Dakota State University students walking around campus

Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

Majors & Degrees

2024

December

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Pictured are the judges from the 2024 Data Analytics Competition.

December 19, 2024

Third annual data analytics competition at DSU

The Data Analytics Competition at DSU has returned for the third year, and is again sponsored by Sanford Health. This free event allows collegiate teams to evaluate big data sets and make data forecasts for real-world business needs while helping students grow their critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills.

Pictured (l-to-r): Student works with Dr. Patti Brooks in the classroom.

December 18, 2024

Virtual training benefits students and industries

Dakota State University health informatics and information students and other students in healthcare information systems or cybersecurity and faculty have the opportunity to participate in the Virtual Interprofessional Education (VIPE) program training with other universities and organizations throughout the world.

Daniel Welynn shows his work on Karuk Fire Race to another faculty member during a research symposium.

December 13, 2024

Welynn animation accepted to world film festival

Daniel Welynn’s animation Karuk Fire Race has been accepted into several film festivals, including The World’s Independent Film Festival in San Francisco. He is an associate professor in the College of Arts & Sciences at Dakota State University.

Angela Slattery, #21, found her place at DSU in the classroom and on the basketball court.

December 12, 2024

Slattery: DSU was made for me

Angela Slattery, the fall 2024 commencement student speaker, said DSU was made for her, allowing her to develop her identity in the classroom and on the basketball court.

Pictured (l-to-r): A ledger drawing by Wade Patton featuring colorful clouds, a full moon, and seven tipis; a painting by J.White featuring a pregnant woman laying on the ground; a doll featuring braids and horns.

December 11, 2024

South Dakota Native American artists visit DSU

For the past 50 years, DSU’s Native American Student Association (NASA) has brought speakers to campus and hosted events to celebrate Indigenous cultures. This month, NASA brought three Native American artists to campus to talk with students about their artistic journeys.

Commencement at DSU.

December 10, 2024

Judy Dittman is DSU’s fall commencement speaker

Dr. Judy Dittman will be the fall 2024 commencement speaker at DSU on Dec. 14. Alumna Tammy Miller will be receiving an honorary degree for public service.

Nanocon student organizers gain valuable experience in project management, teamwork, and leadership.

December 9, 2024

Nanocon is game changer

Nanocon is a game changer for the student committee members who organize the free gaming convention held at Dakota State University by teaching them project management, organizational skills, and teamwork.

November

DSU Biology Student

November 21, 2024

Biology program at DSU is student-centered and flexible

The biology program at DSU is student-centered and flexible, preparing students for a variety of career paths.

Dean David De Jong leading a SchoolSims simulation session.

November 20, 2024

Research shows experiential learning happens in simulations

Dr. David De Jong, dean of the College of Education & Human Performance, collaborated with Dr. Sara Dexter of the University of Virginia, an international leader in simulation research, to publish a research paper on this topic. “Experiential learning through simulations in fully online asynchronous courses: Exploring the role of self-debriefing,” has been accepted for publication in The Internet and Higher Education.

Garret Leiseth (right) won the Charles Fazzi Delta Mu Delta award.

November 19, 2024

Delta Mu Delta’s Charles Fazzi Award honors student’s potential

Garret Leiseth won a national Delta Mu Delta scholarship. The Charles Fazzi Award is a $1,000 scholarship that recognizes students with a generosity of spirit, creativity, and resources who are outstanding business students.

Two students walking on campus at Dakota State University in the fall.

November 18, 2024

Fall research grants awarded at DSU

Dakota State University offers funded research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students through mentored research initiative programs. Sixteen undergraduate and seven graduate students were awarded funds to complete their research projects for the 2024-25 academic year.

The Municipal Cybersecurity Grant Program will be led by Mike Waldner.

November 18, 2024

Waldner appointed director of Municipal Cybersecurity Grant Program

Dakota State University and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announce the hiring of Mike Waldner as director of the newly established Municipal Cybersecurity Grant Program. This initiative, funded through Senate Bill 187, will enhance the cybersecurity infrastructure of South Dakota's municipalities.

Dr. Kevin Smith received a STEM outreach grant.

November 15, 2024

Smith awarded STEM outreach grant

Dr. Kevin Smith knows how important math is for STEM careers and a skilled workforce, and he’ll use a South Dakota Biotech/SD EPSCoR grant to create an outreach program helping students be positive about math and STEM.

ATT has contributed $26,400 to the Dakota State University Foundation to help youth with limited internet access from South Dakota’s nine tribal nations.

