“We know the future success and well-being of our community and region in part depends on ensuring everyone has access to quality education and employment regardless of race, ethnicity or socio-economic status” states Southeast Tech’s newest President, Robert Griggs.
Southeast Tech began in 1968, and this year marks the 50th anniversary. Over 20,000 graduates live and work in our region. Ninety-eight percent of the graduates are employed within 6 months and 92% of them work in the their graduate field. In addition, 6 of the college programs have a 100% state and national exam pass rate. Southeast Tech received Noel Levitz 2017 National Retention Excellence Award. Southeast is the first higher education institution to receive this award in the state of South Dakota.
Program Highlights from January 29, 2018
Southeast Tech's 2018 Initiatives
1. Increase Enrollment - Registration and admission process begins in the spring with tours and events to allow prospective students to get excited about the college and what it has to offer. Southeast has created opportunities to partner with industries and developed meetings to locate prospective students.
2. Improve Retention - Greater emphasis on retention of students. Dr. Griggs stated that there is a 74% retention rate at Southeast, while nationally two year colleges are typically in the 50% rate. He would like to ensure the retention rate continues to increase.
3. Expand Outreach and Collaboration Efforts - Holding Business Sector breakfast meetings and inviting leaders to those meetings to discuss ways in which they can collaborate together. Southeast has many collaborative efforts in the works with many organizations.
4. Enhance Communication and Governance - Creating committees and always asking "What does the region need Southeast to be?"
For the past twenty-five years, Robert Griggs has served in progressively responsible roles in higher education as a faculty member, department chair, dean, chief information officer, associate vice president, vice president for innovation, and chief academic officer at Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College (Bemidji, MN). He became President at Southeast Technical Institute in September of 2016. He and his wife Susie have three children.
Program for February 5, 2018
Michael Lawler, PhD, Dean of Health Science