History
Kilian Community College was originally owned as a joint venture of three private
institutions of higher education in Sioux Falls: Augustana College, the University
of Sioux Falls (formerly known as Sioux Falls College), and the North American
Baptist Seminary. Dr. Thomas Kilian, whose vision inspired the creation of the
College, served as its first President.
In 1985, the ownership of the college transferred from its founding institutions
to the Kilian Community College Association. Kilian also
received its first accreditation by the North Central Association
of Colleges and Schools during this time. From this point
on, the college has functioned as a private, not-for-profit
corporation.
Kilian Community College is a post-secondary, two-year institution and the
only non-tribal community college in South Dakota. In its early years, the
College functioned as an “institution without walls,” leasing all
of its classroom space from its founding institutions and other space available
in public and private buildings throughout the city.
In 1993-94, a capital campaign was conducted within the city of Sioux Falls
to fund the acquisition of a permanent home for the College.
Property on North Phillips Avenue was secured and renovated
for that purpose.
In 2003, the Phillips Avenue property was sold and a larger
facility, located at 300 East Sixth Street, secured to serve
the expanding student population of the college.
Kilian Community College is best understood in the words of its founding President,
Dr. Thomas Kilian, “This college is about more than just providing an
educational opportunity to our students; it’s also about changing people’s
lives.” That philosophy still rings true today.
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