November 14, 2024

AT&T donates to CybHER

AT&T is continuing its partnership with CybHER® to bring technology outreach and digital literacy training to the state’s tribal students through local Boys & Girls Clubs.

AT&T has contributed $26,400 to the Dakota State University Foundation to help youth with limited internet access from South Dakota’s nine tribal nations.

November 12, 2024

AT&T donates to CybHER®

AT&T is continuing its partnership with CybHER® to bring technology outreach and digital literacy training to the state’s tribal students through local Boys & Girls Clubs.

October

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AT&T donates to CybHER®

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AT&T donates to CybHER®

DSU faculty who won the capture the flag competition at the Wild West Hackin’ Fest are Cody Welu, Tyler Flaagan, Shawn Zwach, and Andrew Kramer.

October 31, 2024

Faculty win Hackin’ Fest competition

Four DSU faculty in The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences won the Capture the Flag competition at the 2024 Wild West Hackin’ Fest in Deadwood.

Dr. Alex Dececchi led a team of international researchers to discover evidence that feathered dinosaurs used wings to 'flap-run.' The dinosaur's track path and a rendering of the dinosaur are shown.

October 25, 2024

DSU professor and international research team discover dinosaur flap-run

Dr. Alex Dececchi, Assistant Professor of Biology in Dakota State University’s College of Arts & Sciences, is part of an exciting recent discovery. Dececchi led a team of international researchers in discovering evidence for the first time that small-feathered dinosaurs ran at speeds achieved only by using their wings to ‘flap-run.’

An image of Dakota State University Campus with a tree on the left, a bush in the center, and the Trojan Center on the right.

October 23, 2024

Karl Mundt Oral Interpretation Tournament is Saturday

The 41st annual Karl E. Mundt Dakota Invitational Oral Interpretation Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 26, at Dakota State University in Madison, S.D. Over 225 competitors from more than 20 schools will be participating. The students will compete in three rounds in the morning, and final rounds in the afternoon. Students perform in various categories including poetry, oratory, humor, storytelling, drama, duet, and reader’s theatre.

Tre Maddox (third from the left) poses for a photo with members of the TriBeta Club at DSU.

October 23, 2024

DSU alumnus shares lifelong learning message

While on campus, DSU alumnus and NBA referee Tre Maddox, B.S. (’90), spent time with student-athletes, gave a talk sponsored by DSU’s TriBeta Club, visited the new athletics facilities, and reminisced about his time at Dakota State.

Stephan Randall (left) and James Pollock (right) pose for a photo in front of their artworks in the DSU First Bank and Trust Art Gallery.

October 22, 2024

Two Vietnam veteran artists featured in DSU gallery

Dakota State University’s First Bank & Trust Art Gallery is featuring an exhibition of two former Vietnam combat artists through Monday, Nov. 25. The joint exhibition, sponsored through the College of Arts & Sciences, features the work of Stephan Randall and James Pollock. Called “Sketch then Paint,” the show includes some of their plein air paintings, which refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist’s subject in full view.

DSU researchers presented at the summer AMCIS conference.

October 21, 2024

DSU research impacts national conference

Dakota State University researchers made an impressive showing at a summer professional conference, demonstrating that DSU faculty and students conduct quality, cutting-edge research that contributes to theory and practice.

Gwen Vongkasemsiri smiling.

October 9, 2024

Competitions and passions drive Vongkasemsiri

Whether she’s on the volleyball court, participating in an international cybersecurity competition, or running the club she created, Gwen Vongkasemsiri loves competitions. A senior cyber operations and network & security administration double major, Vongkasemsiri chose to attend DSU after analyzing a list of schools across the U.S. that have excellent cybersecurity programs.

Title card of Beau Headrick's animation DAYTRIP.

October 4, 2024

’DAYTRIP‘ selected for multiple festivals

Dakota State senior Beau Headrick’s 2D animation “DAYTRIP” was selected for several film festivals, one of them international. Follow Fuzz on his journey to climb Mount Magoo all by himself, as he realizes along the way that maybe the summit is not the goal, but the company he keeps while on the journey.

Summer camps were only one of the many accomplishments DSU achieved this summer.

October 4, 2024

Summer Milestones

DSU led efforts this summer to bridge the United States’ cyber-gap, educate the next generation of cyber experts, and lead the nation on the international cyber stage.

High school students at the 2023 Educators Rising Expo at Dakota State.

October 3, 2024

Educators Rising Learning Expo Oct. 9

Dakota State University’s College of Education & Human Performance is hosting an Educators Rising Learning Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The event is an opportunity for high school students interested in teaching to learn what it means to be an educator.

Emme Josko working to restore an educational skeleton at Dakota State University.

