2024
June
![Maci Kasuske and Jackson Heiberger](../_files/2024/06/security-scholars-_1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/06/dsu-concordia_1350x9001.png)
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](../_files/2024/06/digpersonality_1350x900.png)
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](../_files/2024/06/nsf-grant_1350x900.png)
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](../_files/2024/06/ccc_1350x9001.png)
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](../_files/2024/06/dsu-concordia_1350x900.png)
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.](../_files/2024/06/schulte-jennifer-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/05/chasing-einstein-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/05/teach-camp-1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/05/beadlestatue_1350x900.png)
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.](../_files/2024/05/game-design-1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/05/dsu-frontier_1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/05/Luke.Chowning1.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/05/herrera_1350x900.jpg)
May 15, 2024
Romance scams pose financial and psychological threat
Romance scams pose financial and psychological threat
![DSU doctoral students present at international symposium](../_files/2024/05/internationalsymposium_1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/05/logan-stratton-1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/05/paulson-speaker_1350x900.png)
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](../_files/2024/05/DSU-ws-McKelvey-Portraits_1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/05/rohrback-speaker_1350x900.png)
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](../_files/2024/05/mersch_1350x900.png)
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
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DSU graduate named Chester Teacher of the Year
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DSU graduate named Chester Teacher of the Year
![Longevity 2024](04/longevity-24-8.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/04/jacob-hoge-game-1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/04/coehp_1350x900.png)
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](../_files/2024/04/student-awards_1350x9001.png)
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.](../_files/2024/04/faculty-awards_1350x900.png)
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.](../_files/2024/04/beau-2d-1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/hegg_1350x900.png)
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.](../_files/2024/04/icpc-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/04/lainy-3d-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/04/cyber-esp-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/04/dad-1350x900.jpg)
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](https://dsu.edu/admissions/files/beacom-spring-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/04/exercise-science-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/04/digital-content-creation-1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/04/aiexpo_1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/04/msai_1350x900-min.jpg)
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
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DSU to offer advanced AI degrees
![Game design student drawing a cat on a tablet.](../_files/2024/03/game-design-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/03/denyce-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/03/rorhbach_1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/03/entrepreneurs-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/03/ja-in-a-day-1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/03/easterly_1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/03/cptc-team-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/03/es-flex-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/03/fenecia-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/03/gene-doll-1350x900.jpg)
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.](03/cybercorp_1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/03/tom-jones-billboard-1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/02/40Mission_1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/02/BeadleHonors_1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/02/beacomsdeancup_1350x900.png)
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.](../_files/2024/02/david-s-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/02/east-hall-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/02/Daidrick-Kibbie-hooding-ceremony.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/02/vladimir-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/02/DC-AIcyber_1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/02/auger_1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2024/ai-web_1300x950.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/01/game-jam-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/01/second-chance-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/01/data-analytics-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/01/class-1350x900.jpg)
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](../_files/2022/03/campus-sunrise-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/01/summer-and-son-option-1-1350x900.jpg)
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.](../_files/2024/01/stephanie-and-grandma-1350x900.jpg)
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.