![DSU's annual Entrepreneurs Day will be held in the Beacom PREMIER Complex (pictured here).](_files/2025/02/govcy.jpg)
February 14, 2025
DSU Entrepreneurs Day returns to Madison
Dakota State University’s seventh annual Entrepreneurs Day is returning to Madison on Friday, March 28, in the Beacom PREMIER Complex. The event will be open to the public and livestreamed.
![Irina Pecherskaia](2025/02/irina_1350x900.png)
February 12, 2025
Pecherskaia finds home at DSU
Born in Uzbekistan and growing up in Russia, DSU student Irina Pecherskaia didn’t know she would end up at Dakota State for school, but she did know she was interested in computer science.
![Dakota State alumna Vaille Swenson](_files/2025/02/swenson_1350x900.png)
February 11, 2025
Swenson shares science journey
DSU alumna and Goldwater Scholar Vaille Swenson, who initially studied cybersecurity, followed her passion for biology, graduating in 2019. She thrived in DSU's supportive environment, valuing the small class sizes and research opportunities, including a published paper on Instant Pot autoclaves. Now pursuing a virology Ph.D. at Mayo Clinic, Swenson credits DSU for her success and encourages students to embrace opportunities.
![The winning DSU team at the global Collegiate Pen Testing Competition, Merrill Newman, Hunter Wade, Derek Manzella, Gwen Vongkasemsiri, Ryan Kleffman, and Rayn Light.](2025/cptc-global-win2.gif)
January 29, 2025
DSU wins global pentesting competition
Dakota State students reached a milestone achievement this year – taking first place at the global Collegiate Pen Testing Competition (CPTC). They competed against 100 schools from seven global regions.
![Dakota State University is now a Cisco Network Academy certified campus, and students will be able to take advantage of this curriculum when fully operational later this year.](2025/01/cisco-networking-campus.gif)
January 23, 2025
Dakota State joins Cisco Networking Academy
Dakota State University is now a Cisco Network Academy certified campus. When fully operational later this year, this collaboration will provide a huge benefit for faculty and students to draw from Cisco’s resources.
![DSU’s role as a founding partner with the ACE Institute will help students train for cybersecurity jobs.](2025/20241017_dsu_778.jpg)
January 22, 2025
DSU founding partner with ASU on cyber education platform
Dakota State University and Arizona State University have created a partnership that will help train individuals for cybersecurity jobs through the American Cybersecurity Education Institute.
![Assistant Professor Erik Pederson (standing) provides feedback to two students working on a game for Global Game Jam 2024.](_files/2025/01/game-jam-1350x900-2.jpg)
January 21, 2025
DSU again hosts site for annual Global Game Jam
Dakota State’s game design program is hosting a Global Game Jam site the weekend of January 24-26. Global Game Jam (GGJ) is an event designed to bring people together for 48 hours to create a game from start to finish. These can be video games, board games, or card games, as long as they relate to a central theme chosen annually.
![Noelle Vainikka art exhibition impulse featuring bright signage of pricing and advertisements with bags of garbage displayed in the middle of the floor.](_files/2025/01/noelle-1350x900.jpg)
January 21, 2025
Noelle Vainikka artwork featured at DSU
“Impulse,” an exhibition by Noelle Vainikka, is on display in Dakota State’s First Bank & Trust Gallery now through March 20. Vainikka, an interdisciplinary contemporary artist based in Watertown, South Dakota, explores themes of consumerism, nostalgia, femininity, popular culture, materialism, sustainability, and family.
![DSU students pose for a photo with (back row l-to-r): Assistant Professor Kanthi Narukonda, Dr. Ashley Podhradsky, President Jose-Marie Griffiths, Provost Rebecca Hoey, and Dean Mary Bell.](_files/2025/01/ctf-1350x900.jpg)
January 16, 2025
Competition wins translate to workforce success
DSU teams swept the top four spots at a recent CTF event, demonstrating that competition experience is a way to stand out in the cybersecurity job field.
![Dr. Patti Brooks teaching in a classroom at DSU.](_files/2025/01/patti-1350x900.jpg)
January 15, 2025
DSU health programming benefits from involvement in professional society
Three Dakota State University faculty members are long-time leaders in the Health Information Management and Systems Society (HIMSS) Dakotas Chapter, which is part of the largest healthcare IT group in the world. HIMSS is an international association dedicated to transforming health through technology; they have chapters throughout the United States and the world.
![List of honor students - DSU Campus Fall 24](_files/2025/01/dsu-fall24_1350x900.png)
January 14, 2025
2024 Fall Honors List Released
A total of 865 full-time and 190 part-time students qualified for the President’s Academic Honors list for the 2024 fall semester at Dakota State University.
![Night photo of Piccadilly in the United Kingdom featuring the neon signs, historic architecture, and fountain that draw tourists and locals alike. This image was taken at night with long exposure, creating blur motion in the image.](_files/2025/01/jones-1350x900.jpg)
January 13, 2025
Professor’s photo selected for international exhibit
“Piccadilly,” a photo by Professor Tom Jones, is part of an international exhibition, “Nocturne: Photographs After Dark” by Photo Artfolio. Photo Artfolio is an online gallery and resource center for emerging and established photographers.
![Callie Mueller is Miss Rodeo America pictured in an arena wearing her chaps, a sash, and hat. Photo credit to Sherry Smith Photography.](_files/2025/01/mueller-callie-1350x900.jpg)
January 10, 2025
DSU alumna crowned Miss Rodeo America
Dakota State alumna Callie Mueller’s 2024 was packed full of travel and accomplishments, serving as Miss Rodeo South Dakota 2024 and publishing her first children’s book “Faith Over Fear.” However, 2025 will be even busier as she takes on her duties as Miss Rodeo America.
![DSU alumnus Brandon Daniels (pictured back row third from the left) with his team with the AmeriCorps Rural Health Partnership.](_files/2025/01/brandon-team-1350x900.jpg)
January 9, 2025
Daniels gains rural health experience from AmeriCorps
A recent DSU graduate, Brandon Daniels (B.S. ’24), is working alongside Harvard doctors at Harvard’s teaching hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, while serving with the AmeriCorps Rural Health Partnership.
![National Stem Festival logo on a blue gradient background with hexagons in the left corner and South Dakota darkened on a map of the Midwest.](_files/2025/01/stem-fest-1350x900.jpg)
January 3, 2025
EXPLR ANNOUNCES TOP STUDENT INNOVATORS NAMED NATIONAL STEM CHAMPIONS
EXPLR announced the names of 106 students whose outstanding performance in the National STEM Festival Challenge has earned them the title of National STEM Champion. These students will be recognized at the 2025 National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C., presented by EXPLR with support from Dakota State University’s Governors Cyber Academy. Three of the champions are from South Dakota.