October 2, 2024

Researcher seeks to identify educational skeletons

Emme Josko's research project is dedicated to putting educational skeletons back together and attempting to identify what country the skeletons are from and some of the genetic traits attributable to them.

September

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Researcher seeks to identify educational skeletons

Brandon Jansen at his MarketBeat internship in Sioux Falls, S.D.

September 27, 2024

MarketBeat internship provides real-world experience

Brandon Jansen spent the summer as an intern at MarketBeat, a Sioux Falls company that got its start on Dakota State University’s campus.

Kurt Kemper, honors program director, rolls dice during an interactive honors class.

September 26, 2024

Record enrollment in honors program

This fall, 67 incoming freshmen have joined the honors program, the General Beadle Honors Program, the largest incoming class so far.

DSU receives $1 million SBA grant.

September 26, 2024

DSU receives $1 million SBA grant

For the second time in three years, Dakota State University’s Paulson Cyber and Economic Development Center has received a grant through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program to help small businesses stay cyber safe.

DSU senior Madison Miller published her first poetry book recently.

September 25, 2024

Healing through art

Madison Miller published her first poetry book, "He doesn't deserve to know me." The book was a way for her to address her complicated relationship with her father.

Attendees of the Plant Health Conference session that Andrew Sathoff organized.

September 23, 2024

Sharing best practices allows for innovation

Andrew Sathoff, assistant professor of biology at DSU, helped organize a hands-on teaching session at the National Plant Health Conference in Memphis over the summer.

RayLee Wallis holding certificate and coin.

September 20, 2024

No goal is too big

RayLee Wallis’s summer internship in the Secretary of the Army Primary Cyber Advisor’s office taught her that she is capable of doing big things. “I can develop the skills necessary for contributing in a fast-paced work environment.”

DSU volleyball players hold a thank you donor signs during Trojans Give Back 2024.

September 18, 2024

Trojans Give Back to heart of DSU

A total of 953 students, faculty, and staff contributed 2,709 service hours to more than 40 projects in Madison. And over 1,200 Trojan supporters raised over $335,000 for student scholarships, exceeding the goal of $300,000. These are all increases over last year’s totals.

Julie Wulf Plimpton teaching.

September 16, 2024

DSU HIIM faculty present at virtual conference

DSU faculty Dr. Renae Spohn and Julie Wulf Plimpton shared about health informatics and information management topics at the virtual CAHIIM (Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics & Information Management Education) 2024: Summit on Higher Education.

Dr. David Kenley with K-12 educators traveling abroad.

September 11, 2024

Study abroad trip takes K-12 teachers along ancient trade route

DSU Professor David Kenley led a unique modern-day trek along the Silk Road as part of a program for K-12 teachers from across the United States. The trip was funded by the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia (NCTA).

General Beadle Statue

September 11, 2024

DSU enrollment numbers pass 3,770

Dakota State University total enrollment for fall 2024 is up 7.6% from last year, continuing steady enrollment increases over the last 25 years.

DSU Homecoming Court (pictured l-to-r): Back row: Kodiak McClure, Kaden Krusemark, Braxton Lacher, Cody Farland, and Wael Delessa. Front row: Angela Slattery, Jöelle Malacko, Maya Plummer, Hannah Evans, and Kinjal Basnet.

September 11, 2024

Homecoming royalty crowned

Braxton Lacher and Maya Plummer were crowned king and queen at Dakota State’s coronation ceremony.

For three years, Dakota State University has hosted an industrial immersion program for graduate students from DSU and Swedish universities.

September 10, 2024

Meaningful Contributions

Dakota State University’s research exchange program is growing in size, impact, and reputation through an industrial immersion program for graduate students from DSU and Swedish universities.

The Beacom PREMIER Complex opened with a Trojan Nights concert on August 27, 2024.

September 10, 2024

Big day elevates DSU legacy

The opening of the Beacom PREMIER Complex will create distinctive opportunities that will benefit Dakota State and the surrounding region for years to come.

Kanthi Narukonda and Mikaila Fluth with one of the Bee-Bots.

September 10, 2024

CybHER refocuses outreach to K-8

For over 10 years, CybHER® at Dakota State University has offered outreach programs for all ages, with a focus on middle and high school students. Now, expanding on this vision, CybHER is increasing its efforts to reach K-8 students, understanding that impactful early education can significantly shape the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.

Ashton Ruesch in a DSU shirt on campus.

September 10, 2024

Oak Ridge internship leads to expanded opportunities

What started as a summer internship with Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been extended into another opportunity for Dakota State student Ashton Ruesch. He will be continuing to work as a remote intern for the organization this academic year.

