Dear DSU Community,
As we have just started a new academic year, I want to extend my warmest greetings to each of you. Whether you are returning to campus or joining our distinguished academic community for the first time, I am confident that this year will be marked by substantial growth, achievement, and opportunity as we continue to advance our shared mission.
At Dickinson State University, our mission as a regional institution within the North Dakota University System is to foster the intellectual, social, economic, and cultural development of our region, particularly in southwestern North Dakota. We provide high-quality, accessible programs, promote excellence in teaching and learning, support scholarly activities, and deliver services that enhance the economy, health, and quality of life for North Dakota citizens and beyond.
Our vision is to educate a diverse population through innovative teaching, learning, and service, fostering responsible citizens who will make a positive impact locally and globally. This vision extends beyond the classroom, cultivating critical thinking, innovation, and civic responsibility.
The mission and vision guide us through long journeys, including difficult moments. I want to take a moment to reflect on the significant achievements of the past year. DSU faculty have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to our students in the past year. DSU staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of the university, contributing to the many aspects of DSU’s success that often go unseen. And our students- your resilience and determination have continued to inspire us all to meet every academic and personal challenge we have faced.
I also want to welcome the new faculty and staff members who just joined us this year. These individuals bring not only a wealth of academic expertise but also a passion for teaching, research, and student engagement. Their contributions will undoubtedly enrich the intellectual and professional fabric of our university. I encourage all members of our community to welcome them and engage with them as they begin their journey with us.
The presence of new colleagues reflects our ongoing efforts to attract top talent and expand our academic offerings, enhancing the breadth and depth of learning opportunities available to our students. These new colleagues will play an integral role in shaping the academic experience at DSU, contributing to our collective success as a center for innovation, discovery, and scholarship.
As we move forward, it is also important to acknowledge our big NDUS family. Our position within NDUS allows us to collaborate with colleagues from across the state’s higher education institutions, sharing best practices and innovative ideas that strengthen the quality of education throughout North Dakota. Together, we continue to create educational pathways that benefit not only our students but the communities and industries we serve.
I also extend my gratitude to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, whose guidance and leadership play a vital role in shaping the future of higher education in the state. Their commitment to promoting accessibility, affordability, and excellence in education aligns closely with our own institutional goals, and we are proud to contribute to this shared vision.
In addition to my responsibilities as the Chief Academic Officer of DSU, I am honored to teach some courses this year: Probability and Statistics, Calculus I, and Accounting and Budgeting. Engaging with students in the classroom provides me with a unique opportunity to remain connected to the core of our mission—teaching and learning. Through these interactions, I witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity of our students, whose desire to learn and grow reflects the vibrancy of our academic environment.
One of the key milestones for us this year is our upcoming HLC accreditation review. Accreditation is more than a procedural requirement—it is a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of academic quality, institutional integrity, and student success. This process ensures that DSU continues to deliver an education that is rigorous, relevant, and reflective of our mission. It provides us with an opportunity to critically evaluate our strengths, identify areas for improvement, and affirm our dedication to continuous institutional growth.
As Provost, I have full confidence that through the dedication of our faculty, staff, and leadership, we will meet this challenge head-on, ensuring that Dickinson State University remains a respected and valued institution within the NDUS and the higher education community at large. I extend my deepest thanks in advance to all who will be contributing to this important endeavor.
Looking forward, this year will bring further opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration. We will continue to expand our academic programs, explore new research initiatives, and deepen our partnerships with local, regional, and state organizations. Together, we will ensure that Dickinson State University remains a leader in education and community engagement, fulfilling our mission to educate, empower, and inspire future generations.
Sincerely,
Huijian Dong, Ph.D., CFA
Provost
Dickinson State University