Gestring Delivers State of the University Address, Highlights Historic Enrollment, Projects and Research
Last week, USD announced that the university is experiencing a historic year for enrollment. The university reported a new all-time record in overall headcount this fall, with 10,619 students enrolled. USD welcomed its all-time largest entering class of first-time, full-time undergraduate students, with 1,371 enrolled. Total enrollment for the university’s graduate programs – including the USD Graduate School, the Knudson School of Law and the Sanford School of Medicine – also reached an all-time record, with 3,000 students enrolled.
Among USD’s enrollment successes is the sizeable growth at USD – Sioux Falls, with total enrollment at the Sioux Falls campus increasing by 17.2% since last year. USD saw a 19.5% increase in degree-seeking enrollment, a 21.8% increase in degree-seeking, full-time student enrollment, and a 41.5% increase in degree-seeking, first-time, full-time undergraduate student enrollment.
As the university’s enrollment grows, USD is simultaneously expanding the services and resources available to students. USD’s new Center for Career & Life Design helps students explore their interests, expand their curiosity and prepare for their futures. The center will have a new home in the Muenster University Center by the start of the next academic year.
USD also continues to expand mental health resources for students; USD launched the Coyote Care mental health support line in the fall 2023 semester. This resource ensures USD students can reach a licensed counselor when they need it most, whether they’re in Vermillion, at USD – Sioux Falls, online or studying abroad.
The university has completed or made substantial progress on several notable facility upgrades. The Wellness Center expansion is set to open in the spring of 2025. The first building at the USD Discovery District is set to open in the spring of 2025, as well. The Belbas Center recently underwent renovations before welcoming the Business Office into the building. Finally, the South Dakota Union Building reopens its doors this fall after undergoing extensive renovations, which were made possible due to support from the Joint Committee on Appropriations. The South Dakota Union was one of four academic buildings USD had identified for significant renovations and updates in the next few years. The South Dakota Legislature has supported $9 million to fully renovate Churchill-Haines next. USD looks forward to modernizing East Hall and Dakota Hall in the future.
Gestring highlighted several notable research accomplishments at the university. USD and partner institutions together received $26 million from the National Science Foundation to establish a Gen-4 Engineering Research Center to create a sustainable and circular refrigerant economy. Another notable initiative is an allied USD, Sanford School of Medicine and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Biomedical Computation Collaborative, which focuses on building a comprehensive interdisciplinary research platform and an education network that integrates biomedical computation with humanities and social sciences. USD is also now an admitted member of Oak Ridge Associated Universities, which offers USD access to cutting-edge research opportunities, funding and collaboration with leading national laboratories and federal agencies.
The university’s academic programming continues to grow; highlighted programs include a Bachelor of Business Administration in agribusiness leadership, a Master of Arts in elementary education plus certification, a minor in arts in health, and an Applied Behavior Analysis specialization for the Master of Science in health science. Gestring thanked faculty and staff for their forward-thinking approach to academic program development, noting that these programs “address workforce gaps, serve our communities and empower students to excel in evolving professional landscapes.”
Gestring emphasized that USD continues to offer a quality liberal arts education at a manageable cost, and a key part of that education is the set of transferable skills that students gain.
“Being a leader is not about having a certain title; it’s about having a set of skills that prepares you to address challenges and lean into opportunities,” Gestring said. “Our students graduate ready to make a difference in their careers and in their communities. As I reflect on our university’s mission and our ever-changing world, I am genuinely optimistic about the future and how our students will shape it.”
Watch the full State of the University Address on YouTube.
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