Dakota State University students walking around campus

Preparation + opportunity = success

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

Majors & Degrees

List of honor students - DSU Campus Fall 24

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.

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance College of Business and Information Systems All News College of Arts and Sciences Academics The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

Callie Mueller is Miss Rodeo America pictured in an arena wearing her chaps, a sash, and hat. Photo credit to Sherry Smith Photography.

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.

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance All News Stories

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

December 9, 2024

Nanocon is game changer

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

Tags: College of Arts and Sciences Student Life All News Stories The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Education and Human Performance Academics College of Business and Information Systems

Dean David De Jong leading a SchoolSims simulation session.

November 20, 2024

Research shows experiential learning happens in simulations

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

Tags: All News Research College of Education and Human Performance Online @ DSU

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

November 18, 2024

Fall research grants awarded at DSU

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

Tags: The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences Research All News College of Business and Information Systems Online @ DSU College of Arts and Sciences College of Education and Human Performance

Dr. Kevin Smith received a STEM outreach grant.

November 15, 2024

Smith awarded STEM outreach grant

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

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance Research Academics Stories All News

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

November 14, 2024

AT&T donates to CybHER

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

Tags: Stories All News The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Education and Human Performance

DSU researchers presented at the summer AMCIS conference.

October 21, 2024

DSU research impacts national conference

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

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance Academics College of Business and Information Systems Research

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

October 4, 2024

Summer Milestones

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

Tags: The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences All News College of Education and Human Performance College of Arts and Sciences Academics College of Business and Information Systems

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

October 3, 2024

Educators Rising Learning Expo Oct. 9

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

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance

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

September 26, 2024

Record enrollment in honors program

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

Tags: All News The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Arts and Sciences College of Business and Information Systems Research College of Education and Human Performance

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

September 10, 2024

CybHER refocuses outreach to K-8

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

Tags: All News Research College of Education and Human Performance The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences Student Life

Bob and Karen Hemre at the Trojan Nights concert.

September 4, 2024

Robert & Karen Hemre named 2024 parade marshals

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

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance

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

September 3, 2024

Exceeding Expectations

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

Tags: Online @ DSU College of Arts and Sciences College of Business and Information Systems College of Education and Human Performance Academics All News The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences Stories

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

August 27, 2024

DSU's True Trojans

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

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance Stories All News College of Business and Information Systems The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Arts and Sciences

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

June 24, 2024

Renewed and rising: SBS CyberSecurity strengthens support for DSU

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

Tags: College of Business and Information Systems College of Education and Human Performance All News The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

National Science Foundation grant program

June 12, 2024

NSF funds South Dakota STEM education pathways

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

Tags: Academics All News College of Arts and Sciences The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Business and Information Systems College of Education and Human Performance Online @ DSU

DSU and Concordia

June 10, 2024

DSU and Concordia blend strengths through a new partnership

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

Tags: Academics Online @ DSU College of Education and Human Performance The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences All News College of Arts and Sciences College of Business and Information Systems Research

Dr. Kevin Smith presenting to Madison second graders.

May 24, 2024

Mastering a math mindset with gamification

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

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance All News

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

May 23, 2024

Virtual Teach Camp returns to DSU

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

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance

List of honor students - General Beadle Statue

May 22, 2024

Spring 2024 Honors List Released

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

Tags: The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences All News College of Business and Information Systems Academics College of Education and Human Performance College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Luke Chowning teaching a kinesiology class.

May 15, 2024

From reps to strides

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

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance

Chester Teacher of the Year Sara Mersch

May 1, 2024

DSU graduate named Chester Teacher of the Year

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

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance

Ben Witt

April 29, 2024

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

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

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance Online @ DSU Academics

Student Awards

April 25, 2024

Honored Students

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

Tags: International College of Business and Information Systems Athletics The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Arts and Sciences All News Academics College of Education and Human Performance

Madeline Hegg

April 19, 2024

Inspired to Educate

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

Tags: Academics All News College of Education and Human Performance Student Life

Dr. Luke Chowning teaching a kinesiology class.