Bob and Karen Hemre at the Trojan Nights concert.

September 4, 2024

Robert & Karen Hemre named 2024 parade marshals

Robert (’68) and Karen (’68) Hemre are the 2024 Trojan Days parade marshals.

Arien Stalford, a senior at Chester (SD) High school, highly recommends the Governors Cyber Academy.

September 3, 2024

Exceeding Expectations

First-year numbers show that expectations were exceeded in the first year of the Governors Cyber Academy, a program that fuels students’ passions for cyber careers.

August

The 2024 True Trojan award winners include Sierra Heppler (back left), Fenecia Homan, Cherie Noteboom, Kathy Engbrecht; Kristen Uilk (front left), Kindra Schneider, Erin Kahler. Not pictured, Addie Borah.

August 27, 2024

DSU's True Trojans

Dakota State University has named several employees “True Trojans” at the 2024 Welcome and University Address on August 19.

Dr. Justin Blessinger (left) and Nolan Rohl work on a zero-turn electric car.

August 23, 2024

DSU’s AdapT Lab modifies car for Lifescape

Working with LifeScape in Sioux Falls, faculty and DSU students in the AdapT Lab retrofit electric cars to give kids the ability to explore their world.

Scott and Sara Schlisner and family are this year's Ag Bowl captains.

August 23, 2024

Scott & Sara Schlisner and family named Ag Bowl Captains

Longtime Madison area farmers Scott & Sara Schlisner and family are 2024's Ag Bowl Captains. The family will be honored at the DSU game on Thursday, Aug. 29.

DSU alumnus Tre Maddox at Trojan Royale in Las Vegas.

August 20, 2024

NBA referee Tre Maddox to visit campus

NBA Referee and DSU alumnus Tre Maddox is returning to DSU for a visit.

Army Cyber Center of Excellence and DSU

August 8, 2024

DSU signs new agreement with Army Cyber Center of Excellence

Students at two organizations will benefit from a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Dakota State University and the Army Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE).

Peraton Scholarship winners at DSU: Joëlle Malacko and Mikaila Fluth are the 2024 Peraton Scholarship winners at DSU. The award was presented this summer by Peraton representatives Jeff Berlet, Cathy Johnston, Lynelle Haugabrook, Caroline Arzt, and Stefanie Hale. Not pictured is scholarship winner Keira Heider.

August 8, 2024

Peraton awards DSU student scholarships

Dakota State University students are following in their parents’ footsteps.

Accepting the Community Service award are Chad Compton and advisor Mark Spanier, along with SD BOR CEO Nathan Lukkes, President Tim Rave, and DSU President José-Marie Griffiths.

August 1, 2024

DSU student organizations honored for distinction

Three student organizations were honored at the late summer Board of Regents’ meeting on campus.

July

Recent graduate Denyce Bravo presented her alfalfa honey research while attending the American Society of Microbiology annual conference with Assistant Professor Andrew Sathoff.

July 30, 2024

Bravo presents research at national conference

Recent DSU graduate Denyce Bravo successfully shared her research into the antimicrobial properties of alfalfa honey at the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) annual conference in Atlanta.

Twelve DSU students attended and competed in the National FBLA Conference achieving distinct success.

July 25, 2024

DSU FBLA achieves national success

Every DSU student who competed in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) state competition qualified for nationals. After the national competition in June, two returned home with first place and several others came in the top 10 nationally.

June

Dr. Stacey Berry

June 27, 2024

Berry named Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

Dr. Stacey Berry has been named Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at Dakota State University. Provost Rebecca Hoey announced the hiring following a nationwide search.

Trojan Nights Background

June 27, 2024

Old Dominion to Headline Kickoff Concert of Trojan Nights

Dakota State University is hosting Trojan Nights to celebrate the opening of the Brian Kern Family Stadium at the Beacom PREMIER Complex. The event will kick off on Tuesday, August 27, with a concert featuring Old Dominion with special guests Brothers Osborne, Elle King, and Host/DJ Blake Horstmann. The concert is exclusively sponsored by First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard.

Andre Sogn

June 26, 2024

Andrew Sogn named DSU’s Chief Marketing Officer

Andrew Sogn is Dakota State University’s new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). He comes to the Madison, S.D. University with more than a decade of higher education experience, including the past eight years at South Dakota State University, where he had most recently been Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications.

A girl attending CybHER Camp smiles while chatting with another student in a crowd.

June 24, 2024

Renewed and rising: SBS CyberSecurity strengthens support for DSU

SBS CyberSecurity has renewed its partnership with Dakota State University and commitment to educational excellence with a $300,000 donation to support CybHER and the SBS Scholarship Endowment.