![Braxton Lacher](_files/2024/12/braxton_1350x900.png)
December 30, 2024
Braxton Lacher: Leading, Snapping, and Inspiring at DSU
From leading tours as a Trojan Ambassador to practicing snaps on the football field and conducting research with the TriBeta Club, DSU grad Braxton Lacher was everywhere on campus, making an impact at every turn!
![Pictured are the judges from the 2024 Data Analytics Competition.](_files/2024/12/data-1350.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/12/vipe-1350x900.jpg)
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.
![Students excel at international competitions.](_files/2024/12/international-competitions.gif)
December 16, 2024
International competitions hone good cyber skills
Dakota State University students are honing their cybersecurity skills everywhere they can, in class, through campus clubs, and with competitions that take place around the world.
![Daniel Welynn shows his work on Karuk Fire Race to another faculty member during a research symposium.](_files/2024/12/daniel-karuk-fire-race.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/12/slattery2_1350x900.png)
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.](_files/2024/12/artists.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/12/commencement-banner.gif)
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.](2024/Nanocon-2024-games.gif)
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.
![DSU Biology Student](_files/2024/11/biology_1350x900.png)
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.](_files/2024/11/dejong-1350.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/11/garrett-1350x900.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/11/campus-1350x900.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/11/walder_1350x900.png)
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.](social-media/Kevin-Smith-grant.gif)
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.](_files/2024/11/att_donates_to_cybher_min.jpg)
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.
![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.](social-media/WWHF-Winners--Web.gif)
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.](_files/2024/10/dino_1350x900.png)
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.’
![Tre Maddox (third from the left) poses for a photo with members of the TriBeta Club at DSU.](_files/2024/10/tre-visit-1350x900.jpg)
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.
![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.](_files/2024/10/oral-interp-1350x900.jpg)
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.
![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.](_files/2024/10/exhibition-1350x900.jpg)
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.](2024/AMCIS-web-banner.gif)
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.](_files/2024/10/gwen-v-1350x900.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/10/daytrip-1350x900.jpg)
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.](2024/10/summer-blog.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/10/ed-rising-1350.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/10/emme-1350x900.jpg)
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.
![Brandon Jansen at his MarketBeat internship in Sioux Falls, S.D.](_files/2024/09/jansen-brandon-1350x900.jpg)
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.
![DSU receives $1 million SBA grant.](2024/09/sba-grant-banner.jpg)
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.
![Kurt Kemper, honors program director, rolls dice during an interactive honors class.](_files/2024/09/honors-1350-2.jpg)
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 senior Madison Miller published her first poetry book recently.](_files/2024/09/madison-miller-1350x900.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/09/teaching-innovation.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/09/raylee-wallis-certificate-banner2.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/09/tgb-1350x450.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/09/julie-1350x450.jpg)
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.
![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.](_files/2024/09/homecoming-1350x450.jpg)
September 11, 2024
Homecoming royalty crowned
Braxton Lacher and Maya Plummer were crowned king and queen at Dakota State’s coronation ceremony.
![General Beadle Statue](_files/2023/08/campus-82823-1350x900.jpg)
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.
![Dr. David Kenley with K-12 educators traveling abroad.](_files/2024/09/kenley-group-1.jpg)
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).
![Kanthi Narukonda and Mikaila Fluth with one of the Bee-Bots.](_files/2024/09/cybher-1350x900.jpg)
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.
![For three years, Dakota State University has hosted an industrial immersion program for graduate students from DSU and Swedish universities.](_files/2024/09/2024-AISweden-Exchange.jpg)
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.
![Ashton Ruesch in a DSU shirt on campus.](_files/2024/09/ashton-ruesch-1350.jpg)
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.
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.
![Bob and Karen Hemre at the Trojan Nights concert.](_files/2024/09/bob-karen-hemre-1350x900.jpg)
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.](social-media/G-Cyber-Academy.jpg)
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.
![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.](_files/true-trojans1.jpg)
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.
![Scott and Sara Schlisner and family are this year's Ag Bowl captains.](_files/2024/08/web_family-photo_1350x900-1.png)
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.
![Dr. Justin Blessinger (left) and Nolan Rohl work on a zero-turn electric car.](_files/2024/08/car.jpg)
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.
![DSU alumnus Tre Maddox at Trojan Royale in Las Vegas.](_files/2024/08/maddox-tre-1350x900.jpg)
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](_files/2024/08/armycyber_1350x900.png)
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.](_files/2024/08/peraton_1350x900.png)
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.](_files/2024/08/sdbor-awards_1350x900.jpg)
August 1, 2024
DSU student organizations honored for distinction
Three student organizations were honored at the late summer Board of Regents’ meeting on campus.
![Recent graduate Denyce Bravo presented her alfalfa honey research while attending the American Society of Microbiology annual conference with Assistant Professor Andrew Sathoff.](_files/2024/07/denyce-and-andrew-1350x900.jpg)
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.](_files/2024/07/fbla-nationals-photo-1350x900.jpg)
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.
![Trojan Nights Background](_files/2024/06/TrojanNights_1350x900_background.png)
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.
![Dr. Stacey Berry](_files/2024/06/berry-1350x900.jpg)
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.
![Andre Sogn](_files/2024/06/sogn-ws_1350x900-min1.jpg)
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.
![Dr. Peng Guo with a poster about his quantum physics research.](_files/2024/06/peng-guo-1350x900.jpg)
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.
![A girl attending CybHER Camp smiles while chatting with another student in a crowd.](_files/2024/06/cybher-1350x900-3.jpg)
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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![Longevity 2024](_files/2024/04/longevity-24.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.
![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.”
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![Angela Slattery, a junior Computer Science major from Franksville, Wis., and Tristan Stapert, a senior Cyber Operations major from Tumwater, Wash.](_files/2024/03/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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![Dr. Katie Anderson](_files/2023/12/katie-anderson_1350x900-min.jpg)
December 27, 2023
Anderson leads literacy at DSU
Over the past five years, Anderson has been the higher education representative through the South Dakota Department of Education State Personnel Development Grants (SDPG) program, and worked with six other educators to create a literacy framework or literacy plan for South Dakota.
![Online Classes](_files/2023/12/classonline_ws-1350x900.jpg)
December 18, 2023
Regents expand continuing ed options for state employees
State employees will have expanded educational opportunities after action from the state Board of Regents (BOR) this week.
![College of Education Students](_files/2023/12/coe-students-ws_1350x900-min.jpg)
December 18, 2023
BOR approves expanding SD Advantage program
The South Dakota Board of Regents voted this week to expand its South Dakota Advantage program to include students from Minnesota, Kansas, and Missouri.
