Liza Clark

The meeting covered administrative items including approval of the agenda and motions related to executive session. Key discussions involved approving recommended actions from the executive session, adopting a Resolution of Recognition for Regent Douglas Morrison, and hearing reports on individual Regent activities and the Executive Director's report. Numerous campus updates and initiatives were reviewed. The consent agenda included the approval of graduation lists for Spring 2025, academic calendars for SDSBVI & SDSD, membership requests, and authorization for numerous new program requests (Minors and Certificates) at DSU, SDSMT, and USD. The Board also approved substantive program modifications and articulation agreements involving DSU, SDSMT, and SDSU. Budget and Finance consent items included approval of FY26 General Fund M&R Allocation and Projects, FY26 M&R Fee Projects, and the second reading of revised BOR Policy 1.7.3. Action items outside the consent agenda included approving SDSBVI's Comprehensive Plan for Special Education and authorizing BOR 2025 Series Housing and Auxiliary Facilities System Revenue Bonds for facility renovations and debt refinancing opportunities.

The South Dakota Board of Regents convened to discuss various topics, including updates from BHSU President Steve Elliott on marketing campaigns and enrollment trends, student organization awards, faculty recognition awards, and reports from individual presidents and superintendents. The board also discussed the NSU Presidential Search, academic projects such as Post Tenure Review, workload, and compensation/overload. Additionally, the board covered the USD Sanford School of Medicine's relocation plans, a first reading of new BOR Policy 4.4.11 regarding Post Tenure Review, and the renovation of USD's Edward Olson Hall. They also reviewed and discussed Dakota BioWorx (DBX) and South Dakota Open Meetings Laws.

The South Dakota Board of Regents convened and addressed several key items. The agenda was approved, followed by a period for public comment during which no comments were made. The Board then moved into an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters, after which they reconvened in public session. Upon reconvening, the Board approved the recommended actions as detailed in the Secretary's Report, which included authorizing the Executive Director to proceed with offering the employment contract for the President at NSU within the discussed parameters.

The South Dakota Board of Regents convened to discuss a range of topics, including the approval of the 2026 meeting calendar and actions from the executive session. Presentations highlighted SDSU's Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering and the College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions. Student organization and faculty recognition awards were presented. Budget requests for FY27 were reviewed, focusing on maintenance and repair, building insurance, and technology funding. The board also addressed new program requests, revisions to BOR policies, and updates on research parks and annual meetings.

The South Dakota Science & Technology Plan 2030 is a 5-year plan designed to drive economic growth and diversification and to educate a highly prepared STEM workforce through investment in research and commercialization. It outlines five key initiatives: advancing technology commercialization and innovation-based companies, increasing research and commercialization activity at higher education institutions, developing a STEM talent initiative, launching a 10-year $50 million investment, and leveraging federal investment for public-private research partnerships in high-priority areas such as cybersecurity, deep underground science, bioprocessing, clinical research, and critical minerals. The plan aims to position South Dakota on a higher growth trajectory, fostering well-funded research, attracting and retaining talent, and promoting university-industry collaborations to enhance economic competitiveness.