New Regents say they're ready to work toward university reforms Noem called for last month

Former lawmaker, Vermillion businessman tapped for South Dakota’s higher education panel

Randy Rasmussen (left) and Randy Frederick are South Dakota’s newest Board of Regents members.

Gov. Kristi Noem’s latest appointees to the South Dakota Board of Regents say they’re on board to overhaul the state’s public university system.

The governor’s office Tuesday announced former South Dakota lawmaker Randy Frederick and Vermillion businessman Randy Rasmussen have been tapped to fill a pair of open positions on the Board of Regents, which the Republican governor last month challenged to address what she described as “liberal ideologies” that have become “poison” to academia here and across the country.

NEWS: Noem says liberal ideologies 'poison' higher education

“The Board of Regents must revitalize the institutions under its control and to lead the nation by example. Together, we will work to provide an education that truly prepares our kids for the world they are entering without indoctrinating them with harmful, divisive ideologies,” Noem said in a statement announcing the appointments. “I look forward to working with these folks to set an example to the nation of what strong higher education can look like.”