![DSU student Carter Gordon is collaborating with Dr. Tate Carson on “Resonant Landscapes: Soundscapes of South Dakota,” a research project which will use field recordings from South Dakota state parks to electronically create music.](_files/2023/12/nature-music_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
December 13, 2023
Resonant Landscapes: DSU researchers make music with nature
DSU student Carter Gordon is collaborating with Dr. Tate Carson on “Resonant Landscapes: Soundscapes of South Dakota,” a research project which will use field recordings from South Dakota state parks to electronically create music.
![Justice Forster](_files/2023/12/justice_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
December 6, 2023
DSU provides graduates with a competitive edge
DSU provides graduates with a competitive edge. Justice Forster to speak at fall commencement.
![Charles Luke](_files/2023/11/DSU-ws-CharlesLuke-Portraits_1350x900.jpg)
December 4, 2023
Charles Luke is Fall Commencement speaker
Charles Luke will be the fall commencement speaker at Dakota State University on December 9.
![Nanocon attendees playing a game. Photo by Andrew Meyerle.](_files/2023/11/nanocon-1350x900.jpg)
November 17, 2023
Record breaking Nanocon brings in over 1100
Nanocon, Dakota State’s annual free gaming convention, broke its attendance record this year, bringing in just over 1,100 people throughout the four-day event.
![Hands typing on a keyboard.](_files/2023/11/hands-keyboard-1350x900.jpg)
November 17, 2023
Two DSU programs are eligible providers for SD Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act
The Health Informatics and Information Management associate degree program and the Health Care Coding Certificate program are eligible providers of South Dakota’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program.
![Beadle Hall on DSU's campus.](_files/2023/11/beadle-1350x900.jpg)
November 16, 2023
DSU Undergraduate research grants awarded
Thirteen undergraduate students were awarded funds to complete their research projects for the 2023-24 academic year.
![DSU campus photo in fall.](_files/2023/11/fall-campus-1350x9001.jpg)
November 16, 2023
DSU Graduate students awarded research grants
The Graduate Research Initiative has selected five graduate students to receive grants to conduct mentored research for the 2023-24 academic year.
![Students walking in front of East Hall.](_files/2023/11/east-hall-1350x900.jpg)
November 15, 2023
New agreements expand options for students in Health Information programs
Dakota State University has new articulation agreements with regional community colleges for Health Information Management (HIM) programs.
![Science Center](_files/2022/10/science-center-1350.jpg)
November 15, 2023
DSU awarded grant to help low-income STEM students
DSU awarded grant to help low-income STEM students. Scholarships provide financial assistance and academic support.
![Dr. Mary Bell was recently awarded the Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Medal](_files/2023/11/bell-ws_1350x900-min.jpg)
November 14, 2023
Bell receives Civilian Service Medal
Bell receives Civilian Service Medal for work as an educator. Bell also part of team creating curriculum guide for NATO.
![Fall photo of campus featuring the Karl Mundt Library.](_files/2023/11/fall-campus-1350x900.jpg)
November 14, 2023
Grants awarded for faculty research
Faculty Research Initiative (FRI) grants for the 2023-24 school year have been selected.
![Nick Cash Jam City](_files/2023/11/jamcity_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
November 14, 2023
Game Developer is Global Entrepreneur Week speaker
When entrepreneur Nick Cash says life is a game, he means it literally.
![Student on a computer.](_files/2023/11/student-computer-1350x900.jpg)
November 13, 2023
For educators, ongoing learning around technology is vital to their profession
Technology permeates nearly every aspect of our lives, and education is no exception. This makes Dakota State University’s Master of Science in Educational Technology (MSET) program an asset to a career in education.
![Student in the esports room.](_files/2023/11/esports-1350x900.jpg)
November 13, 2023
DSU adds graduate certificate in esports coaching
After successfully adding a competitive esports program at Dakota State in the fall of 2019, DSU is expanding it from the athletics arena to the classroom. It is now offering a graduate certificate in Esports Coaching.
![Breanne Butters (pictured right) with a coworker on the DreamWorks campus.](_files/2023/11/breanne-butters-1350x900.jpg)
November 13, 2023
Lights, camera, animation
An internship during graduate school helped DSU alumna Breanne Butters build her career at DreamWorks Animation.
![Clay Jenkinson, Director of the Dakota Institute](_files/2023/11/jenkinson_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
November 9, 2023
Thomas Jefferson expert was History & Ethics speaker
Dakota State University hosted their third annual History & Ethics forum on Tuesday, Nov. 7. This year’s guest speaker was Clay Jenkinson, Director of the Dakota Institute.
![Nato Deep](_files/2023/11/natodeep-ws_1350x900-min.jpg)
November 9, 2023
Dr. Mary Bell joined NATO DEEP Event
Dr. Mary Bell, Dean of The Beacom College, Joined NATO DEEP
![Athletic Director Jeff Dittman cooking at the Wild Game Feed.](_files/2023/11/jeff-wild-game-1350x900.jpg)
November 8, 2023
Trojan Athletic Club's Annual Wild Game Feed Raises Over $31,000
The Trojan Athletics Club is proud to announce that its 8th Annual Wild Game Feed held on Thursday, November 2 was a huge success. The sold-out event at Dakota State University's Dakota Prairie Playhouse raised over $31,000 to support student-athletes at Dakota State University.
![Rendering of a potential indoor practice facility dome.](_files/2023/11/practice-facility-rendering-1350x900.jpg)
November 1, 2023
DSU receives lead donation of $7M for indoor practice facility
With a $7M lead donation from Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, the University will look at a variety of plan options, but the initial consideration is a seasonal dome facility.
![Rendering of the ARL Sioux Falls building](_files/2023/11/arl-rendering.jpg)
November 1, 2023
Dakota State research lab receives additional funding
Dakota State University’s cyber-research initiative has received additional support from one of its initial donors. Philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, who committed $50M to the project in 2022, recently promised another $10M.
![Maj. Gen. David Gaedecke](_files/2023/10/gaedecke-1350.jpg)
October 24, 2023
Maj. Gen. Gaedecke kicks off Distinguished Speaker Series
Dakota State University hosted Major General David Gaedecke (USAF, Retired), as the inaugural guest of The Beacom Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series.
![Two students walk out of the Karl Mundt Library.](_files/2023/10/kml-1350x900.jpg)
October 20, 2023
Karl Mundt Oral Interpretation Tournament is Saturday
The 40th annual Karl E. Mundt Dakota Invitational Oral Interpretation Tournament will be held on Saturday, October 21, at Dakota State University in Madison, S.D.
![Connor Starrett](_files/2023/10/connor-starrett-1350x900.jpg)
October 18, 2023
Starrett to reach stars through position with Space Force
Connor Starrett learned recently that he was accepted for a position with the Space Force military branch and is excited to take on a cutting-edge role.
![Justice Forster](_files/2023/10/justice-forster-1350.jpg)
October 17, 2023
FDIC internship leads to job offer
DSU student Justice Forster has accepted a permanent position with the Federal Insurance Corporation (FDIC) upon his graduation in December. Forster spent the summer as an intern for the FDIC as part of the Financial Management Scholars Program.
