4 NORTHERN MAGAZINE Letter from the President Northern State University continues to remove barriers to student access and success through quality programs that prepare students to meet regional and state workforce needs. We are leading in unique collaborations with other state institutions. Our new Agricultural Business program will include four courses in agricultural economics delivered by South Dakota State University. We are also entering a first-of-its-kind dual-enrollment partnership with Southeast Technical College. STC students pursuing an associate’s degree in business can complete four Northern business courses and all credits seamlessly transfer directly into our business degrees. We are also collaborating with regional health care partners to meet a new mission imperative. In fall 2025, we will launch our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to meet critical regional demand for registered nurses. Together we are striving to ensure Aberdeen remains a regional hub for quality health care and economic development for future generations. Generous support from Avera Health for the simulation center and several private donations already total $4 million for program start-up and $1.7 million for student scholarships. Our drive to secure funding for long-term sustainability continues. Program innovation has been the driver for increasing enrollments at Northern. Since 2022, the first-time student population has increased 20% and headcount enrollment has risen 11%. Since 2019, graduate degree-seeking enrollment has risen by 53%. This year, including the more than 3,000 high school students taught by master teachers in our Center for Statewide E-Learning, Northern is serving over 6,700 students. State investments in Northern have also positioned NSU to better serve the region for future generations. We are grateful to former Gov. Noem and the Legislature for an appropriation of $31 million to construct the Business and Health Innovation Center, which is on track for completion by the end of the calendar year. NSU is matching an additional appropriation of $2.5 million to complete a $5 million renovation of Gerber Hall for the Millicent Atkins School of Education, which will be completed this spring. With well over $100 million in private support over the past decade, Northern now boasts state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics and recreation, and residence halls.
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