The South Dakotan Arts & sciences
The South Dakotan Arts & Sciences is the story hub of the USD College of Arts & Sciences. Here you’ll find stories and news highlighting the meaningful contributions of our students, faculty and staff, and alumni.
Innovation & Workforce Development
USD Students See Legislative Process Up Close Through Pierre Internships
The Latest
Apr 16, 2026
USD Students to Present ‘Down on Main Street: Part of Vermillion’s Story Through Time’ on April 21
The University of South Dakota’s Department of Anthropology and Sociology, in partnership with the Anthropology Program Enthusiast Society student organization, presents “Down on Main Street: Part of Vermillion’s Story Through Time” on Tuesday, April 21, at 5:30 p.m. at the Coyote Twin Theater in Vermillion, South Dakota.
Apr 01, 2026
Physics Researchers at USD Successfully Fabricate High-Performance Germanium Detector
A team of researchers at the University of South Dakota, led by Dongming Mei, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Physics, has achieved a major milestone in the development of advanced radiation sensors, successfully fabricating a highly sensitive mini-inverted coaxial point contact (ICPC) detector.
Mar 26, 2026
Three USD Faculty Members Receive Education-Focused Seed Grants
Faculty members at the University of South Dakota have received almost $250,000 in seed-grant funding from South Dakota’s National Science Foundation EPSCoR E-CORE grant, which promotes innovation in STEM education, workforce development and scientific progress.
Mar 18, 2026
Honoring a Voice for the Black Hills: Anna Van Kley’s Thesis Earns USD’s Top Graduate Recognition
Anna Van Kley, a ’24 graduate of the University of South Dakota, has received the 2026 Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award. This honor recognizes the dedication, research and originality required not only to complete a master’s degree, but to craft an exceptional thesis.
Alumni
USD to Host Truman Scholars' Panel Moderated by Clifton Truman Daniel
The University of South Dakota will host a public panel discussion featuring a selection of USD’s Truman Scholars, moderated by President Harry S. Truman’s grandson, on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. in Farber Hall, located inside Old Main.
USD Alumnus and Chicago White Sox Biomechanist Receives Distinguished Dissertation Award
University of South Dakota alumnus and Chicago White Sox biomechanist Aaron Trunt was awarded the 2024 USD Distinguished Dissertation Award in the category of Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Engineering for his dissertation, “Skeletal Modeling Parameters and Clinical Factors Related to Injury Risk in Baseball Pitchers.”
USD to Celebrate Outstanding Alumni October 11
The University of South Dakota is recognizing four alumni for their personal and professional achievements on Oct. 11 during the Unleash Your Legacy Alumni Achievement Award Ceremony. In addition, the Legacy Family of the Year will be honored.
More Headlines
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South Dakota Students Announced as Regional Winners of the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Summary: The University of South Dakota’s Department of English, an affiliate partner of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, has announced the regional award winners of the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
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University of South Dakota CSA Employees Recognized as Employees of the Month
Summary: The University of South Dakota has proudly recognized three outstanding Civil Service employees as Employees of the Month for the final quarter of 2025.
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Serving Regional Writers
Summary: Cheyenne Marco, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in the USD Department of English, grew up on a farm in a small Minnesota town. This rural upbringing serves as inspiration not only for the fiction, non-fiction and poetry she writes and publishes, but also for her dedication to supporting other writers in the region.
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USD’s Archaeology Laboratory Unveils New Digs that Enhance Hands-on Experiences for Students
Summary: On Thursday, Feb. 5, the University of South Dakota’s Department of Anthropology and Sociology celebrated bringing some of its vast collection of archaeological artifacts into the light—literally.
Guest Column
The media & journalism program at USD checks all the boxes when it comes to preparing students to attack the intense world of media. From access to top of the line equipment, to a beautiful Coyote News studio, to endless opportunities to get hands on experience in a variety of media settings, students can literally dabble in everything and figure out which path they want to take with their media career.
Guest Column | Kelly Stewart
Kelly Stewart '16 reflects on her time at USD, her career at Midco and how her passion and career are one and the same.
