ABOUT US

SDHEA provides professional networking opportunities, leadership opportunities, affordable professional development, and a vehicle to address higher education issues relevant to South Dakota, legislatively and otherwise.

OUR HISTORY

OUR BOARD

SDHEA BY-LAWS

AWARDS & HONORS

Our History

HISTORY

The official charter was accepted at the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) Convention in March of 1972 in Chicago, IL. Charter members were: Marc Boesen, Mt Marty College, Glen Peterson, Augustana College, & Don Allen, Yankton College.

The first President during the 1972-73 year was Don Allen, Yankton College who resigned during the year before the charter was approved. Glen Peterson was then appointed President.

Learn more about the history of the Association here.

OUR SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY

Recent regional events and increased federal activity—such as Operation Prairie Thunder—have raised urgent concerns about safety, due process, and campus climate, reminding us that when people feel unsafe, learning suffers. SDHEA reaffirms that every person deserves to pursue an education free from violence, intimidation, and fear—regardless of immigration status—and to be treated with dignity, respect, and due process. These are not political positions, but essential values that make higher education possible. This moment asks all of us to consider where we put our energy and how we uphold our personal and professional standards, while seeking community through local human rights groups, campus committees, and SDHEA’s Social Responsibility Committee. We cannot control every event, but we can choose responses rooted in care, courage, and collective action as we decide not just how we got here, but where we go next.

Read the Full Statement

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Executive Board was established to oversee the function and viability of the Association. The Board consists of a President, President-Elect, Immediate Past-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Professional Development Officer, Communications Officer, Public Institution Member-At-Large, a Private Institution Member-At-Large, a Tech College Member-At-Large, and an additional Member-At-Large.

The Executive Board meets regularly twice a year: prior to the Annual Conference and at the annual retreat held sometime during the months of May-July.