President Clasemann Wraps Up First Year at STC

As featured in pigeon605.com.

President Cory Clasemann is wrapping up his first year at Southeast Technical College — and it has been a busy one. From growing enrollment to building stronger ties with local businesses, he’s focused on helping students get the skills they need for in-demand careers.

In this conversation, Clasemann shares his insights on the power of technical education, the strength of community partnerships and how Southeast Tech is preparing the next generation of skilled professionals to fuel South Dakota’s economy.

You’re approaching your one-year mark as president of Southeast Tech. How would you assess your first year? Any key moments stand out?

It’s truly been a year of listening and learning. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many people — students, staff and community members — and they’ve been generous with their insights into what Southeast Tech does well and where we can grow.

Two major highlights for me were having “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe on campus in September to celebrate 10 years of Build Dakota and then hosting Gov. Larry Rhoden in May.

Both were energizing moments that reinforced the importance of our mission. I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built because they are essential when it comes to making progress and getting things done. Right now, we’re laying the groundwork for a new strategic plan that will guide us forward.

As you’ve met with people in the community, what themes or misconceptions about Southeast Tech have come up?

What I hear most often is that Southeast Tech has a strong reputation. People know that our graduates are entering the workforce well prepared. That said, there’s a real hunger for more graduates — businesses need talent, and we’re working hard to meet that demand.

There’s also a growing recognition that technical education is a key driver of economic growth. These are the jobs that power our community and help Sioux Falls thrive.

How is enrollment trending this year? Are there programs that are seeing more interest than others?

Enrollment is up about 4 percent over last year, which is exciting. Our health and trades programs continue to be in high demand — in fact, many of them have waitlists. It shows just how relevant and needed these career paths are right now.

What role does the business community play in shaping your programs? Are there any opportunities you’re especially focused on?

Partnerships with the business community are absolutely vital. We want to continue working closely with local industries to fill high-demand jobs.

The world is changing quickly, and we need to be nimble and ready to adjust our curriculum or even launch new programs to align with emerging needs. Whether we are preparing students for new careers or helping existing workers retrain, we want to be a reliable partner for workforce development in the region.

Looking ahead to the next year or two, what are your priorities?

One big focus is expanding enrollment capacity in the programs that are most needed in Sioux Falls. That includes both short-term steps and long-term planning.

We’re currently working on a new five-year strategic plan, along with a facilities master plan and a fundraising plan. These three efforts will shape the direction of Southeast Tech in the years to come.

And what about your longer-term vision? What will it take for Southeast Tech to continue evolving?

Sioux Falls is growing, and Southeast Tech needs to grow with it. Our success is tightly linked with the city’s success. That means increasing our enrollment and expanding our capacity, especially in key areas like health care and the trades.

We’re also investing in our campus with projects like the Ed Wood Trade & Industry Center renovation and expansion, which will support that growth in many of our trades programs. Ultimately, we want Southeast Tech to be a first-choice destination, both for students looking to launch their careers and for employees who want to make a difference in education.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Just a big thank-you to the Sioux Falls community. You’ve made me feel truly welcome in this first year, and I’m looking forward to many more years of working together as we help the city grow and succeed.