BOR Systemwide Objectives for AI Integration | 5/20/26

CUSTER, S.D. - The South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) announced a strategic set of objectives designed to position the state's public universities to become leaders in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education. As AI continues to reshape workforce expectations, academic disciplines, and operational practices, the Regental system is taking coordinated action to ensure students, faculty, and staff are prepared to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world.

"Artificial intelligence is transforming every sector of our economy, and higher education must evolve just as rapidly," said BOR President Jeff Partirdge. "These strategic objectives ensure that South Dakota's public universities prepare students to be AI-ready, responsive to workforce demands, and capable of responsibly utilizing emerging technologies. This is an investment in the long-term success of our students and our state."

The Board emphasized that intentional, ethical, and future-focused engagement with AI is essential for maintaining the competitiveness of South Dakota's public higher education system. This work will be organized into five core components:

1. Governance and infrastructure needs,
2. Curricular and programmatic impacts,
3. Optimization and utilization of agentic AI,
4. Research, and
5. Development of AI literacy and fluency among students, faculty, and staff.

"AI is not a distant concept; it is already shaping how students learn, collaborate, and prepare for their future careers," said University of South Dakota President Sheila Gestring. "By building a strong support system and investing in training across our campuses, we are helping ensure students, faculty, and staff can use these tools responsibly, confidently, and in ways that strengthen learning and opportunity for everyone."

The Board of Regents' strategic decisions reflect a commitment to preparing South Dakota's public higher education system for the decade ahead, ensuring students and institutions remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.