![Emmanuel and Hazel](_files/2023/10/rolemodel_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
October 10, 2023
DSU athlete is role model for local cancer survivor
Houston native Emmanuel Drain lost his left eye to retinoblastoma when he was four years old, but he didn’t let that stop him from living life and participating in things he loved, like football.
![DSU College of Education students walk out of the Kennedy Center on campus.](_files/2023/10/houston-sadie-kennedy-1350x900.jpg)
October 5, 2023
Educators Rising Learning Expo at DSU Oct. 11
Dakota State University’s College of Education is excited to host the Educators Rising Learning Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 11.
![DSU alum Jay Alexander presented alfalfa gene research at the National Plant Health Conference this summer.](_files/2023/10/jay-presenting-1350x900.jpg)
October 5, 2023
The distinctive impact of undergraduate research
Recent DSU graduate Jay Alexander attended the National Plant Health Conference with Dr. Andrew Sathoff to present alfalfa gene research they conducted last school year.
![Andrea Thompson has been named CEO of the Dakota State University Applied Research Corporation.](_files/2023/10/AndreaT-ws_1350x900.jpg)
October 4, 2023
Andrea Thompson named CEO of DSU Applied Research Corp
Andrea Thompson has been named CEO of the Dakota State University Applied Research Corporation.
![AT-T contributes to CybHER](_files/2023/10/ATT_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
October 2, 2023
AT&T contributes to CybHER
AT&T contributes to CybHER. Donations will help bridge the digital divide for students in South Dakota’s tribal nations.
![Blue Bytes - Damian Kortus](_files/2023/09/damian_ws-1350x900.jpg)
September 26, 2023
Blue Bytes: Damian Kortus
Blue Bytes: Damian Kortus ‘23 / English for New Media When searching for universities in South Dakota, Dakota State University stood out to Damian Kortus.
![Day of Giving in studio hosts Jarod Keene and Jordan Oberg.](_files/2023/09/rise-up-1350x9001.jpg)
September 26, 2023
Day of Giving and Service successful
The Dakota State University Foundation raised over $300,000 for DSU programs and scholarships on September 14, which was Day of Giving 2023. A record-setting number of volunteers also participated in DSU’s annual Day of Service on the same day.
![Attendees of the reception for Sam Bloom's Exhibition in the First Bank and Trust Art Gallery at DSU.](_files/2023/09/gallery-exhibition-1350x900.jpg)
September 25, 2023
Sam Bloom photography featured in DSU Art Gallery
Sioux Falls-based photographer Sam Bloom has returned to his hometown of Madison for an exhibition in DSU’s First Bank & Trust Art Gallery. The exhibit is on display through Friday, Oct. 13.
![Graphic for Trojan Days 2023 with General Cy in the background.](2023/09/trojan-days-23-1350x900.jpg)
September 14, 2023
Suzy Collignon-Hodgen & Max Hodgen named parade marshals
Dakota State alumni Max Hodgen (B.S. ’97 & ’99, M.S. ’09) and Suzy Collignon-Hodgen (B.S. ’98) are the 2023 Trojan Days Parade Marshals. The couple’s origins began at DSU.
![DSU Homecoming Court - Back row: Santiago Colla, Casey Te Grotenhuis, Tyler Thomas, and Cody Farland; Front row: Alexandra Smith, Casey Olson, Blen Asgedom, and Kalani Mangin.](_files/2023/09/homecoming-court.jpg)
September 13, 2023
King and Queen crowned at DSU
Tyler Thomas and Blen Asgedom were crowned king and queen at Dakota State’s Sept. 11 coronation ceremony.
![DSU Students](_files/2023/09/dsu-enrollment-ws_1350x900.jpg)
September 13, 2023
DSU enrollment tops 3500
DSU enrollment tops 3500 for the first time ever. Growth seen in multiple categories.
![DSU students hold up letters to spell out RISE UP.](_files/2023/09/rise-up-1350x900.jpg)
September 10, 2023
Join DSU for Day of Giving
The Dakota State University Foundation invites the Madison community to RISE UP and help DSU reach the goal of raising $250,000 for Day of Giving on Thursday, Sept. 14. Day of Giving coincides with Dakota State’s homecoming celebration, Trojan Days.
![Kyle Korman](_files/2023/09/korman-kyle-1350x900.jpg)
September 10, 2023
Professors Find AI Most Useful for Lesson Plans, Discussions
Now quite acquainted with generative AI tools, educators at several U.S. universities have found them most helpful for guiding class discussions, fleshing out lesson plans and teaching about AI as an emerging technology.
![A book flipped open on a counter.](_files/2023/09/book-1350x900.jpg)
September 6, 2023
Experiences prepared alumna for administrative position
Throughout her career in education, Becky Fjerstad (B.S. ’95) has served in various positions, such as paraprofessional, middle school teacher, and elementary school teacher. She is now beginning her second year as an administrator for the elementary school of her hometown of Wessington Springs.
![Jonathan Lancelot, DSU student, with the DSU/AI Sweden Exchange program.](_files/2023/08/lancelot-1350x900.jpg)
August 29, 2023
Summer exchange program provides valuable AI workplace skills
In the AI Sweden and Dakota State University's Exchange program, students will work with three international exchange students between AI Sweden and DSU.
![Snakeskin samples collected by DSU student Adam Peak for research.](_files/2023/08/snake-skin-1350x900.jpg)
August 28, 2023
Student research looks to confirm snake fungal disease in SD
Through research, Adam Peak hopes to discover whether the Snake Fungal Disease can affect the Plains Garter Snake, South Dakota’s most common snake.
![Pictured are the 2023 Ag Bowl Captains of Johnson Farms, Charlie, Aaron, Kevin, Jordan, and Allan.](_files/2023/08/johnson-agbowl-captains-1350x900.jpg)
August 28, 2023
Johnson Farms named 2023 Ag Bowl Captains
This year’s Ag Bowl Captains are members of Johnson Farms from Madison. These humble farmers are part of the partnership between ag and education that has been part of the region’s past, present, and future.
![Photo of the General Beadle Statue on DSU's main campus](_files/2023/08/campus-82823-1350x900.jpg)
August 28, 2023
DSU honors 'True'Trojan' award winners
Dakota State University has kicked off the new academic year by honoring several employees as “True Trojans.”
![Brenda Merkel, Wendy Simmermon, Matthew Ingram, and Deb Roach collaborated on a supervisor training program which was awarded the 2023 Knowlton Excellence in Quality award at DSU. Not pictured is Mike Roach.](_files/2023/08/knowlton-award-945x630.jpg)
August 28, 2023
Supervisor training program recognized for quality
At DSU, we’re all about excellence and innovation. An interdisciplinary team used these concepts to create a unique supervisor training program, and for their efforts, they were awarded the 2023 Knowlton Excellence in Quality Award. Congratulations!
