Board of Regents
UPDATE: Classes moved online for the remainder of the spring semester, graduation postponed
In a press release sent from the Board of Regents on Tuesday, all South Dakota public institutions will finish the semester online. The semester will still conclude as scheduled on May 8. This decision, according to the press release, was made as state officials anticipated an increase in COVID-19 cases in South Dakota. “The public […]
Current and former USD students defend diversity offices in letter to Board of Regents
A group of USD students and alumni showed support for campus diversity offices after state legislators expressed concern to the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) about their role in promoting intellectual diversity Tuesday. Over 60 current and former students signed a letter defending USD’s diversity offices, which was distributed to the Board of Regents […]
Senate Bill 122 moves past committee hearing, colleges concerned
The South Dakota Judiciary Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 122 to the Senate floor on Tuesday. SB 122 will “restrict the enactment of policies governing the possession of firearms at a public institution of higher education.” Essentially, if passed, this bill will forbid the Board of Regents, South Dakota Board of Technical Education or […]
South Dakota legislature proposes mandatory passing of citizenship test
The South Dakota House of Representatives currently has two bills in discussion that would require both high school and college students to take the United States Citizenship test prior to graduation. House Bill 1066 will require high school students to pass the civics test, while HB 1087 will not only require college students to pass […]
Beran appointed as SDBOR executive director, CEO
Paul Beran was appointed in July, to serve as executive director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents beginning Sept. 4. Beran succeeds Michael G. Rush, who left the South Dakota public higher education system in May after three years of service as its executive director and CEO. Beran has served in higher […]
Bob Sutton named as CEO of Avera Health
Bob Sutton, South Dakota Board of Regents President, was named the CEO of Avera Health Thursday morning after a nationwide search. Sutton said he is “humbled” to continue Avera’s mission. “I am honored that the sisters who lead Avera have placed their confidence in me as the next president and CEO, and at the same […]
Sheila Gestring announced as USD’s incoming 18th president
Sheila Gestring was appointed as USD’s 18th president in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center this afternoon after a South Dakota Board of Regents vote. Gestring serves as vice president of finance and chief financial officer of USD. Gestring said she’s honored to become USD’s next leader. As a South Dakota native who holds a master […]
Board of Regents CEO and executive director announces resignation
Michael Rush, executive director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) announced his resignation last Wednesday. According to a press release from the SDBOR, Rush has held the executive director and CEO position since 2015 and his resignation will go into effect May 29. SDBOR president Bob Sutton said he thanks “Dr. Rush […]
USD offers in-state tuition for Nebraska students
A reduction of $3,000 per year will be offered for transfer and freshman residents of Nebraska. Scott Pohlson, vice president of enrollment, marketing and university relations, said the reduction of prices for Nebraska came after USD implemented in-state tuition for Iowa last year. “We started with Iowa and some of that is population-based because Sioux City […]
New student organization petitions for updated free speech policy
Young Americans for Liberty (YAL), one of USD’s newest student organizations, is working to promote free speech on campus. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) rates USD as a red light campus, which means that freedom of speech is restricted on campus, according to their guidelines for free speech. Formed only two weeks ago, […]