Dr. Peng Guo with a poster about his quantum physics research.

June 24, 2024

Guo earns NSF EPSCoR LEAPS-MPS grant

Dr. Peng Guo has been awarded a Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (LEAPS-MPS) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) for research in quantum physics.

Maci Kasuske and Jackson Heiberger

June 20, 2024

Security scholars amazed by opportunity

Dakota State University students Maci Kasuske and Jackson Heiberger were chosen to be RSAC Security Scholars. They attended the RSA Conference in San Francisco in May where they learned about cyberthreats, met others in the cybersecurity community, and learned about new technology.

prevention consortium

June 18, 2024

DSU joins new SD Cybercrime Prevention Consortium

Cyber threats and challenges are a normal part of today’s digital landscape. Addressing them requires a dedicated effort from everyone in society, including governmental agencies and academic institutions.

Digital Personality Winners

June 13, 2024

Competition results will benefit DSU, corporate partner

Competition results will benefit DSU, corporate partner. Multi-disciplinary teams partner with Sterling Computers. Richard Sanchez is great about answering questions about Dakota State University.

National Science Foundation grant program

June 12, 2024

NSF funds South Dakota STEM education pathways

Dakota State University has joined 10 other state agencies in an effort to create pathways for young learners to become interested in STEM fields. This work will be funded through a National Science Foundation grant program aimed at enhancing the state's research and development competitiveness and promote scientific progress nationwide.

Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics

June 10, 2024

DSU to join Cybersecurity Clinic Consortium

Dakota State University has been selected to receive $1 million in grant funding and wraparound support from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund to establish the Dakota State University Cybersecurity Clinic.

DSU and Concordia

June 10, 2024

DSU and Concordia blend strengths through a new partnership

Dakota State University and Concordia College (Minn.) are unique institutions of higher learning, but by blending their strengths, they will be able to provide new opportunities for their students’ successful careers.

Jennifer Schulte.

June 5, 2024

Data privacy poses challenges to AI in healthcare

Privacy and data access stand head-to-head like combatants, challenging researchers who seek to develop healthcare applications for artificial intelligence.

May

Dr. Kevin Smith presenting to Madison second graders.

May 24, 2024

Mastering a math mindset with gamification

DSU Associate Professor Dr. Kevin Smith and his education students partnered with Madison Elementary’s second-grade classrooms for eight weeks of math activities, which he calls the Chasing Einstein Challenge.

DSU College of Education and Human Performance faculty gathered around a computer.

May 23, 2024

Virtual Teach Camp returns to DSU

Dakota State University’s College of Education & Human Performance’s annual virtual Teach Camp returns on Friday, June 7. The free, one-day conference, open to all PK-12 teachers, is held via Zoom. Participants interested in earning one graduate credit for attending can do so for a $40 fee. Sessions will begin at 8:15 a.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m. CT.

List of honor students - General Beadle Statue

May 22, 2024

Spring 2024 Honors List Released

A total of 661 full-time and 188 part-time students qualified for the President’s Academic Honors list for the 2024 spring semester at Dakota State University.

DSU game design students working during a class.

May 22, 2024

Game design for the next gen

An immersive and unique curriculum series in Dakota State University’s Computer Game Design program provides students with the opportunity to develop entire games from concept to console as a team.

DSU to Frontier Conference

May 21, 2024

Dakota State to join Frontier Conference

Dakota State University Athletics is joining the Frontier Conference effective in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Dr. Luke Chowning teaching a kinesiology class.

May 15, 2024

From reps to strides

Dakota State University’s exercise science program goes beyond the sweat, teaching students about the human body, physical activity, health, nutrition, research and exercise prescription for athletes and the general population.

LD Herrera

May 15, 2024

Romance scams pose financial and psychological threat

Romance scams pose financial and psychological threat

DSU doctoral students present at international symposium

May 14, 2024

DSU doctoral students present at international symposium

San Juan, Puerto Rico, has much to offer – beaches and churches, history and museums. For two Dakota State University doctoral students – Tjada Nelson and Bryan Ikei – it also offered the opportunity to share research they have conducted in Intelligent Security and Privacy.

Logan Stratton pictured in front of a US Cyber poster featuring himself.

May 3, 2024

Stratton completes NSA Codebreaker Challenge for 4th time

Dakota State University placed 5th nationwide in the National Security Agency’s (NSA) annual 2023 Codebreaker Challenge.

