MILLICENT M. ATKINS ESTATE HERITAGE SOCIETY FEATURE The gift from the Millicent M. Atkins Estate has provided support to the School of Education since 2012. In the past ten years, Millicent’s generous gift has provided $783,823 for scholarships and $2,487,853 in operating support for the School of Education. Northern State University supports and sustains more than 1,000 jobs across the region and generates $180.7 million in economic impact, according to a recent economic impact report released by the South Dakota Board of Regents. The report, based on figures from 2019, also indicates Northern generates $33.7 million in student spending, $6.8 million in state and local taxes. “These figures show Northern is a key economic driver for Aberdeen and our region,” said NSU President Dr. Neal Schnoor. “We’re proud to drive, and partner with many community organizations, on economic development for northeast and northcentral South Dakota.” Two-thirds of Northern graduates remain in the state of South Dakota after graduation and generate $35.6 billion in direct impact to the state throughout the course of their careers, according to the report. Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman said Northern has always been a great partner and strong contributor to the city of Aberdeen and region. “They continue to offer more quality opportunities in education and entertainment for our community, directly adding to our quality of life,” Schaunaman said. “Even beyond their economic and jobs impact, we are incredibly fortunate for the hundreds of ambitious young adults they recruit to town each year.” The Regents report, released in July 2021, measured the economic contribution of public higher education overall and of each of South Dakota’s six universities. SDBOR REPORT: NORTHERN FUELS JOBS AND ECONOMY 31
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