressing the current and future needs of South Dakota’s industry. The Center will develop an innovative educational program based on enterprise teams, will enhance outreach to the educational and business community through use of electronic media, and will provide manufacturing technical assistance to business and industry.

Why It Is Important to South Dakota

Competitiveness in the global economy demands that South Dakota’s manufacturing industries have people with special skills and expertise to capitalize on and develop new technology. The Center will provide graduates with the needed expertise to fulfill industry needs and provide incentive for businesses to relocate to South Dakota.

• Industry Collaboration - Development of SDSM&T’s collaborative outreach programs that provide technical assistance to business and industry across the state. The Center will have access to research and technological developments from across the nation through the Mid-Continent Technology Transfer Center, the Federal Laboratory Consortium, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and NASA.

• Executive Management Program - The Center’s advanced courses and programs will be provided to professionals in South Dakota through distance education technology. A comprehensive range of courses and consultations will include Tech’s industrial partners.

• Industry Projects - The Center will provide an opportunity for direct industry involvement in cooperative industry/university projects. This outreach will provide industry access to student design teams to foster economic development, as well as provide a superior educational experience for students.

Projected Job Growth for Center Graduates: 1994-2005

SOURCE: 1996 South Dakota Occupational Handbook

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 by developing an academic discipline of superior quality through the intentional investment of resources. In addition to their educational opportunities, the Centers will have economic and social impact on life in South Dakota. The Centers of Excellence are just one component of Reinvestment Through Efficiencies which also is bringing many new investments in technology to the universities to improve educational opportunities throughout the state.