Matt Paulson

May 2, 2024

DSU alumnus Matt Paulson is spring commencement speaker

For Dakota State University’s spring graduates, May 4 will be a big day. It will also be a big day for alumnus Matt Paulson, who is returning to his alma mater as commencement speaker. He will also be presented with an honorary degree for public service.

Mike McKelvey

May 1, 2024

Dakota State hires new leader for DSU Foundation

The Dakota State University Foundation has a new CEO and Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

Zach Rohrbach

May 1, 2024

Embrace the Unknown

Graduate student Zach Rohrbach to serve as DSU’s student commencement speaker.

Chester Teacher of the Year Sara Mersch

May 1, 2024

DSU graduate named Chester Teacher of the Year

Chester Teacher of the Year Sara Mersch knows the school district well, having graduated from Chester High School in 1996. She walked the same halls her students walk now, ate in the same cafeteria.

April

Longevity 2024

April 30, 2024

Longevity Milestones

Dakota State University recognized employees for their dedication and commitment at the annual Longevity Reception on April 16.

Image of Jacob Hoge's game level that won best of fall term featuring toy blocks, Lego-like toys, and a toy train running on a track.

April 30, 2024

Game Design student advances from board games to coding games

Jacob Hoge, a junior Game Design major from Lincoln, Neb., received the best game award for a fall semester project.

Ben Witt

April 29, 2024

DSU College of Ed to become College of Education & Human Performance

The potential for growth in Dakota State University’s heritage mission of education is bringing about a name change.

Student Awards

April 25, 2024

Honored Students

Every year, we are able to celebrate the achievements of our students, those who have worked especially hard to excel and contribute to their own future as well as to the lives and progress of those around them.

Dakota State’s faculty award winners for the 2022-2023 academic year include: Dr. Katie Anderson (left), Dr. Cherie Noteboom, and Dr. Andrew Sathoff.

April 24, 2024

Award Winning Faculty

Several Dakota State University faculty members received awards at the annual Honors Reception on April 18.

Beau Headrick's winning 2D animation for fall semester.

April 24, 2024

Headrick wins best 2D animation for fall semester

Beau Headrick, a junior Digital Art & Design Production Animation major from Canton, S.D., chose DSU for its tech focus and great animation program. Headrick won the fall semester’s best project for 2D animation.

Madeline Hegg

April 19, 2024

Inspired to Educate

By the third grade, Madeline Hegg already knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. Like many individuals who choose to pursue a career in education, she was inspired by teachers throughout her schooling.

Pictured l-to-r: Coach Dr. Austin O’Brien, with team members Joshua Ganschow, Nora Sandison, and Dax Patel.

April 15, 2024

DSU programming team advances to North American Championship

Dakota State University’s International Competitive Programming Competition (ICPC) team will compete at the North American Championship in May.

Lainy Culberson's 3D Retro Building.

April 15, 2024

Culberson wins fall semester award for modeling & texturing

Lainy Culberson, a senior Digital Art & Design (DAD) – Production Animation major from Rapid City, was awarded best 3D modeling and texturing for the fall semester for her piece titled “Retro Building.”

A stock image of black gloved hands typing on a laptop with blue light emanating from it.

April 11, 2024

DSU adds Espionage Camp to summer schedule

High schoolers can trade their bats and gloves for laptops this summer by registering for Dakota State University’s first-ever Cyber Espionage Camp in from June 24 to 26.

An image with orange hexagons and dots connecting on a blue background with the words DAD at MAAC 2 A Digital Arts and Design Student Exhibition.

April 10, 2024

DSU art students to exhibit projects

Drawings, digital illustrations and photography, paintings, animations, digital sound projects, and 3D works will fill the BrickHouse this week. These works, created by DSU Digital Art & Design (DAD) students, will be displayed by the Madison Area Arts Council (MAAC) at the BrickHouse on Thursday, April 11 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Beacom

April 10, 2024

DSU to offer accelerated degrees

Dakota State University is developing new academic options to help students enter the career field sooner.

Dr. Luke Chowning teaching a kinesiology class.

April 5, 2024

DSU creates new double major option

Dakota State University students interested in a future in the medical field can now double major in Biology and Exercise Science.

Dr. Haley Larson works with a student in a classroom.

April 5, 2024

Create and captivate

Dakota State University will offer a new interdisciplinary degree program in Digital Content Creation beginning fall 2024.

AI EXPO

April 4, 2024

DSU to be a sponsor for upcoming AI Expo for National Competitiveness

“SCSP’s greatest strength lies in its ability to convene, through its global reach, the wide variety of parties involved with AI and emerging technologies." President José-Marie Griffiths. DSU is pleased to be a sponsor for their upcoming AI Expo for National Competitiveness.

