140 - Dakota State University

Honoring the Past. Rising to the Future.

Celebrating 140 years of DSU.

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.

We are dedicated. We are determined. We are driven.

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.

We are dynamic. We are distinctive. We are disciplined.

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.

Dakota State Mascots

In 1922, the athletic teams were called “Warriors,” or Teachers. The name “Trojans” came from a 1928 contest, won by Ray Kellogg ‘31.

The campus training laboratory school burned in 1963.

Campus School Burns

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.

Two players on the 1966-67 basketball team tower over one of the cheerleaders.

Winning Team

In 1966-1967, the Trojan basketball team compiled the best record in school history, with 20 wins and 6 losses in the season.

Celebrating 140 years

Slate board comes home to Kennedy Hall

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.

More news