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The story of DSU

Dakota State University, founded in 1881 as a teacher education school in the Dakota Territory, has grown into a technologically advanced Midwestern campus with a strong tradition of Trojan pride. Our graduates benefit from a rich history and a forward-looking future. DSU is located on the ancestral lands of the Oceti Sakowin, represented today by nine federally recognized Sioux tribes in South Dakota.

Trojan pride

Trojans are more than just a name—they represent a legacy of strength, intelligence, and innovation. Chosen in 1928 through a student contest won by Ray Kellogg ’31, the name replaced earlier nicknames like “Warriors” and “Teachers” to better capture the spirit of the university. Being a Trojan means carrying forward a tradition rooted in resilience, forward thinking, and pride.

Homecoming

DSU’s homecoming began in 1922 as Pioneer Day and evolved through several names—Eastern Frontier Day, Eastern Day, and Tutor Day—before becoming today’s Trojan Days. Even during World War II, when two all-female teams took the field for the 1945 homecoming game, the tradition endured. Today, it is celebrated with athletic events, a parade down Egan Avenue, Trojan Give Back, and the crowning of the homecoming court.

Learn more about Trojan Days

Historal facts

In 1884, funding was secured to build the first campus structure, a three-story wood-frame building. The school moved into it in 1885 with 107 students. The building burned to the ground on February 4, 1886.

1880s

1881 – The institution was founded as Dakota Normal School at Madison, Dakota Territory, following authorization by the Territorial Legislature.
1883 – The school opened with 11 students under the first president, Charles S. Richardson.
1886 – Beadle Hall opened and remains the oldest building in South Dakota still used for its original purpose.

1900s

1912 – First year of inter-collegiate athletic competition.
1922 – The first Homecoming celebration was held, now known as Trojan Days.
1937 – Statue of W.H.H. Beadle was erected on campus.
1971 - Dakota State College’s football team won the Boot Hill Bowl, becoming the first South Dakota college team to win a postseason bowl game.
1974 - DSU running back Darwin Robinson was selected 196th overall in the NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.
1984 – The South Dakota Legislature changed the university’s mission to include computer-related technology in all majors.

2000s

2000 - Trojan Athletics joined the Dakota Athletic Conference.
2004 - The National Security Agency designated DSU as a Center of Academic Excellence in computer security.
2004 - DSU became a fully wireless campus.

2010s

2011 - DSU Athletics joined the NAIA Independent conference after previously being in the Dakota Athletic Conference, later joining the North Star Athletic Association conference in 2013.
2015 - Dr. José-Marie Griffiths became DSU’s 23rd president.
2017 - The Beacom Institute of Technology finished construction and was open for students.
2018 - Became the first institution in South Dakota to offer an online Elementary Education degree.
2019 - Dakota State joined the collegiate world of esports.
2019 - The Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs) opened their doors.
2019 - The men’s track & field team won its first outdoor conference title since 1997.

2020s

2021 - Women’s basketball returned to the NAIA Tournament, beginning a six-year streak through 2026.
2022 - Announced a $90 million cyber research initiative known as Dakota State University Applied Research Corporation.
2022 - Trojans Unite Comprehensive Campaign launched, intending to raise $250 million for athletics, cyber research, and academic success.
2023 - The Dan Beacom Track & Field facility opened in the now known The Beacom PREMIER Complex.
2023 - Conner Tordsen became DSU’s first NAIA Outdoor discus national champion.
2024 - The Beacom PREMIER Complex opened to the public, featuring Brian Kern Family Stadium at Blankley Field and the DSU Esports Arena.
2025 - Trojan Athletics joins the Frontier Conference.
2025 - Women’s soccer program launched its inaugural season.
2025 - Dr. Arica Kulm secures a digital forensics patent that helps identify evidence of a user's access to the dark web.
2026 - Senate Bill 116 was signed in approval of beginning construction of a new indoor athletics dome.
2026 - Dr. John R. Ballard named DSU president.

The many names of our institution

Dakota Normal School – 1881-1902

Madison State Normal School – 1902-1921

Eastern State Normal School – 1921-1924

Eastern State Teachers College – 1924-1947

General Beadle State Teachers College – 1947-1964

General Beadle State College – 1964-1969

Dakota State College – 1969-1989

Dakota State University – 1989-Present

Symbols of DSU

The Hex D

The hexagon with a single “D” represents our community and unity, bringing together modern design and DSU tradition. It reflects our mission to be forward-thinking, tech-driven, and always looking ahead to what’s next in cyber and innovation.

Learn more about the hex

dakota state mascot general cyber doing the splits on basketball court

Meet General Cyber

General Cyber's (“Cy”) roots date back to 1928, when the Trojan nickname was adopted, but he wasn't officially named until 2019. Cy represents DSU’s future in technology and honors the university’s third president, General W.H.H. Beadle.

Learn more about General Cy

School songs

On the eastern plains of South Dakota

Where the sunshine is ever near,

There's a college we are proud to honor,

Whose name to us is dear,

Cheer her on to Victory, now your voices raise,

For her colors blue and bold, sing praise,

Dakota State University, Dakota State University,

True and loyal to thy name forever,

Nothing from our hearts they love can sever.

Hail to the college, may thy spirit live,

Our alma mater, DSU.

D-S-U, South Dakota

Yes you bet we're here

And we've got the goods right with us

Nothing do we fear

U-RA-RA