If you use asc/desc links on table headers for column sorting, it only affects the sort for the page you're on. As soon as you page next or previous, your column sort selection is lost.

Is there a way for this to be persistent? It's a little ridiculous to click the column you want to be sorted every time you change pages.

Hello Steve,
When using the extended repeater, there is a behavior "Control HTML5 Data Bindings Extended Repeater" there you can select Sort, then enter the property you want to sort it on. Then when you have prev/next controls that also control the extended repeater, the data sort is not being lost...Just tested this once again. You can also see it in the showcase:
www.dmxzone.com/demo/php/HTML5DBExtendedRepeater/CustomersDashboard/index.html