Future AI Generated Image

April 4, 2024

DSU to offer advanced AI degrees

Dakota State University is elevating its emerging technology offerings with advanced degrees in Artificial Intelligence. Master’s programs will begin in fall 2024.

March

Game design student drawing a cat on a tablet.

March 27, 2024

Princeton Review ranks DSU game design program in top 50 programs

The Princeton Review has named Dakota State University’s game design program among the top 50 undergraduate programs.

Denyce Bravo holding a pipette in the biology lab at DSU.

March 27, 2024

Alfalfa research expands to honey

A new project at Dakota State University shows why honey is useful to treat infections on a molecular basis by looking at honey produced by bees that gather nectar from alfalfa and its antimicrobial properties.

Zach Rorhbach in front of a white background.

March 21, 2024

Beyond the bedside

An interest in science, medicine, and health will often conjure images of potential careers as doctors, nurses, dentists, paramedics, and therapists, but there are other avenues for those who would prefer to work with different aspects of patient care. Health informatics and information include all data related to a patient’s medical history, including their symptoms, diagnoses, procedures, and outcomes.

Justice Forster working at his computer in a library.

March 18, 2024

DSU Entrepreneurs Day moves to Sioux Falls

Dakota State University’s fourth annual Entrepreneurs Day will be held in Sioux Falls for the first time, taking place at Startup Sioux Falls on Friday, March 22.

Wendy Simmermon teaching one of her classes in the College of Business and Information Systems.

March 18, 2024

DSU to host over 120 youth for JA-in-a-Day

Dakota State University’s College of Business & Information Systems (BIS) will host over 120 youth from rural schools near Madison on Thursday, March 28 for a Junior Achievement (JA) Day learning about entrepreneurship.

Jen Easterly the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA

March 13, 2024

CISA Director looks to inspire the next generation of cyber leaders

Jen Easterly, CISA Director to speak at Dakota State March 22. She will speak at the annual DakotaCon Cybersecurity Conference at 9 a.m. in Dakota Prairie Playhouse.

The CPTC team (top row l-to-r): Gage Schacher and Coach Tyler Flaagan; (bottom row l-to-r): Merrill Newman, Daniel Sobczak, Ryan Kleffman, and Derek Manzella. Not pictured: Austen King.

March 12, 2024

CPTC team wins two awards at globals

Dakota State University’s Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition (CPTC) team competed at globals in Rochester, N.Y., winning two awards. Penetration testing helps companies and organizations know what is and isn’t vulnerable in their network. CPTC allows collegiate cybersecurity students to perform real-world penetration testing with a fictional business.

Students utilizing flexible seating options in Dr. Scott Klungseth's Exercise Science class.

March 12, 2024

Klungseth researching flexible seating in college setting

Pedal. Glide. Stand. Balance. These are a few of the options available in flexible seating classrooms, or classrooms that allow for student movement. While there has been plenty of research on flexible seating in the K-12 education environment, that hasn’t been the case in higher education, so Dr. Scott Klungseth, Associate Professor in Exercise Science at Dakota State University, is looking to change that.

Fenecia Homan talking at the South Dakota Leadership event on campus at Dakota State University.

March 12, 2024

Personal growth leads to program growth for DSU’s Cyber Academy

Dr. Fenecia Homan, dean of the Governors Cyber Academy at Dakota State University, speaks a special language: the language of an educator.

Gene Swallow's exhibition Modern Lakota featuring dolls he created is on display in the gallery at DSU through April 15.

March 12, 2024

Gene Swallow art featured in DSU gallery

Contemporary Lakota artist Gene Swallow’s “Modern Lakota” exhibit is on display in Dakota State University’s First Bank & Trust Gallery now through April 15.

Angela Slattery, a junior Computer Science major from Franksville, Wis., and Tristan Stapert, a senior Cyber Operations major from Tumwater, Wash.

March 7, 2024

Two join ranks of CyberCorps® scholars at DSU

Two Dakota State University students have joined the ranks of CyberCorps® scholars. This Scholarship for Service program allows students to receive financial support as they prepare to start their cybersecurity careers in the government sector.

Tom Jones in front of the billboard featuring his photo of a lone tree at sunset near Madison.

March 1, 2024

DSU professor’s photo featured on billboard

Dakota State University Art Professor Tom Jones has his artwork displayed on a billboard on Highway 34, west of Madison.

February

40 Years A Brand New Day

February 23, 2024

DSU to celebrate 40 years of technology-focused mission

On Feb. 29, 1984, then-Governor Bill Janklow signed House Bill 1357, changing Dakota State’s mission to include technology in all programs. The yearbook at the time called this “A Brand New Day.”

