South Dakota Mines Receives National Recognition for Achievement in Student Success

October 28, 2025
South Dakota Mines Receives National Recognition for Achievement in Student Success
EAB named South Dakota Mines the winner of its Return on Education award, which recognizes an institution that has seen significant and measurable results from its efforts to help students persist, graduate and thrive. EAB presented Corinne Heiberger, the university’s interim associate vice president of student success and director of career services, with the award at CONNECTED25, a three-day gathering of thousands of student success leaders from progressive community colleges as well as four-year colleges and universities.

South Dakota Mines has been nationally recognized by the education company EAB for its achievements in supporting students along their entire academic journey.

EAB named Mines the winner of its Return on Education award, which recognizes an institution that has seen significant and measurable results from its efforts to help students persist, graduate and thrive. EABEAB named Mines the winner of its Return on Education award, which recognizes an institution that has seen significant and measurable results from its efforts to help students persist, graduate and thrive. presented Corinne Heiberger, the university’s interim associate vice president of student success and director of career services, with the award at CONNECTED25, a three-day gathering of thousands of student success leaders from progressive community colleges as well as four-year colleges and universities.

This year marks the eleventh consecutive year that EAB has recognized outstanding achievements in student success. Awardees are selected from among the colleges, universities, and individuals who use one or more of three technologies: the Navigate360 enrollment, retention, and advancement; CRM, the Starfish student success management system; and the Edify data management platform.

 

Mines is implementing a new tandem advising model through Navigate360, a more holistic approach that fosters cross-departmental coordination and connects faculty advisors, professional staff and peer mentors. The model provides a clearer, more comprehensive view of each student’s academic journey while helping to streamline workloads.

“The pilot program has been even more successful than we anticipated, leading to stronger collaboration and a more robust advising structure to ensure students receive support in every area,” Heiberger said.

The national recognition affirms the work Mines faculty and staff are doing to ensure every student has the support and resources to succeed.

“Our commitment to data-informed decision-making and innovative student engagement is helping more students persist, graduate, and launch meaningful careers,” said Lance Roberts, Ph.D., Mines provost and vice president for academic affairs.

EAB said the university awards reflect a broader shift in higher education toward utilizing technology to better support students.

“As pressures on higher education mount, EAB’s university partners are embracing
AI-driven technology to modernize operations, make better use of data and enhance student support,” said Scott Schirmeier, EAB president of technology. “Our 2025 Student Success Collaborative Award winners demonstrate how AI-enabled tools help staff elevate the student experience, improve graduation rates and launch more students into successful careers.”