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DSU’s Tunheim presents State of the University Address

Madison, SD -- 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 a look back at institution’s 5-year planning cycle which began in 1997 and comes to an end in 2002, as well as a look at the next five years. 

            The total headcount enrollment of DSU increased 58.5% from the fall of 1996 to the fall of 2001.  Distance education grew tremendously, as enrollment in distance courses increased from 172 in 1996-97 to 1,291 in 2001-02.  Enrollments at the Sioux Falls site have also shown a spectacular rise, increasing from 998 credit hours in 1996-97 to 3,909 credit hours in 2001-02. 

            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.  Other new programs added were majors in Electronic Commerce, Multimedia/Web Development, Computer Graphics Design and minors in Computer & Network Security, Networking, and Computer Science.  Several certificate programs are also now offered by DSU.

            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.  It has resulted in over $5,000,000 in corporate grants over the five year period and more than an 80% increase in scholarship assistance.  The University has enjoyed an improved regional and national reputation through national rankings 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, the Trojan Field bleachers, and the Performing Arts Center.  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.  Students also are now able to enjoy apartment-style residence hall living with the addition of the North Campus apartment complex. 

            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 discussed the new Strategic Plan which will be implemented this Fall for the period of FY03 and FY07.  The plan is in its final draft stage and focuses on retention, recruitment, technology & facilities infrastructure, academic programs, campus management, and financial resources.  While writing the draft plan, the University spent the last year analyzing data and documents already available, as well as conducting new surveys and focus groups.  The final Strategic Plan document will be adopted in October. 

            Tunheim stated several external influences to the Strategic Plan will also shape DSU over the next five years.  Some of those include the change in political leadership (Governor and legislature) and possible change in Board of Regents members.  The Board of Regents will also be developing new funding framework during the coming months.  Other events that will impact DSU in the future are the decline in high school graduates and the growth potential in Sioux Falls and in distance education.

            In summary, Dr. Tunheim stated, “Everyone on campus plays an important role in ensuring that we continue to move DSU in a positive direction.  I expect this academic year to be a busy, but productive year for Dakota State University.  I look forward to working with all of you in the months ahead.”