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Tunheim presents State of the University Address

             Dakota State University kicked off the new academic year earlier this week with a general orientation session for all faculty and staff.  As part of the activities, President Jerald Tunheim presented his “State of the University” address.  Dr. Tunheim provided an overview of enrollment growth and campus achievements during the first four years of the institution’s 5-year planning cycle which covers 1997 to 2002. 

            The total headcount enrollment of DSU increased 41% from the fall of 1996 to the fall of 2000.  Distance education accounts for a large share of that growth, as enrollment in distance courses increased from 172 in 1996-97 to 1,036 in 2000-01.  Enrollments at the Sioux Falls site have also been on the rise, increasing from 998 credit hours in 1996-97 to 1,916 credit hours in 2000-01.  This growth has brought with it an increase in the number of student life activities and services available to the students.

            In the area of academic programs, the university has expanded into the graduate arena with implementation of both the M.S. in Information Systems and the M.S.Ed. in Computer Education and Technology.  It was noted that after only one year of operation the MSIS has become the second largest graduate program in the state.  Academic program quality was confirmed this spring when the North Central Association approved another 10 years of continued accreditation for DSU with no interim reports required.

            Off-campus partnerships have been strengthened, making it possible for DSU to enhance their technology infrastructure, provide additional training opportunities for faculty, and provide scholarship assistance to deserving students.  The University has enjoyed an improved regional and national reputation through national rankings in Yahoo! Internet Life magazine’s 100 Most Wired Campus List for three years in a row, as well as exceptional career placement rates for graduates.  In 1999-2000, DSU became the first university in the state to use a CD-ROM as a student recruitment tool.        

            Major improvements have been made to the campus facilities and grounds, including renovation of Beadle Hall, the Trojan Center, the Fieldhouse, and the Trojan Field bleachers.  Contributions by an off-campus donor made possible development of the Heston Hall parking lot and the Montgomery Plaza.  Through cooperative efforts of the Madison community, University students benefited from the opening of the Madison Community Center in the fall of 2000, and students will occupy a new housing facility beginning this fall. 

            Diversity efforts of the past few years have resulted in the hiring of a Diversity Services Coordinator and Native American Advisor, as well as naming a Director of International Programs.  Multi-cultural activities have increased and international relationships have been strengthened, particularly with universities in China.

            President Tunheim announced that a planning effort will take place this year to develop a strategic plan for the period of FY03 to FY07.  Ethelle Bean, Director of the Library, has agreed to chair a steering committee composed of faculty and staff.  This campus planning effort will coincide with a planning cycle currently underway by the Board of Regents.  Much of the Regents’ planning focuses on development of a new funding model for the system, which will directly impact the future plans of our institution.  Tunheim felt the major areas of emphasis for DSU’s next planning cycle will focus on enrollment management, retention, fund raising, technology infrastructure, and diversity.

            In addition to strategic planning, Dr. Tunheim explained that he sees expansion of DSU Sioux Falls and distance education offerings, as well as new program development, as priorities for the upcoming year.  The campus will be focusing on retention efforts and improving campus diversity.  Plans are also underway for renovation of the Dakota Prairie Playhouse and the Performing Arts Center for use as a technology classroom building.  An accreditation visit by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) as well as the State Department of Education will occur in April 2002.