President's E-mail Letter

Higher education keeps economic growth and progress alive, even in the lean times. It provides opportunity for individuals to improve their lives by expanding skill sets and unlocking wondrous ideas and inventions that propel industry forward and improve our quality of life.

I am delighted to announce that Dr. Dan Dolan, professor of mechanical engineering and co-director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Production (CAMP), has been named the 2009 South Dakota Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Our 2009-2010 academic year is here and meeting new faculty, students, and staff as well as welcoming back our accomplished and dedicated members of the Mines community is always a special occasion.  I send my warmest greetings to all on campus and to those of you engaged with us in our broader campus of supporters.

I am pleased to announce that the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology researchers have been awarded nearly $21 million in research and development funding during Fiscal Year 2009, the highest amount in the history of the university and more than double the $10.1 million received in Fiscal Year 2008.

On June 23, it was my pleasure to join Governor Michael Rounds and leaders from across South Dakota at the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) to celebrate the significant accomplishment of reaching the 4850 level.  The 4850 level was home to the neutrino detector installed by Dr. Ray Davis in 1965 and significant infrastructure for the Homestake Mine.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology researchers and professors have been awarded a record amount of research and development funding during Fiscal Year 2009.

The School of Mines has established the Mines Medal to bring tribute and recognition to a leader in engineering or science.