By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU) has entered into a formal academic cooperation agreement with the University of Debrecen in Hungary. The partnership was signed during a special event held in Hungary on May 15, aiming to enhance collaboration in precision agriculture programs.
“South Dakota State University is excited about our partnership with the University of Debrecen, and our enthusiasm has grown even greater following our recent visit,” said Dennis Hedge, SDSU provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Through this agreement, students in Debrecen’s precision agriculture program can dually enroll in SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences during their fourth and fifth semesters.
They will gain hands-on experience, engage with SDSU faculty, and have access to student organizations and labs. Courses may be taken in person or online, but students are encouraged to visit Brookings for the full SDSU experience.
“Agriculture is a global business. This program provides a strategic opportunity to strengthen our ties to future global leaders in agriculture,” said Joe Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
The partnership stems from early connections made in 2024 when a student intern from Debrecen visited SDSU. Faculty exchanges, such as animal science professor Michael Gonda’s upcoming sabbatical in Debrecen, will further deepen the partnership.
The University of Debrecen, established in 1538, is one of Hungary’s oldest institutions with students from over 120 countries. Its rector, Zoltán Szilvássy, said, “This is the opening of an era, a very important milestone… we can do a lot to solve the global challenges of agriculture.”
Photo Credit:south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education