6 NORTHERN MAGAZINE Advanced Simulation Center Coming to Northern’s New Innovation Building Northern State University is working with Avera Health to create a simulation center in the Business and Health Innovation Center, scheduled to open in December 2025. This facility will support Northern’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, starting in fall 2025, with six simulation suites and an eight-bed skills lab featuring high-fidelity manikins and virtual reality technology. The center will provide hands-on training opportunities, strengthening health care education at Northern. Northern and Southeast Tech Partner on Business Program Northern State University and Southeast Technical College are launching a co-admission program in fall 2025, creating a direct path for Southeast Tech business students to earn a bachelor’s degree at Northern. Through the STC+NSU partnership, students will take courses at both institutions, allowing for a smooth transition into one of Northern’s five business programs, including agricultural business. Michael Wanous, provost and vice president for academic affairs, notes that this is the first program of its kind in South Dakota, creating a direct path from a technical college to a state university. As part of the program, students will take one Northern course per semester while earning their associate degree at Southeast Tech. Once they meet program requirements, they can finish their bachelor’s degree either online or on Northern’s Aberdeen campus. New Agricultural Business Program Meets Regional Workforce Needs Starting in fall 2025, Northern State University’s agricultural business program will help meet workforce needs in northeastern South Dakota. Brown County ranks second in the state for agricultural jobs, generating $2.77 billion annually. The new program will provides a strong foundation for students looking to build careers in the industry. The program blends Northern’s business and agricultural finance courses with South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) agricultural economics curriculum and includes handson experience through internships. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank dean of the School of Business, said graduates will be well-prepared for careers with major employers such as Agtegra, which is headquartered in Aberdeen. Kaleb Bowman, Agtegra’s director of agronomy operations, emphasizes the importance of developing local talent to support industry growth and innovation, with strong regional support ensuring the program’s long-term success. NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY NEWS
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