April 5, 2024

DSU creates new double major option

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

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance College of Arts and Sciences All News

Future AI Generated Image

April 4, 2024

DSU to offer advanced AI degrees

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

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences Admissions College of Arts and Sciences International All News College of Business and Information Systems Academics

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

March 12, 2024

Klungseth researching flexible seating in college setting

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

Tags: Student Life College of Education and Human Performance All News Research

40 Years A Brand New Day

February 23, 2024

DSU to celebrate 40 years of technology-focused mission

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

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance College of Business and Information Systems All News The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Arts and Sciences Academics Online @ DSU

Beadle Honors Students

February 22, 2024

Camaraderie is Key

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

Tags: College of Arts and Sciences The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Business and Information Systems International Academics College of Education and Human Performance

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

February 8, 2024

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

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

Tags: College of Arts and Sciences College of Education and Human Performance College of Business and Information Systems All News The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

List of honor students - DSU Campus Sunrise

January 5, 2024

2023 Fall Honors List Released

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

Tags: All News The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Business and Information Systems College of Education and Human Performance College of Arts and Sciences Academics

Stephanie Veltkamp and her grandmother, Arlene Johnson Hoek.

January 5, 2024

Generations unite

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

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance Stories Online @ DSU All News

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

January 5, 2024

A legacy of leadership

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

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance All News

Dr. Katie Anderson

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.

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance

College of Education Students

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.

Tags: Academics The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences Athletics Admissions Online @ DSU College of Education and Human Performance College of Arts and Sciences College of Business and Information Systems All News

Science Center

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.

Tags: College of Arts and Sciences College of Education and Human Performance College of Business and Information Systems All News Academics

Fall photo of campus featuring the Karl Mundt Library.

November 14, 2023

Grants awarded for faculty research

Faculty Research Initiative (FRI) grants for the 2023-24 school year have been selected.

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance Research All News College of Arts and Sciences

Student on a computer.

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.

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance

Student in the esports room.

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.

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance All News Athletics

DSU College of Education students walk out of the Kennedy Center on campus.

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.

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance Student Life All News

Day of Giving in studio hosts Jarod Keene and Jordan Oberg.

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.

Tags: College of Business and Information Systems College of Education and Human Performance All News The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Arts and Sciences Student Life

Graphic for Trojan Days 2023 with General Cy in the background.

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.

Tags: College of Arts and Sciences College of Education and Human Performance All News

DSU students hold up letters to spell out RISE UP.

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.

Tags: Athletics College of Education and Human Performance All News College of Business and Information Systems College of Arts and Sciences The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

A book flipped open on a counter.

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.

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance All News

Pictured are the 2023 Ag Bowl Captains of Johnson Farms, Charlie, Aaron, Kevin, Jordan, and Allan.

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.

Tags: All News The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Education and Human Performance College of Business and Information Systems Athletics College of Arts and Sciences

Viana Mote

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.

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance Online @ DSU

hands on a laptop computer

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.

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance Online @ DSU

DSU student playing esports.

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.

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance Online @ DSU Athletics All News

Campus at sunset

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.

Tags: College of Business and Information Systems All News College of Education and Human Performance The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Arts and Sciences

List of honor students with DSU Seal

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.

Tags: College of Education and Human Performance College of Business and Information Systems College of Arts and Sciences Academics The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences All News

Stock image of hands holding a tablet with graphs and symbols over it surrounding the word teaching in a box.

May 16, 2023

Virtual Teach Camp returns May 30

Dakota State University’s virtual Teach Camp returns on Tuesday, May 30.

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance

Image of Dakota State University campus looking at the Kennedy Center which houses the DSU College of Education

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.

Tags: Admissions All News College of Education and Human Performance

Kevin Smith

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.

Tags: Academics All News College of Education and Human Performance

Dr. David Kenley

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.

Tags: Academics The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences International College of Business and Information Systems All News College of Education and Human Performance College of Arts and Sciences

Jazlynn Pederson

May 3, 2023

The Power of ‘Yet’

Jazlynn Pederson has had an interesting journey in higher education.

Tags: Academics College of Education and Human Performance All News Student Life

Dr. Vicki Sterling has been named to the Dakota State University Hall of Fame

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.

Tags: Academics College of Education and Human Performance All News

headshot photo of Alison Logue.

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.

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance Research

Chatbot

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.

Tags: All News College of Arts and Sciences College of Business and Information Systems Research Academics College of Education and Human Performance The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences

Tutors

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.

Tags: College of Arts and Sciences Admissions College of Business and Information Systems The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences All News Academics College of Education and Human Performance

Campus photo in the snow featuring the campus archway, East Hall, and an evergreen tree

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.

Tags: The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences College of Arts and Sciences College of Business and Information Systems All News College of Education and Human Performance

Snowy covered tree branch in front of Kennedy Center which houses the College of Education

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.

Tags: All News College of Education and Human Performance

List of honor students with DSU Seal

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.

Tags: College of Arts and Sciences College of Education and Human Performance Academics College of Business and Information Systems The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences All News