South Dakota Mines is well known in the state for
graduating top-tier students and for turning out cutting-edge research that
spins off into new companies and high-paying local jobs.
But our success has led to some growing pains. To put it
simply, we’re out of research space on campus. The excellent work of our
faculty and students has led to an increase in research funding from agencies
like the US Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation, Governor
Noem’s office, and many others. Today, we need more space to continue advancing
the frontier of innovation.
To address this problem, we’re asking state lawmakers to
approve $5.25 million for purchase of the Ascent Innovation Building. Built on
campus property in 2006, the 40,000-square-foot facility formerly housed
Elevate Rapid City and its wildly successful tech business incubator. Purchasing
this building would be a huge cost savings for the university compared to constructing
a new facility. This building will provide critical space needed to expand research
on campus and in turn spin off more start-up business success.
At Mines, we’re proud of our track record of turning the
innovation generated by university research into new companies that are
employing thousands of our graduates right here in the state. Companies started
by research at Mines or by our professors and alumni include VRC Metal Systems,
Nanopareil, Phase Technologies, Endlas, Property Meld, Scull Construction, RESPEC,
Daktronics, RPM & Associates, and too many more to name here.
The exciting research already underway on campus that will
have a new home in this facility includes cutting-edge manufacturing
technologies like advanced 3D printing, medical research such as efforts to stop
cancer and treat other diseases, agricultural research focusing on turning biproducts
like corn stalks and tree branches into valuable biofuel and biodegradable
plastics, and research to pioneer new battery technology that could
revolutionize energy storage. The university will continue to create spin-off
companies with these types of research, providing a fantastic return on
investment.
One of the best parts about being a university president is
getting to shake hands with smiling graduates as they walk across the stage at
commencement. Our students are changing the world; they’re pioneering cutting-edge
science and technology, creating start-up companies that shatter expectations,
and finding innovative solutions to some of the most pressing problems society
faces today. Thanks to decades of economic development efforts, we are now able
to keep about 30% of Mines graduates in South Dakota. But in truth, many will
leave the state because high-paying jobs in STEM fields are in short supply
here. Expanding research space at Mines will open the door for the creation of
more high-paying jobs in South Dakota, and in the end, keep more of our
graduates right here at home.
I hope you will contact your local lawmaker and ask them to
support Senate Bill 97 in the South Dakota Legislature to benefit the future of
South Dakota Mines and the future economy of our state.
- Jim Rankin, Ph.D., P.E., South Dakota Mines President