South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University
Name	South Dakota State University
Established	1881
Type	Public land-grant research university
President	Barry H. Dunn
City	Brookings
State	South Dakota
Country	United States
Campus	Rural, 272 acres
Students	11,505 (Fall 2023)
Colors	Yellow and blue
Nickname	Jackrabbits
Affiliations	South Dakota Board of Regents, APLU, Space-grant

South Dakota State University. Founded in 1881 as the Dakota Territorial Legislature approved a land-grant institution, it is the state's largest and most comprehensive university. As South Dakota's first Morrill Act college, it is a flagship institution within the South Dakota Board of Regents system, classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". The university is renowned for its programs in agriculture, engineering, nursing, and pharmacy, serving as a critical driver of innovation for the Great Plains region.

History

The institution was established in Brookings after a competitive selection process among several Dakota Territory towns. It opened its doors in 1884 as the Dakota Agricultural College, with initial instruction focusing on agricultural science and mechanic arts as mandated by the Morrill Act of 1862. The early 20th century saw significant growth, including the construction of iconic buildings like Lincoln Hall and its designation as South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1907. A major transition occurred in 1964 when it achieved university status, absorbing the former Sioux Falls College's School of Nursing. Key historical figures include early presidents like Robert L. Slagle and the influential dean of agriculture, Charles H. Ladd.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, the College of Nursing, and the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions. It offers over 200 academic programs, including unique majors in dairy science, agricultural biotechnology, and wildlife and fisheries sciences. The institution is a national leader in research, housing centers like the North Central Regional Sun Grant Center and the E. A. "Archie" and Florence M. Larson Agricultural Research Station. It grants a range of degrees from bachelor's to doctorates, with particular strength in professional doctorates in pharmacy and education.

Campus

The main campus occupies 272 acres in Brookings, South Dakota, featuring a mix of historic and modern architecture. Notable facilities include the Harding Hall for biological sciences, the state-of-the-art Avera Health and Science Center, and the Briggs Library. The campus is also home to the South Dakota Art Museum, which houses the Harvey Dunn collection, and the McCroy Gardens for horticultural study. The university manages extensive off-campus facilities, including the Oak Lake Field Station for ecological research and several Agricultural Experiment Station farms across the state.

Athletics

The athletic teams, known as the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League for most sports, with football competing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The university's athletic history includes a successful transition from the North Central Conference to Division I, completed in 2009. The Jackrabbits play football at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium and basketball at Frost Arena. The program has achieved national prominence, with the Jackrabbits football team winning multiple FCS National Championship titles and the Jackrabbits wrestling team producing numerous NCAA champions and Olympians.

Student life

Student life is centered around over 200 student organizations, including professional societies, cultural groups like the Native American Student Association, and a robust Greek life system with several fraternities and sororities. Major annual events include the Hobo Day celebration, one of the nation's longest-running homecoming traditions, and the Ag Bowl festivities. Students participate in leadership programs through the Students' Association and engage with the community via the Wokini Initiative, which supports American Indian students. The University Student Union and the Miller Wellness Center serve as primary hubs for campus activity.

Notable alumni and faculty

Distinguished alumni include former U.S. Senator and 1972 Democratic National Convention vice-presidential nominee Thomas F. Eagleton, NASA astronaut and International Space Station commander Michael S. Hopkins, and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former United States Poet Laureate Ted Kooser. Notable faculty have included agricultural economist and former USDA official Neal H. Jacobsen, chemist and American Chemical Society fellow David A. Boyles, and renowned artist and illustrator Harvey Dunn, whose work is celebrated in the campus museum.

Category:Universities and colleges in South Dakota Category:Land-grant universities and colleges Category:Educational institutions established in 1881