President's Message - Winter 2026

For the past several weeks, I have spent many days in Pierre, walking the halls of our state Capitol, meeting with legislators, testifying before committees and answering questions on behalf of South Dakota State University. 

While much of the work involves policy, funding and planning, I am reminded each time I step into those chambers that I carry with me more than reports and statistics — I carry the stories of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the citizens we serve.

It is no small responsibility to speak on behalf of the state’s first land-grant university that holds such a special place in the hearts of South Dakotans. But it is also one of the greatest honors of my presidency. When I meet with lawmakers, I am able to share not only why SDSU matters — but how SDSU changes lives, strengthens communities and drives South Dakota’s future. Our elected leaders want to understand that impact, and it is meaningful to know they listen, ask hard questions and care about the university that belongs to the people of this state. I am grateful for their interest and engagement to learn and understand the value of higher education.

I often begin these conversations by talking about our students and how we welcomed more than 12,000 students, our largest enrollment since 2017, including nearly 2,300 new first-time students to campus this year. More than half — 56% — are from South Dakota, and they join peers from 48 states and 78 countries. Retention remains exceptional at 83%, marking the fifth time in six years above 80%, which is unique in public higher education. These numbers represent dreams, families and futures — and when I share them in Pierre, I see the pride they evoke while recognizing the impact our state has in continuing to make SDSU a great value.

There is also great interest among our leaders in the role SDSU plays in developing South Dakota’s workforce. We awarded more than 400 health care degrees, 300 agriculture-related degrees and 120 education degrees in the past year alone, the most among any other university in the regental system. Hospitals, farms, businesses and classrooms across the state depend on our graduates. When I tell legislators that 73% of resident graduates stay in South Dakota — and even 27% of nonresidents choose to make South Dakota home — it resonates deeply and enforces the value of SDSU and purpose-driven outcomes that directly shape the future of our communities.

When conversations turn to research and our goal of becoming an R1 university, I speak with equal pride. SDSU recorded $94 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2025 — a 15% increase and our third consecutive record year. Our faculty and students are developing precision agriculture tools, enhancing renewable energy, improving food safety and innovating new uses for agricultural coproducts. When I describe how these discoveries strengthen the state’s largest industries, I see the appreciation for the responsibility we hold as a land-grant university.

I also share stories of the ways SDSU reaches beyond Brookings. Through SDSU Connect, more than 4,000 Sioux Falls eighth graders have stepped onto our campus — many for the first time, opening a door they can now imagine walking through. The remodeled SDSU Metro Center and the West River nursing facility at BHSU-Rapid City expand access to education where it is needed most. SDSU Extension continues to serve rural communities as a trusted lifeline in a state where geography is vast, weather is unpredictable and information matters.

Each time I speak at the state Capitol, I am aware that I am sharing the story of a university built by generations of South Dakotans who believed education, discovery and service were necessary to make our state stronger. It is a responsibility that remains my greatest privilege.

Go Big. Go Blue. Go Jacks.

Sincerely,

Barry H. Dunn
President