D I C K I N S O N
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y
February 2021 PERSPECTIVE FROM THE PERCH: PRESIDENT EASTON REFLECTS ON 2020 AT DSU
Written by: Steve Easton, president of Dickinson State University In a letter to John Hay, American Ambassador to the Court of St. James, London, on June 7, 1897, Theodore Roosevelt penned a phrase embracing the virtues of a strenuous life, where one dares mighty things in the face of adversity. The year 2020 was the beginning of a new decade. Thus, the year dawned with hope. Soon thereafter, this hope was challenged by a worldwide pandemic. As the year progressed, the word “unprecedented” was used commonly in the world as a whole and at Dickinson State University (DSU). But DSU is indeed a place where we dare mightily in the face of adversity. It has been heartwarming to see the hard work of all involved with DSU in response to the challenges of 2020. Thank you to all, from alumni and other supporters to students, who made 2020 memorable in positive ways. Those of us who love DSU have a lot to be proud of, as our “college on the hill” has had many accomplishments this year, despite the pandemic. I’d like to share a few of them. INCREASING ENROLLMENT Despite nationwide college enrollment being down by 4%, DSU fall enrollment increased by more than 90 students to its head count this fall, compared to the fall of 2019. Fulltime enrolled students increased 4%, while our head count enrollment increased more than 6%. All of these figures are
the largest increases among the eleven North Dakota University System institutions. Our recruiting team did a great job in a tough environment last spring where we were not able to meet many of our potential students in person. Other members of our staff, our coaches, our faculty, our students, and our alumni and other supporters also did great work. Thank you for your efforts and for your support of Dickinson State. We are pleased that there are so many students who will get the benefit of a DSU education. DUAL MISSION
Students watch a demonstration during a CNA class.
The dual mission committee worked with local and educational partners to bring new opportunities to Dickinson. Last year, DSU brought welding and CNA training to Dickinson. Building upon this, the first commercial truck driver training class was held this fall.
The University also expanded certificate, associate, and graduate program offerings. Beginning fall 2020, there are six new associate degree programs including elementary education, secondary education and substance abuse counseling, and five new certificate programs including banking, digital communication, digital marking, music and theatre. DSU also added a master’s degree with a focus on athletic educational leadership. The certificate, associate, and graduate offerings now available at DSU provide additional pathways for educational and professional preparation for those in our region. Working with the Dickinson Public School system and other area schools, we also started an innovative early entry program that brought 40 students to the DSU campus this fall to start their college educations while still in high school. continued on next page