![Jenna Frank DSU Graduation](_files/2023/08/jennafrank-ws_1350x900.jpg)
August 21, 2023
DSU alum moves on to nursing career
DSU alum moves on to nursing career. Life can take unexpected but exciting turns.
![Viana Mote](_files/2023/08/mote-viana-1350x900.jpg)
August 16, 2023
From one Madison to another
A journey that began in Madison, S.D., ultimately led Viana Mote to another Madison – Madison, Ala. A love of teaching and technology led Viana Mote to Dakota State. Sharing that passion with her students at James Clemens High School has earned her the Chiquita Marbury Technology Innovation Award after her first year of teaching there.
![Dan Beacom DSU Track](_files/2023/08/beacom-3.jpeg)
August 14, 2023
DSU Track to be named for alumnus Dan Beacom
The new track at Dakota State University in Madison will be named “The Dan Beacom Track Complex” after alumnus Dan Beacom, who passed away on May 24, 2023.
![hands on a laptop computer](_files/2023/08/education-1350x900.jpg)
August 9, 2023
From Teacher's aide to teacher
South Dakota has developed an apprenticeship program for paraprofessionals who have not completed their teaching degree. Through the Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, paraprofessionals will be able to take classes to complete their degrees while remaining in the classroom. Those seeking to earn elementary and special education degrees will complete their courses through DSU.
![DSU U.S. Cyber Team](_files/2022/10/CyberGamesII-ws_1350x900.jpg)
July 28, 2023
DSU inspires through US Cyber Team
Students and alumni from Dakota State University are competing against the world as members of the U.S. Cyber Team.
![This news report is from Senator Rounds' office.](_files/2023/07/DrGriffiths-ws_1350x900.jpg)
July 27, 2023
DSU President Moderates AI Briefing for All Senators
President Griffiths served as the moderator for an all-Senate briefing on AI technology on July 26. This educational event will help leaders and policy makers better understand this changing technology that will impact the world.
![DSU student playing esports.](_files/2023/07/esports-1350.jpg)
July 24, 2023
DSU adds Intro to Esports course
Dakota State is launching an Introduction to Esports course for the fall semester. The course, open to all students, is online and structured around independent research and lectures, according to Instructor and DSU Esports Coach Andy Roland.
![Tony Rizi](_files/2023/07/TonyRizi_1350x900.jpg)
July 19, 2023
Rizi awarded amateur radio scholarship
Tony Rizi is passionate about exploring the world of amateur radio and digital communications and inspiring and shaping the future of wireless technology.
![Campus at sunset](_files/2023/07/campus-sunset-1350.jpg)
July 18, 2023
DSU announces spring 2023 graduates
Dakota State University in Madison, S.D. celebrates spring 2023 graduates. The 279 graduates earned a total of 357 degrees, 36 associate degrees, 216 baccalaureate degrees, 42 master’s degrees and 9 earned doctoral degrees. Additionally, 52 undergraduate certificates and 2 graduate certificates were earned.
![FBLA competitors at National FBLA Competition. Pictured (l-to-r): Garrett Leiseth, Justice Forster, Jacob Stricherz, Cooper Vincent, Kalani Mangin, Advisor Dr. Yenling Chang, and Ephrata Yared Feyissa.](_files/2023/07/fbla-1350x900.jpg)
July 17, 2023
DSU FBLA members place at nationals
Five of the six DSU students who competed at the 2023 FBLA National Leadership Conference placed in the top 10.
![An image of a lightbulb overlaid on a photo of a city and small circles surrounding it.](_files/2023/07/online-bis-student-1350.jpg)
July 13, 2023
Finding the Future
Brenna Smith, a veteran, and mother of two, has returned to school to earn a degree in Business Administration Technology through DSU's online programming.
![Science Steve promotional image.](_files/2023/07/ScienceSteve2.jpeg)
July 10, 2023
From science student to Science Steve
Watermelon and toilet paper are just a couple of the props used by Science Steve — technically Steven Rokusek, an education specialist with South Dakota Public Broadcasting — to teach fun and humorous lessons about physics, chemistry, anatomy, and more.
![Braderious Martin (pictured center wearing a grey short-sleeve hoodie and red hat talks to basketball players.](_files/2023/07/braderious-1350x900.jpg)
July 6, 2023
Digital Arts & Design grad finds success as entrepreneur
After graduating from DSU in 2013, Martin spent a brief period overseas playing basketball. But he ultimately returned to Atlanta, where he started his own business, EYA Sports, a multi-million-dollar basketball training program.
![National Cyber Scholars](2023/06/ncs_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
June 28, 2023
DSU students named National Cyber Scholars
In addition to taking their cutting-edge academic courses, many take advantage of DSU’s encouraging environment to build on that foundation and participate in additional learning and scholarship opportunities.
![Dakota State University (DSU) has earned a gold honor from The 44th Annual Telly Awards for its International Cybersecurity Challenge video.](_files/2023/06/44tellyawards_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
June 27, 2023
DSU Wins Gold in 44th Annual Telly Awards
Dakota State University (DSU) has earned a gold honor from The 44th Annual Telly Awards for its International Cybersecurity Challenge video.
![Dr. Pat Engebretson, Dean of The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences](_files/2023/06/pat.engebretson-portrait_1350x900.jpg)
June 26, 2023
DSU updates agreement with Cryptologic University
Dakota State University and the National Security Agency’s National Cryptologic University (NCU) have entered into an articulation agreement which was approved at the March 2023 Board of Regents’ meeting. This agreement refines a 2015 partnership between the two entities.
![Rajeev Bukralia](_files/2023/06/bukralia-rajeev-1350.jpg)
June 23, 2023
Alumnus finds success in academia
DSU alumnus Dr. Rajeev Bukralia has developed a variety of programs and organizations related to data science in academia.
![DSU Newman Club member Kelsey O’Connell accepted the BOR Award for Community Service, along with advisors Heidi Comes (left) and Pam Lewis. BOR Executive Director Nathan Lukkes, BOR President Tim Rave, and DSU President José-Marie Griffiths congratulated the group.](_files/2023/06/bor-newman_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
June 23, 2023
DSU organizations honored by BOR
The South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) honored three Dakota State University organizations at the June meeting.
![Fenecia Homan, Dean of the Governors Cyber Academy at Dakota State University, is one of the 40 members in the 10th class of Leadership South Dakota.](_files/2023/06/homan-portrait_1350x900.jpg)
June 20, 2023
Homan selected for Leadership South Dakota
Fenecia Homan, Dean of the Governors Cyber Academy at Dakota State University, is one of the 40 members in the 10th class of Leadership South Dakota.
