College of Arts and Sciences
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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!
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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).
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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![Lainy Culberson's 3D Retro Building.](_files/2024/04/lainy-3d-1350x900.jpg)
April 15, 2024
Culberson wins fall semester award for modeling & texturing
Lainy Culberson, a senior Digital Art & Design (DAD) – Production Animation major from Rapid City, was awarded best 3D modeling and texturing for the fall semester for her piece titled “Retro Building.”
![A stock image of black gloved hands typing on a laptop with blue light emanating from it.](_files/2024/04/cyber-esp-1350x900.jpg)
April 11, 2024
DSU adds Espionage Camp to summer schedule
High schoolers can trade their bats and gloves for laptops this summer by registering for Dakota State University’s first-ever Cyber Espionage Camp in from June 24 to 26.
![An image with orange hexagons and dots connecting on a blue background with the words DAD at MAAC 2 A Digital Arts and Design Student Exhibition.](_files/2024/04/dad-1350x900.jpg)
April 10, 2024
DSU art students to exhibit projects
Drawings, digital illustrations and photography, paintings, animations, digital sound projects, and 3D works will fill the BrickHouse this week. These works, created by DSU Digital Art & Design (DAD) students, will be displayed by the Madison Area Arts Council (MAAC) at the BrickHouse on Thursday, April 11 from 7 to 9 p.m.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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 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.
![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.”
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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).
![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
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.