The Miller Legacy

Selective highlights from Peggy Miller's years as president of South Dakota State University in 1998 to 2006.

• Led SDSU through an arduous study that culminated with the school moving to Division I athletics as of the 2004-05 school year.

• Academic scholarships grew from 1,739 valued at $1.25 million to 4,177 valued at $4.4 million. Creation of the Jackrabbit Guarantee scholarship was a major driver.

• Enrollment zoomed from 8,544 in fall 1998 to 11,377 in fall 2006.

• Faculty research grew in prominence. Research funding grew 300% from 1997 to 2006 with grant and contract income reaching $141.2 million in 2006. In 2005, SDSU was moved to R2, a higher Carnegie Foundation designation, as a National Research University with high research activity.

• More than $72 million was spent on new buildings and renovations. Among them are the original phase of the Performing Arts Center, for which she garnered financial support from the City of Brookings. Also, the school’s first student wellness center was built. In 2022, the building was renamed in her honor.

• SDSU Foundation support for the university nearly doubled, going from $55 million in assets to $100 million. 

• Groundbreaking was held in September 2006 for what is now called Research Park at South Dakota State University on a 125-acre site just east of campus. It was the first research park in South Dakota. Her late husband, Bob Miller, was one of the leaders in turning the collaborative effort into realty.

• Emphasis grew in study abroad programs. Participation in international studies by faculty and students grew almost 2000% during her years with enrollment agreements formed with 125 universities around the globe.

•The Honors College was created to challenge high-achieving students. It is now in its 25^th year and has its own residence hall.