![Summer campus photo featuring flowers, a statue of General Beadle, and Beadle Hall](_files/2023/06/summer-campus-1350-min.jpg)
June 20, 2023
DSU placement rates at 99.7%
Dakota State University is excited to announce the Class of 2022’s placement rates are at 99.7%.
![DSU Army Cyber Signing](_files/2023/06/ArmyCyber_ws-1350x900.jpg)
June 19, 2023
DSU, Army Cyber sign partnership agreement
Dakota State University and ArmyCyber (ARCYBER) have signed an Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA) at a ceremony held at DSU on June 19.
![Beadle Hall DSU Campus](_files/2023/06/beadlehall_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
June 13, 2023
Arts & Sciences to be led by new leadership team
The College of Arts & Sciences at Dakota State University will have a new leadership team for the 2023-2024 academic year.
![Dr. Mary Bell has been named the new Dean of The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University](_files/2023/06/drmarybell-portrait_1350x900-min.jpg)
June 12, 2023
Dr. Mary Bell named Dean of DSU’s Beacom College
Dr. Mary Bell has been named the new Dean of The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences at Dakota State University (DSU).
![Students sitting in a classroom with their computers.](_files/2023/06/delta-mu-1350x900.jpg)
June 6, 2023
New members inducted into Delta Mu Delta
The Dakota State chapter of Delta Mu Delta (DMD) inducted new members this spring.
![Xzayana Henderson’s interest in science was re-ignited through a unique internship opportunity](_files/2023/06/xzayana_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
June 5, 2023
Unique internships spark interest
DSU grad recommends internships for underrepresented students
![dsu-bsn-nike-partnership](_files/2023/05/dsu-bsn-nike_partnership.jpg)
May 31, 2023
DSU Athletics Announces Partnership with BSN SPORTS, NIKE
DSU Athletics Announces Partnership with BSN SPORTS, NIKE
![Screenshot of Agent 54, the film, from the LCA Club. It features a figure in the distance running toward the camera in snowy terrain.](_files/2023/05/agent-54-1350.jpg)
May 19, 2023
DSU students earn accolades at film festival
Dakota State’s Lights Camera Action Club (LCA) earned multiple awards from the 54 Film Festival this spring, for their film Agent 54.
![List of honor students with DSU Seal](_files/2022/05/DSU-Seal-ws_1350x900.jpg)
May 17, 2023
2023 Spring Honors List Released
A total of 595 full-time and 205 part-time students qualified for the President’s Academic Honors list for the 2023 spring semester at Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison, S.D.
![Stock image of hands holding a tablet with graphs and symbols over it surrounding the word teaching in a box.](_files/2023/05/teaching-stock-1350.jpg)
May 16, 2023
Virtual Teach Camp returns May 30
Dakota State University’s virtual Teach Camp returns on Tuesday, May 30.
![Image of Dakota State University campus looking at the Kennedy Center which houses the DSU College of Education](_files/2023/05/kennedy-center-1350.jpg)
May 15, 2023
Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway accepting applications
Today, the South Dakota Department of Education distributed applications to its new Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway program to thousands of para-educators (paras) in all accredited school districts across the state.
![Kevin Smith](_files/2023/05/DSU-ws-KevinSmith-Portraits_1350x900-min.jpg)
May 9, 2023
Gamification in Education
As enrollment declines and online options proliferate, colleges and universities are hoping gamification will help boost student participation and engagement in classroom and campus activities.
![honors-reception-faculty_23](_files/2023/05/honors-reception-faculty_2023-min.jpg)
May 9, 2023
Awards announced at 2023 Honors Reception
Four Dakota State University faculty members received awards at the annual Honors Reception on April 18.
![Conner Tordsen prepares to throw at an outdoor track meet.](_files/2023/05/conner-tordsen-1350.jpg)
May 8, 2023
Tordsen’s final year of accomplishments
Extended eligibility due to COVID allowed Conner Tordsen (B.S. ’22) to return to DSU for the 2023 spring semester as a student-athlete in track & field and earn a third minor in business.
![Image of East Hall on DSU's campus in spring](_files/2023/05/east-hall-1350x900.jpg)
May 5, 2023
FBLA students to compete at nationals
Six DSU students will represent Dakota State University and the state of South Dakota at the national DSU FBLA-Collegiate competition.
![Dr. David Kenley](_files/2023/05/kenley_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
May 4, 2023
DSU diploma is a Ticket to Ride
Dakota State University’s spring graduates will learn how their DSU diploma is a “ticket to ride,” in the commencement address from Dr. David Kenley.
![Jazlynn Pederson](_files/2023/05/jazlynn_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
![Dr. Ashley Podhradsky Of Dakota State University](_files/2023/05/AshPodv2-Portraits_1350x900.jpg)
May 3, 2023
Women Reshaping The Cybersecurity Industry
Women Reshaping The Cybersecurity Industry: Dr. Ashley Podhradsky Of Dakota State University On The Five Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career In The Cybersecurity Industry
![President Griffiths](_files/2023/05/DSU-ws-Griffiths-Portraits_1350x900.jpg)
May 2, 2023
The PLEXUSS Presidential Podcast
President Griffiths was a guest on The PLEXUSS Presidential Podcast
![Jonathan Lancelot is developing a graduate research project with his Tesla into a new company for object detection.](_files/2023/05/Lancelot_ws-1350x900.jpg)
May 2, 2023
A business idea is born from a research project
Jonathan Lancelot is developing a graduate research project with his Tesla into a new company for object detection.
![Justice Forster headshot](_files/2023/04/justice-1350x900-2.jpg)
April 28, 2023
Forster to intern with FDIC
Justice Forster will spend 10 weeks of summer 2023 as an intern for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as part of the Financial Management Scholars Program.
![President Griffiths](_files/2023/04/Griffiths-ws_1350x900.jpg)
April 25, 2023
President Griffiths to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame
President Griffiths to be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame
![Photo of a sign reading Welcome to DSUnite presented by First PPREMIER Bank PREMIER Bankcard with an out of focus woman in the background.](_files/2023/04/DSUnite_1350x900.png)
April 24, 2023
DSUnite Shatters Fundraising Record
DSUnite raises over $500,000 for student scholarships at Dakota State University
![A grey background with fresh groceries placed in a line down the center featuring nuts, tomatoes, a lemon, kiwi, green pepper, avocado, jar, broccoli, garlic, onions, mushrooms, and a carrot.](_files/2023/04/dad-fundraiser-1350.jpg)
April 17, 2023
DAD students fundraise for Feeding South Dakota
Dakota State Digital Arts & Design (DAD) students and faculty are fundraising for Feeding South Dakota this Thursday, April 20, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Sundog Coffee.
