BOR to Meet Growing National Defense Needs | 8/17/26

PIERRE, S.D. — As part of its FY28 budget proposal, the South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) is advancing strategic investments designed to strengthen the state’s workforce pipeline and prepare graduates for careers in some of the nation’s fastest-growing and most critical industries.

Among the Board’s priorities is a $1 million ongoing investment to establish the Center for National Defense, a collaborative initiative between Black Hills State University, Dakota State University, and South Dakota Mines. The center will support a new Bachelor of Science in National Defense Studies while creating expanded educational pathways in defense acquisition, logistics, cybersecurity, engineering, and emerging technologies.

The initiative reflects the Board’s commitment to aligning academic programs with South Dakota’s evolving workforce needs while supporting strategic assets such as Ellsworth Air Force Base, the South Dakota National Guard, regional defense contractors, and the growing defense and technology sectors across the state.

“Governor Rhoden has challenged South Dakota to become a leader in the growing defense sector, and higher education has a critical role to play in achieving that goal,” said BOR Executive Director and former South Dakota Army National Guard member Nathan Lukkes. “This partnership combines the unique expertise of our public universities to prepare graduates for careers in national defense, cybersecurity, engineering, and emerging technologies while building a stronger workforce and economy for our state.”

The Center for National Defense will combine expertise from multiple institutions to provide an interdisciplinary educational experience beyond the classroom. Students earn a Bachelor of Science in National Defense Studies and can pursue industry certifications, internships, fellowships with defense and government partners, engage in applied research, and gain real-world experience. Graduates develop skills in national security, engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, leadership, and emerging technologies, preparing them for careers in military, civilian, and private sectors.

“South Dakota Mines has long prepared graduates to solve complex engineering and technology challenges,” said South Dakota Mines President Brian Tande. “Through the Center for National Defense, we have the opportunity to expand that mission by preparing engineers and technical professionals to support national defense, strengthen American competitiveness, and meet the workforce needs of South Dakota’s growing defense industry.”

The collaboration also highlights the important role each university plays in contributing unique academic strengths to statewide priorities.

“Black Hills State University is proud to be part of a partnership that demonstrates how South Dakota’s public universities can work together to serve students, employers, and our state,” said Black Hills State University President and former United States Marine Steve Elliott. “By combining expertise across disciplines, institutions and industries, we’re creating new opportunities for students while helping build the workforce needed to support national security, public service, and economic development.”

The Center for National Defense represents one component of the Board’s broader strategy to align higher education with workforce demand by expanding programs in high-growth industries, strengthening partnerships with employers, and preparing graduates with the knowledge and skills vital to South Dakota’s future.

If approved by lawmakers, these investments will provide students with direct pathways from the classroom to careers aligning with South Dakota’s growing national defense sector.

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