Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
South Dakota State University. International Affairs
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Office of International Affairs at South Dakota State University was established in 1988 as the Office of International Programs to coordinate and promote international engagement across the institution. The unit was first directed by Dr. David Hilderbrand, during whose tenure the university signed its initial international exchange agreements with institutions in China, South Korea, and England. In November 1993, Harriet Swedlund became Acting Director and was appointed Director in May 1994, serving until fall 2003. Under her leadership, the office expanded international student and faculty exchanges and developed partnerships with multiple institutions as well as participation in the College Consortium for International Studies and the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad. In September 2005, the office was renamed the Office of International Affairs to reflect its expanded scope.
The office serves as the administrative unit responsible for initiating, coordinating, and managing international programs. Its responsibilities include international undergraduate admissions, services for international students and scholars, immigration advising, study abroad planning, and the management of international agreements. The office also fosters campus and community engagement related to global initiatives and maintains administrative records documenting its activities.