![Kelo AM Podcasts](_files/2023/04/keloam-ws_1350x900.jpg)
April 14, 2023
DSU leaders busy telling DSU's story on KELO-AM podcasts
DSU leaders busy telling DSU's story on KELO-AM podcasts
![Dakota State University and MarketBeat Partner to Reimagine the Kirby Science Discovery Center’s Space and Technology Floor](_files/2023/04/KirbyScience.jpg)
April 14, 2023
DSU and MarketBeat Reimagine the Kirby Science Discovery Center
Dakota State University and MarketBeat Partner to Reimagine the Kirby Science Discovery Center’s Space and Technology Floor
![NSA Codebreaker Challenge](_files/2023/04/codebreaker_ws-1350x900.jpg)
April 13, 2023
‘Fun’ Codebreaker Challenge
The NSA’s annual Codebreaker Challenge is fun, but also a great way to put students’ skills to the test in a real-world simulation. About 100 DSU students took part in the 2022 event, placing DSU 7th in the national event. Four completed all the challenges.
![DakotaCon 2023 Conquest Laptop](_files/2023/04/dakotacon_ws-1350x900.jpg)
April 6, 2023
Students drive return of DakotaCon
DakotaCon was a wildly popular security conference hosted for many years at Dakota State.
![Image of a hand holding a marker with drawings of brain, thought bubble, lightbulb, three people shapes in circles and a bullseye on top with a rocket, money bag, pie chart, and bar graph on the bottom](_files/2023/04/business-plan-1350.jpg)
April 6, 2023
Business Pitch Competition winners
Several finalists competed virtually in the DSU Business Pitch Competition on Friday, March 31.
![Dr. Vicki Sterling has been named to the Dakota State University Hall of Fame](_files/2023/04/vicki-ws_1350x900-min.jpg)
April 5, 2023
Sterling named to DSU Academic Hall of Fame
Dr. Vicki Sterling has been named to the Dakota State University Hall of Fame for her innovation, research, and creativity in teaching literacy at DSU.
![artificial intelligence](_files/2023/04/chatgpt_ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
April 5, 2023
Can AI Tools Like ChatGPT Replace Computer Programmers?
Despite the fast-evolving capabilities of AI chatbots to write code as well as human language, many computer science educators see significant limits for these tools in accuracy, security and copyright infringement.
![lit lightbulb held in a hand atop a desk.](_files/2023/03/entrepreneurs-1350.jpg)
March 27, 2023
Public invited to DSU’s annual Entrepreneurs Day
The public is invited to attend the third annual Dakota State University Entrepreneurs Day on Friday, March 31. The event will take place at Dakota Prairie Playhouse at 11:30 a.m.
![Women's History Month Luncheon](_files/2023/03/whml-ws-1350x900-min.jpg)
March 22, 2023
DSU to host Women's History luncheon
DSU to host Women’s History luncheon. March 30 panel to discuss Domestic Violence.
![Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP)](_files/2023/03/scsp_ws-1350x900.jpg)
March 21, 2023
SCSP to lead NatSecTech event at Dakota State
DSU to host workshop on techno-economic competition. SCSP to lead NatSecTech event at Dakota State.
![Image of a right hand holding a pen touching the keyboard of a laptop and a left hand holding a phone with an overlay of graphs and numbers on the photo.](_files/2023/03/analytics-1350x900.jpg)
March 21, 2023
National data analytics competition at DSU
Five teams are competing in the final round of a data analytics competition at Dakota State. Sponsored by Capital Services, the event takes place on Wednesday, March 22.
March 17, 2023
Research events planned at Dakota State
Research Week 2023 brings DSU research to the world, and the world to DSU with our keynote speaker.
![headshot photo of Alison Logue.](_files/2023/03/alison-logue-1350.jpg)
March 14, 2023
Researching differentiated instruction in math
Differentiated instruction is Alison Logue’s research topic for the Student Research Initiative (SRI) grant she received for the 2022-23 school year.
![Conner-Starrett_AirForceCadet](_files/2023/03/usaf-ws_1350x900.jpg)
March 13, 2023
Family Ties to Service
DSU student Connor Starrett was one of three area Air Force cadets chosen to attend an Air Force symposium. He is following in his family’s footsteps with a military career, and wants to do all he can to help other people through his service.
![Chatbot](_files/2023/03/chatbot_ws-1350x900.jpg)
March 13, 2023
Will AI Chatbots Raise Digital Equity Concerns for Students?
Some ed-tech experts say the need to close the digital divide will only grow more urgent as Internet-based artificial intelligence tools become commonplace in schools and universities.
![DSU-Employees-5year](_files/2023/03/dsu-5year-employees1.jpg)
March 9, 2023
DSU recognizes 62 long-time employees
Dakota State University has recognized 62 employees for their dedication and commitment to the university at the annual Longevity Reception on March 1.
![A black phone with blue pegs of varying heights that spell Ai on top of the phone in a 3D way.](_files/2023/03/ai-phone-1350.jpg)
March 8, 2023
Faculty presented workshop on technology competition with China
Two DSU faculty members presented a workshop titled “Huawei, 5G, and the China-US Technology Race: A NCTA Workshop for K-12 Educators” via Zoom on Tuesday evening, March 7.
![CCDC-Team-23](_files/2023/03/ccdc-team_23-min.jpg)
March 3, 2023
Competition Skills
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.
![Podhradsky-erVa](_files/2023/03/ashpod-webportrait_1350x900.jpg)
March 3, 2023
Podhradsky contributes to ERVA engineering report
The Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA), a U.S. National Science Foundation-funded initiative, released a report in February outlining engineering research priorities to create R&D and technology solutions to make infrastructure “unhackable.”
![A group photo of the CybHER summer camp attendees from the summer of 2022 sitting on the stairs of The Beacom Institute of Technology.](_files/2023/02/cybher-camp-1350.jpg)
February 28, 2023
Skyforce to host CybHER fundraiser night
Sioux Falls Skyforce, the area’s G-League basketball team, is hosting a CybHER fundraiser night on Friday, March 3.
![Tutors](_files/2023/02/tutors-23-min.jpg)
February 28, 2023
Certified Tutors love their job
Gage Schacher and Jess Tarr, tutors with the DSU Trojan Tutoring Center are now CRLA certified. Both love the job, and enjoy helping student learners and seeing them progress.
![MadLabs](_files/2023/02/madlabsbuilding-ws_1350x900.jpg)
February 27, 2023
This South Dakota university is cybersecurity’s next powerhouse
With partnerships at the federal, state, and local levels, Dakota State University provides students and faculty "breadth and depth" in research opportunities and potential career paths.
![ARL-SiouxFalls](_files/2023/02/arl-ws_1350x900.jpg)
February 27, 2023
Dakota State Partners With NSA, Puts $90M into Cyber Research
Dakota State University is partnering with the National Security Agency and investing heavily in recruiting, research and facilities in order to build a regional hub for cybersecurity studies and workforce development.
