President_Leadership Profile_Rev

Northern State University | 8 One vital component of enrollment success at NSU is the WolfPACT, the highest guaranteed scholarship program in South Dakota. A student’s award amount is based on ACT score as well as high school GPA, with the highest award being $12,000 over four years. These are significant scholarships at a university whose annual tuition, room and board costs total approximately $17,000. Northern State University’s NCAA Division II athletics program has one of the strongest community and regional fan bases in the country. The NSU men’s and women’s basketball programs have led the nation in attendance for NCAA Division II for an unprecedented 13 years running. Northern participates in the expanded Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Faculty NSU’s vibrant campus community thrives on teamwork, cooperation and mutual respect in an environment that is diverse in knowledge, culture and worldview. Faculty members at Northern State University take deep pride in their teaching and in student development. There is opportunity to expand research and grant-related activity on campus. Northern faculty believe in the academic strength of their work and seek greater visibility and recognition of the quality academic environment they have worked so hard to create over many years. They welcome the strong partnership of an engaged and supportive president who will help them achieve at even higher levels. Facility enrichments have been made in support of this expanded role and include a new science center, research greenhouse, a completely remodeled performing arts center, and upgraded technology in many instructional classrooms. Resources and alumni The Northern State University Foundation, campaign committee and the leadership team of NSU have recently completed the Educational Impact Campaign, which raised more than $60 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. About Aberdeen Aberdeen is a vibrant community that offers the welcoming atmosphere of a small town while boasting big-city amenities. The city features a thriving arts scene, excellent schools, and abundant recreational and outdoor activities. The university enjoys a positive and strong relationship with the community and region. Located in the northeastern section of South Dakota, Aberdeen is the business, medical and cultural center for the region. Along with serving as a hub for smaller communities in the region, Aberdeen is also an attractive tourist destination. The city is a prime destination for pheasant hunters and anglers. The well-known Wylie Park and Storybook Land are popular draws for families, both local and visiting. Downtown Aberdeen is home to the historic Capitol Theatre, hosting numerous live and film productions year-round, as well as the annual South Dakota Film Festival. Local performance venues range from an outdoor summer concert series to large- scale indoor spaces such as the Dakota Event Center. Northern State University is a highly valued asset of this growing community and key to its economic development, generating about $229 million of annual economic impact to South Dakota. There is extraordinary community support for Northern, with plentiful employment opportunities for students and active engagement among community members in the cultural and athletic activities of the campus.