SDSU opens new Center for Online and Professional Education



South Dakota State University’s Center for Online and Professional Education is the first of its kind in the South Dakota Board of Regents system.

“Other universities have offices devoted to distance education,” Victor Taylor, vice provost for graduate education and extended studies at SDSU, explained. “We’re the first such center dedicated to online and professional education the regental system.”

Through the Center for Online and Professional Education, South Dakota State offers a centralized hub for all of its online degree and professional development programs.

“The center brings together online learning pathways and professional development and upskilling in a manner that will support innovative and creative approaches to providing access to education that meets the needs of individuals throughout our state and beyond,” said Dennis Hedge, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Providing such access to students and working professionals is critically important to the economic success of the communities we serve.”

Education for all

SDSU recognizes that South Dakotans need accessible educational opportunities. The university is a land-grant institution that serves a rural state and region.

The center was created to better meet all types of learners wherever they are with flexible options to receive a high-quality education from one of the state’s most trusted institutions.

“It’s a new opportunity to market and reach posttraditional students or students who don’t have the resources or ability to come to campus,” Taylor said. “Anyone in South Dakota, as long as they have Wi-Fi, can participate in the educational opportunities we offer.”

He said it’s important to have a center devoted to these students because online education is very different from in-person classes in two significant ways.

“One, students interested in online education are often posttraditional. They come with a different set of needs, such as locked-in work schedules, family obligations and other significant demands on their time. In many cases, commuting several hours to campus each week isn’t possible,” he said.

“The second is online learning requires enhanced pedagogy. Faculty teaching online courses need to be highly engaged so students will be highly engaged. We develop online courses to have many touch points, so students feel connected to the course, the instructor, classmates and the university.”

These classes aren’t often taught live, so different students will complete the material at different times. It’s very different from standing in front of a class so faculty need to have a well-equipped pedagogy toolbox to achieve learning outcomes.

“Educators also need innovative activities and assignments, so students feel a deep sense of connection,” Taylor said.

The Center for Online and Professional Education supports faculty and students through admission, registration and course completion.

Learn more about SDSU’s new center.

All under one roof

The new center serves learners at every stage of life, whether they’re getting college credits while in high school, completing a degree, advancing their career, earning professional credentials or exploring a new field.

Its responsibilities include:

• Facilitating all online and professional development programs
• Assisting with marketing online programs
• Coordinating with Instructional Design Services
• Providing administrative support to faculty and students working in online classrooms
• Overseeing SDSU’s high school dual credit programs and digital credential offerings

The Center for Online and Professional Education also oversees many of the university’s digital educational resources.

That includes a new virtual student union, another first for the regental system. This is a one-stop shop for all student questions, including those related to advising, activities, academics and financial aid.

Plus, the center offers online certificates, credentials and badges to empower students to learn specialized skills for career growth or lifelong learning. Coursera, a global noncredit course platform for career development, is free to all faculty, staff and students through the center.

In fall 2026, the center is rolling out Modern Campus, a new continuing education platform for SDSU Extension events and classes and the College of Nursing. 

Encouraging lifelong learning

This center is an open door to anyone to pursue higher education, whether they’re new to SDSU or already an alum.

“We want to engage our students as lifelong learners. While we’ll continue to offer our for-credit programs, we’re also building out noncredit professional education, so 10 to 15 years down the road, graduates can always return to us for further learning,” Taylor said.

The Center for Online and Professional Education is open now. The search for its inaugural director begins in fall 2026.