![Boyd-SRI](_files/2023/02/boyd_ws-1350x900.jpg)
February 24, 2023
Practical research leads to professional internship
Joseph Boyd’s research project has led to a summer internship opportunity, and could possibly lead to a career as well. Robert Richardson is Boyd’s faculty mentor for the research.
![stock image of gene and molecular imaging](_files/2023/02/gene-stock-image.jpg)
February 21, 2023
Alexander researching alfalfa genes for SRI grant
Alexander, an Analytical Science major from Aurora, Ill., received a Student Research Initiative (SRI) grant this year to study the Functional Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes in Alfalfa Inoculated with Aphanomyces.
![Campus photo in the snow featuring the campus archway, East Hall, and an evergreen tree](_files/2023/02/campus-photo-1350.jpg)
February 21, 2023
DSU Fall 2022 graduates
Dakota State University in Madison, S.D. celebrates Fall 2022 graduates. The 171 graduates earned a total of 195 degrees, 13 associate degrees, 104 baccalaureate degrees, 54 master’s degrees and 2 earned doctoral degrees.
![alfalfa field](_files/2023/02/forage-1350.jpg)
February 16, 2023
Midwest Forage Association meeting at DSU
The Midwest Forage Association (MFA) meeting is being held at Dakota State University on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
![Kooistra](_files/2023/02/kooistra-ws_1350x900.jpg)
February 15, 2023
Kooistra named COO & General Counsel of DSU-ARC
Sioux Falls City Attorney Stacy Kooistra has accepted a new position as the Chief Operations Officer and General Counsel for the Dakota State University-Applied Research Corporation (DSU-ARC).
![Artist and DSU faculty member Wendy Romero pictured over her artwork](_files/2023/02/romero-1350.jpg)
February 15, 2023
Romero art exhibit featured in Marshall
Wendy Romero’s exhibit Experimental Strata is currently featured in Marshall, Minn., at the Marshall Area Fine Arts Council.
![Pictured Angela Behrends' clay slab with grid dots filled with colors (green and blue) and Tom Jones' gelatin silver photograph (right) of a rowboat on a geometric shape](_files/2023/02/art-ws_1350x900.jpg)
February 14, 2023
Two faculty selected for biennial art exhibition
Angela Behrends and Tom Jones have artwork featured in the South Dakota Governor’s 10th Biennial Art Exhibition.
![CASE-Award](_files/2023/02/case-award_ws-1350x900.jpg)
February 10, 2023
Griffiths receives Chief Executive Leadership Award from CASE
Honor recognizes outstanding leadership and service in support of education
![Bowman-1](_files/2023/02/bowman1-ws_1350x900.jpg)
February 8, 2023
Bowman refused to be discouraged from cybersecurity field
For those considering a career in cybersecurity, Ben Bowman’s advice is simple: be a little bit stubborn.
![Elsie Aslesen poses for a photo with her research poster from last year's research week](_files/2023/02/elsie-aslesen-1350.jpg)
February 3, 2023
Neonicotinoid research continues
Elsie Aslesen received her second Student Research Initiative (SRI) grant to continue research after finding neonicotinoid presence in the eggshells of birds last year.
![(l-to-r) Dr. Andrew Sathoff and Biology student Travis Rebstock pose for a photo at the World Alfalfa Congress](_files/2023/02/sathoff-rebstock-1350.jpg)
February 2, 2023
Rebstock continues alfalfa research through SRI grant
For over two years, DSU Biology student Travis Rebstock has been researching alfalfa with Dr. Andrew Sathoff, Assistant Biology Professor.
![White board with notes for a game created during the 2019 Global Game Jam](_files/2023/01/game-jam-1350.jpg)
January 31, 2023
Global Game Jam site at DSU
Dakota State University will be hosting a Global Game Jam site from Friday, February 3 at 5 p.m. to Sunday, February 5 at 5 p.m. in The Beacom Institute of Technology.
![Christine Vogel sitting at a table](_files/2023/01/christine-vogel-1350.jpg)
January 31, 2023
Detecting bias in interviews
Christine Vogel is conducting research to detect bias in personal outcome measures interviewers through the organization LifeScape for a Student Research Initiative grant.
![Snowy covered tree branch in front of Kennedy Center which houses the College of Education](_files/2023/01/kennedy-snow-1350.jpg)
January 23, 2023
DSU College of Education receives Department of Labor grant
Dakota State University’s College of Education is one of four organizations receiving a grant to develop apprenticeship programs for high school students from the South Dakota Department of Labor.
![ServiceAnimal](_files/2023/01/ServiceAnimals_ws-1350x900.jpg)
January 20, 2023
Service Animals
What they do and how to interact with them. A service animal is specifically trained to complete a task or service.
![image of a portion of the world's largest puzzle](_files/2023/01/worlds-largest-puzzle-2.jpg)
January 19, 2023
World’s largest puzzle at Karl Mundt Library
Dakota State University’s Karl Mundt Library is currently working to put together the world’s largest puzzle.
![Image of Ben Batie](_files/2023/01/ben-batie-1350.jpg)
January 18, 2023
Application Development in Computer Information Systems
The Computer Information Systems major with an Application Development specialization teaches students to develop full stack applications.
![Image of Lexi Robson](_files/2023/01/lexi-robson-1350.jpg)
January 17, 2023
DSU alumna finds success in California
Lexi Robson has found career success in California, working at Protiviti as an IT Audit Consultant in San Francisco, Calif.
![Kemal-Kramer](_files/2023/01/Kemal_ws-1350x900.jpg)
January 17, 2023
Real-life tweet provides real-life research opportunity
Amir Kemal was inspired by a real-life tweet to do some real-life research on Twitter fake domains.
![code design image with streaks of lights and numbers](_files/2023/01/cryptography-story-1350.jpg)
January 11, 2023
Securing information through cryptography
Cryptography is the effort to try to secure information, explained Spanier, Associate Professor in The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences.
![DSU student working in DSU's Madlabs® building](_files/2023/01/Madlabs-ws_1350x900.jpg)
January 10, 2023
DSU and NSA education partnership offers opportunities
Dakota State University is now in partnership with the National Security Agency through an Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA). This agreement was approved at the December Board of Regents meeting.
![Lizzy Elder CIS Business Analytics major](_files/2023/01/Lizzy-elder-1350.jpg)
January 10, 2023
CIS in Business Analytics
Computer Information Systems major has two sides: the computer and the business sides.
![List of honor students with DSU Seal](_files/2022/05/DSU-Seal-ws_1350x900.jpg)
January 10, 2023
2022 Fall Honors List Released
A total of 594 full-time and 195 part-time students qualified for the President’s Academic Honors list for the 2022 fall semester at Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison, S.D.
![Johanna Coffey is a first-generation college student.](_files/2023/01/coffey-1350x900.jpg)
January 10, 2023
Ask the questions
Johanna Coffey can ask a family member questions about the college process, but the DSU sophomore said any of the friendly people at the university can help.