Tue, Sep 26
|Dakota Wesleyan University
2023 SDHEA Fall Conference
Get ready for an exciting journey toward the future of South Dakota higher education! Join us and help construct the great things ahead for the industry and the innovative ways we can work together to achieve them. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the work already in progress!
Time & Location
Sep 26, 2023, 9:00 AM CDT – Sep 27, 2023, 1:00 PM CDT
Dakota Wesleyan University, 1200 W University Ave, Mitchell, SD 57301, USA
About the event
Get ready for an exciting journey toward the future of higher education! Join us at our upcoming conference where we'll explore the great things ahead for the industry and the innovative ways we can work together to achieve them. From groundbreaking research to collaborative partnerships, this conference promises to be a dynamic gathering of stakeholders, educators, and innovators. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the conversation and shape the future of South Dakota higher education!
In order to register for the conference, you must be logged in to mysdhea.org. Sign up for free annual members access here: https://www.mysdhea.org/memberships
Hotel Reservations (September 25 - September 26) are available at Kelly Inn & Suites, 1010 Cabela Dr, Mitchell, SD 57301, USA. Reservations at the state rate ($75) are available if reserved by August 24, 2023, and must be made by calling 605-995-0500 and referencing that you are with SDHEA.
Call for Presenters
The SDHEA Annual Conference is an opportunity to share knowledge, innovative practices, and research that support higher education professionals across South Dakota. We invite proposals for engaging sessions that inspire collaboration, professional development, and meaningful discussions.
For 2025, the conference theme is "Building on a Gold Foundation: The Next Chapter of Our Legacy." This theme encourages reflection on our foundations in higher education while exploring new opportunities, innovative practices, and emerging challenges that will shape our future. Presentations should be relevant to student affairs, academic affairs, advising, leadership, institutional research, wellness, and other key areas impacting our institutions.
Presenters can choose from a variety of session formats, including:
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Pre-Conference Workshops
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90-Minute Workshops
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50-Minute Breakout Sessions
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Poster Presentations
Proposals are due by May 9, 2025. Submit your proposal using the link below.
Questions? Contact Whitney Bischoff at wbischoff@resilienttoday.org.
APPLY FOR A
GRADUATE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
Thanks to the generosity of our 2024 conference guests, we raised over $800 through our Silent Auction to support graduate student attendance at the 2025 SDHEA Annual Conference.
We are excited to offer three $200 scholarships, along with waived registration fees for the selected recipients.
To be considered, please complete and submit your application by August 15, 2025.
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN!
The South Dakota Higher Education Association honors outstanding contributions in higher education through three prestigious awards:
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Marcus Boesen Memorial Award: Recognizes new professionals within their first four years in higher education who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to student development, their institution, and SDHEA.
Marcus Boesen Memorial Award Nomination Form
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Patrick Merrigan Memorial Award for Distinguished Service: Acknowledges individuals who have provided distinguished service to higher education in South Dakota, exemplifying dedication and leadership.
Patrick Merrigan Memorial Award for Distinguished Service Nomination Form
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Robert J. Courtney Award: Celebrates students who have made significant contributions to student life through their leadership.
Robert J. Courtney Award Nomination Form
We invite our community to submit nominations for these awards to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our colleagues. For detailed information on each award and the nomination process, please visit the respective links above.
Nominations for all awards are due by November 15, 2025.
Silent Auction & Donations
Let us know what you plan on bringing!
The Silent Auction is a cherished tradition and a fantastic opportunity to support scholarships, reduce costs, and advance the initiatives of our association. Join us in supporting the profession at the 2025 Annual Conference by participating in our exciting Silent Auction!
Please provide silent auction items at the check-in table during the 2025 Fall Conference or give them to an SDHEA board member before the event.
Questions? Contact Donna Dunn at donna.dunn@sdstate.edu.
Past Presidents' Social
October 15, 2025
We're still working out the details, but we would love for you to attend our second annual Past Presidents' Social in Vermillion the night prior the start of the conference.
You're Invited