DSU, SMIT to sign strategic partnership agreement

March 18, 2026

Dakota State University and the Seoul Media Institute of Technology (SMIT) will formalize a new international academic partnership during a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at the Beacom Institute of Technology on the DSU campus.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration between DSU's Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences and SMIT, expanding opportunities for joint academic programming, research collaboration, and student pathways in advanced technology fields including artificial intelligence, computer science, and cybersecurity.

Delegates from SMIT attending the ceremony include President Hee Han and Professor Eun-Chang Choi. Representing Dakota State University will be President José-Marie Griffiths, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Rebecca Hoey, Mary Bell, dean of The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences, and Mark Hawkes, dean of Graduate Studies.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment by both institutions to develop highly skilled technology professionals and strengthen collaboration between the United States and the Republic of Korea in areas critical to cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.

"This partnership with the Seoul Media Institute of Technology creates meaningful opportunities for our students and faculty to learn from one another while advancing innovation in areas critical to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure," said Griffiths.

"SMIT is committed to leading future education through AI and digital literacy as our core competencies; Cybersecurity innovation is a key pillar of this vision, and our partnership with Dakota State University will strengthen global collaboration in cyber education and innovation," said Han.

Under the partnership framework, students from SMIT will have pathways to pursue advanced degrees through Dakota State University while engaging with faculty and research initiatives connected to DSU's nationally recognized cyber programs. The collaboration is designed to support workforce development in emerging technologies while strengthening academic ties between the two institutions.

The initiative also aligns with broader international efforts to strengthen cyber workforce development and cooperation between the United States and South Korea, particularly as both nations prioritize cybersecurity talent and collaboration in response to evolving digital threats.

The ceremony will mark the beginning of formal collaboration between the two institutions and highlight the growing role of global academic partnerships in advancing cyber education, research, and innovation.

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