VERMILLION, S.D. (WNAX) – The coronavirus pandemic was a big part of the annual “State of the University” speech by USD President Sheila Gestring Thursday.

She says despite the pandemic, they are focused on their mission.

Several hundred students were isolated in the early weeks of the school year due to possible exposure to the coronavirus.

Gestring says a survey of those students gave them some surprising results.

Gestring says dealing with the pandemic is one more challenge for the University.

Also, this week, USD reported a drop of over four and a half percent in their student enrollment.