Northern State University President Dr. Tim Downs spoke to a packed crowd of students, faculty, staff and administrators at the Nov. 28 Campus Town Hall in the NSU library.
Downs discussed topics including campus building projects, salaries and the upcoming South Dakota Board of Regents meeting on campus. Attendees asked questions, and some questions were submitted online beforehand. Highlights include:
Regents: The BOR will meet Dec. 4-6 at NSU, and Downs said Northern will have a chance to celebrate some of its students. He also pointed out that NSU has the highest retention rate when it comes to keeping graduates in the state, 66 percent.
Projects: Downs said students are enjoying the new residence halls, Great Plains West and Great Plains East. The Regional Science Education Center is on track, and construction has begun on the new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Donors are the reason these projects are possible, Downs said, and the recent Northern Night scholarship gala was a success. There, it was announced that $44 million has already been pledged for the Educational Impact Campaign. Downs said all of these projects are being done to enhance the student experience, and he’s thankful for how supportive the community is of Northern.
Barnett Center: NSU will look at incorporating recreational spaces for student activities into the updated Barnett Center, which will be connected to Dacotah Bank Stadium. The Campus Master Plan includes a potential student wellness expansion on the west side of the BC, which would include climbing walls, multi-use gym space, and other exercise and wellness activities.
Sports Complex: Downs said no track was included in the regional sports complex for space reasons. However, NSU plans to replace the Barnett Center indoor track. An outdoor track is a priority in the future, during a potential second phase of the master plan.
Public Input: When asked how much public input was sought prior to the first phase, Downs explained that unlike K-12 schools, which must hold hearings and public votes, universities follow a different process. Plans are presented to the Board of Regents, and it becomes public when it is put on the board’s agenda. He encouraged anyone interested to attend the BOR’s community forum, set for 5-5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in the Student Center Centennial Room.
Transparency: The most recent HLC visit included a recommendation for more transparency across campus. Recent measures have included: An internal communications survey sent out campuswide; the re-establishment of an NSU Extended Cabinet; and presidential meetings with the CSE committee, Student Government Association and Faculty Senate.
Salaries: Several faculty members expressed frustration at salary levels, as job candidates sometimes decline positions because of lower pay than elsewhere in the country. As this is a statewide issue, Downs encouraged faculty to attend the cracker barrel events held on campus during the legislative session to voice their concerns to area legislators. BOR presidents have listed salaries, and a needs-based scholarship, as their top priorities going into the legislative session.
Transitions: Just as Northern is transitioning to Interim Provost Dr. Joelle Lien with Dr. Alan LaFave’s upcoming departure for Valley City State University, so too is the state transitioning to a new governor. It’s not yet known what incoming Gov. Kristi Noem’s top priorities will be, but Downs hopes to inform her on the importance of higher education.
Scholarships: Downs discussed the Dakota Promise, a needs-based scholarship program that is important to NSU students, administration and the Board of Regents.
Budget: A budget address was requested, and Downs said he will look into the possibility of holding one in the spring.
Lacrosse: NSU is looking to add a women’s lacrosse team, both as an equity issue in terms of Title IX, and as an additional enrollment strategy.