Beadle Honors Students

February 22, 2024

Camaraderie is Key

At Dakota State University, the General Beadle Honors Program is a catalyst, providing students with an academically rigorous program while simultaneously enriching their lives in ways they are quick to articulate.

Beacom Deans Cup 2024

February 15, 2024

Beacom Dean’s Cup experience is resume-builder

Dakota State University students excel in all types of cyber competitions, whether they be regional, national, or international.

DSU student David Siemienas pictured with a blue background that has dots connected with lines.

February 14, 2024

DSU student sees latest tech at trade show

Dakota State University junior Cyber Operations major David Siemienas attended the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association, in January.

 Image of East Hall with bare trees around it and a blue sky.

February 9, 2024

Senior FDIC examiner to speak at DSU

Dakota State University’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club is bringing Andy McQuistan, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Senior Examiner, to campus to speak to students.

Daidrick Kibbie (center) with Dan Talley (right) and Mark Hawkes (left) at the hooding ceremony after earning his MBA.

February 9, 2024

Mastering the opportunities of an MBA

Dakota State University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities, including entrepreneurship.

Vladimir Gasparyan with a dark blue background.

February 8, 2024

Quantum researcher to speak at DSU

Quantum researcher Dr. Vladimir Gasparyan will visit Dakota State University to speak about quantum mechanics on Thursday, February 22, at 1 p.m. in MadLabs.

A digital globe with blue dots forming the countries and orange-red lines spreading out from the D.C. area on the America portion of the globe.

February 8, 2024

From the Great Plains to Washington, D.C.: DSU In Our Nation’s Capital

Cybersecurity and AI continue to be a focus in D.C. and nationwide, and Dakota State University is pleased to lead the conversation in these emerging areas, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships. The Fall 2023 semester included major successes for the University in the nation’s capital.

Gerald Auger

February 1, 2024

Gerald Auger wins Wild West Hackin’ Fest award

Gerald Auger has built his brand: Simply Cyber. Through a YouTube channel, he shares information, builds community, and helps others launch careers in cybersecurity.

January

AI Quantum Computing

January 29, 2024

DSU Faculty research drives advances in AI, Quantum

Dakota State faculty are leaders in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and quantum.

Participants of a previous Global Game Jam at DSU use a white board to develop the game they made for the 48 hour competition.

January 23, 2024

DSU hosts Global Game Jam site

Dakota State University is hosting a Global Game Jam site at The Beacom Institute of Technology from January 26-28.

Pictured (L-to-R) Shishir Poudel, Acley Bujune, Tracey Kwarteng, William Osei-Hwere, and Nicole Claussen.

January 19, 2024

From setbacks to comebacks

A non-profit organization has helped four international students find their homes at DSU. The four students found their way to Dakota State University this year through Second Chance at Higher Education, an organization dedicated to helping international students in need of financial aid and scholarships attend universities in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

A team of CAPITAL Services employees, along with DSU faculty Dr. Austin O'Brien, judged last year's competition.

January 18, 2024

Second annual Data Analytics Competition at DSU

The Data Analytics Competition at Dakota State University has returned for a second year. This free event allows collegiate teams to evaluate big data sets and make data forecasts for real-world business needs. It gives students plenty of opportunities to grow their critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills.

Students in a College of Business course at DSU.

January 11, 2024

Professional accountancy career path opens doors

The term “professional accountancy” may invoke images of a future in bookkeeping or doing taxes, but the career paths with a professional accountancy degree are anything but limited. Graduates can find positions as data analysts, project accountants or C-suite administrators.

List of honor students - DSU Campus Sunrise

January 5, 2024

2023 Fall Honors List Released

A total of 702 full-time and 183 part-time students qualified for the President’s Academic Honors list for the 2023 fall semester at Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison, S.D.

Summer Schultz (right) with her son Brayden Pankonen, a freshman on the men's basketball team at DSU.

January 5, 2024

A legacy of leadership

DSU alumna Dr. Summer Schultz (B.S. ‘98, M.S. ‘03) was inspired to become an educator by many individuals. Most notable among these was her father, a high school principal and athletic director at Colman-Egan.

Stephanie Veltkamp and her grandmother, Arlene Johnson Hoek.

January 5, 2024

Generations unite

Stephanie Veltkamp’s grandmother, Arlene Johnson Hoek, graduated from high school in 1953 and went on to earn her teaching certificate from DSU, when it was known as General Beadle State Teachers College. Now, Veltkamp is earning her teaching degree from Dakota State through the Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (TAP) program.