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Is DSU the right fit for you?
Even the best brochures and postcards (and yes, even websites) can only tell you so much about a college. The only surefire way to know if DSU is right for you is to see for yourself.
When Dakota State University opened in 1881, we were a school known for teacher education.
Now, 140 years later, we are one of the top schools in the nation for cybersecurity. With over 80 degrees and programs, our Trojans continue to rise in the fields of computer and cyber sciences, business and information systems, arts and sciences, as well as education.
Students, faculty, and staff are endlessly creating, innovating, and collaborating through technology, research, and real-world experiences. Our Trojans have endless opportunities to prepare themselves for life-changing careers, with a technological advantage.
Active learning, expert teaching, and innovative technology are just part of the DSU experience. Additionally, we have 13 NAIA athletic teams, 35 student-led clubs and organizations, and provide scholarships to Trojans all different backgrounds and locations.
Throughout 140 years, Dakota State University has seen a lot of change, but one thing remains the same.
Our Trojan Pride is greater than ever.
On March 5, 1881, the Territorial Legislature passed the Normal Bill, establishing Madison State Normal School. Students had to be at least 16 years old.
In 1923, the Garden Theater was built on the west side of campus. It could hold 2,000 people for graduations and other events, weather pending.
In 1954, George Smith donated the Deagan Celesa Chimes. They were replaced in 1983 by Schulmerich Quadrabell Chimes, donated by Della Cassutt and Ed Marquart.
In 1922, the athletic teams were called “Warriors,” or Teachers. The name “Trojans” came from a 1928 contest, won by Ray Kellogg ‘31.
On January 19, 1963, the campus school was destroyed by fire. Built in 1917, it had been used as a teacher-in-training laboratory facility.
In 1966-1967, the Trojan basketball team compiled the best record in school history, with 20 wins and 6 losses in the season.
In 1936, faculty member Gertrude Gill wrote a curriculum book titled “How to Teach Poetry.” The Karl Mundt Library has several copies, some available for checkout.
In 1888, the Commercial Department (business training) was introduced. It was housed on third floor of Beadle Hall, with a skylight for good lighting.
On February 29, 1984, the state legislature passed a bill changing DSU’s mission to include instruction of computer-related technology in all majors.
The DSU CCDC team is headed to the national competition in April after winning the At Large region. This experience gives students a variety of skills that are very applicable to the real world.
General Beadle was an abolitionist, who spent time serving as a messenger for the underground railroad. Read more on General Beadle in Dr. Justin Blessinger's article, “South Dakota's Civil War Veterans - General William H.H. Beadle: Rider for the Underground Railroad.”
Teachers have influenced generations of students, using whatever technology was available to them. Today that is cyber; in the early days of DSU it was slate boards. A new “old school” display of a slate board from the original Kennedy Hall will show students what tools their predecessors used for teaching.