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Long-term issues to close doors at Presentation College

Presentation is offering ‘teach-out’ agreements with other institutions to accept current students without needing an application or increase in tuition costs.

This comes as the Aberdeen college prepares to permanent close its doors later this year.

College president Paula Langteau said it’s part of administration’s effort to put people first through the transition.

“We take very seriously our commitment to our students, our faculty, and our staff, and we’re doing everything in our power to make sure we take care of individuals through this difficult and trying transition,” Langteau said.

Langteau, who arrived at Presentation in 2019, said the closure is the result of longstanding financial and enrollment issues.

“We streamlined leadership, renegotiated vendor contracts, reduced operating budgets, really brought down our budgets to about two and a half million dollars – and things were starting to look better, our accounts payable was up to date. Things were turning around," Langteau said. "At that time, as you know, COVID hit. That was the spring of 2020. That has been devastating for our institution.”

Langteau said the Presentation Sisters are now looking ahead to the future.

“While we mourn the loss of all the things that are no longer going to be, we also recognize – I think sister Marion said it best when she said the Presentation Sisters pride themselves that they evolve with the times, and we are moving to see more online education,” Langteau said.

Currently, Presentation College students can enroll through teach-outs at Dakota Wesleyan, Dickinson State, Olivet College, St. Ambrose University, and the University of Mary.

C.J. Keene is a Rapid City-based journalist covering the legal system, education, and culture
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