education
Mining the Field of Engineering Education:
A focus on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology By Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D.
N
Map: iconeer / Photos.com Sunset: Jupiterimages / Photos.com
estled on the eastern edge of the beautiful Black Hills in Rapid City, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT) was established in 1885 to meet the growing needs of the area’s primary industry: mining. The mining industry downturn of the late 1980s was reflected in the school’s mining program enrollment, which eventually dipped to just a handful of students. A bold recommitment to the program by the university, its alumni, and industry partners over the past two decades has resulted in robust growth. The undergraduate Mining Engineering program now has 108 students enrolled. The Mining Department’s success is the direct result of strong, active partnerships with industry. The university reaps the benefits of a highly engaged Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), which is comprised of CEOs, presidents and other key leaders in mining, many of whom are School of Mines alumni.
42
American Coal | Issue 1 2012 | americancoalonline.com
“We continue to build upon a rich legacy in mining education and take pride in the growing impact we have on the industry’s future as we prepare mining engineering leaders for tomorrow.”