ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University has been unanimously selected as a provisional member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC).
Membership in COPLAC affirms the university’s commitment to a public, liberal arts education – and further confirms Northern, nationally, as a premier university recognized for excellence in the liberal arts.
The liberal arts provide students with 21st Century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and communication. Now more than ever, employers are seeing the demand for those skills in the workforce and often seeking out liberal arts majors as employees.
COPLAC was established in 1987 and incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 1992. It now consists of 28 member campuses across 26 states and one Canadian province. Its consortium office, located on the campus of the University of North Carolina-Asheville, works to advance the aims of member institutions through internal programs for students, faculty and professional staff. COPLAC also seeks to raise external awareness of the value of high-quality, public liberal arts education in a student-centered, residential environment.
“I’m honored and proud that Northern has been selected to join COPLAC,” said NSU President Dr. Tim Downs. “I look forward to collaborating with this prestigious council of liberal arts institutions, their faculty and administrative teams. As a member institution, Northern’s faculty and students will be able to participate in conferences on best practices in teaching and learning, engage in student and faculty scholarship, and engage in joint grant projects to advance liberal arts education. All of these activities will continue to advance Northern and enhance the experience of our students.”
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and, soon, an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $120 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.