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 Receives NIH Grant to Expand Graduate Research Training
The Latest
Oct 09, 2026
USD Philosopher Joseph Tinguely Awarded John Templeton Foundation Grant
Joseph Tinguely, Ph.D., was recently awarded a grant from the John Templeton Foundation in the amount of $435,790. This grant will support him as he organizes interdisciplinary collaborators with the aim of producing a conference, an edited manuscript and a series of public-facing media.
Sep 18, 2026
Matthew Fairholm Named Director of the Chiesman Center for Democracy
The University of South Dakota Department of Political Science is pleased to announce Matthew R. Fairholm as the next director of the Chiesman Center for Democracy.
Sep 02, 2026
USD Archaeology Students Dig Into Field Work
The 2026 University of South Dakota Archaeology Field School, led by Associate Professor of Anthropology Tony Krus, Ph.D., and Archeologist Aaron Mayer, M.A. ’14, involved 12 USD students and several volunteers traveling to the Bear Butte Creek Historic Preserve to excavate historical artifacts.
Jun 17, 2026
USD Students Support Athletes at the South Dakota Special Olympics Summer Games
Three graduate students from the University of South Dakota’s communication sciences and disorders program attended the South Dakota Special Olympics Summer Games earlier this month, providing Healthy Hearing screenings to athletes from across the state.
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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USD College of Arts & Sciences Presents ‘Drowning in Dirt: Joseph Hutton and the Dust Bowl’ Exhibit
Summary: The University of South Dakota’s College of Arts & Sciences will present the traveling museum exhibit “Drowning in Dirt: Joseph Hutton and the Dust Bowl” from Sept.1 to Oct. 22 in the I.D. Weeks Library. A special reception will be held on Sept. 2 at 2 p.m.
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USD’s CAST Lab Examines Childhood Trauma, Mental Health Recovery
Summary: When University of South Dakota graduate student Ellen Knowles began exploring programs for graduate school, the university’s psychology program quickly stood out—in large part because of its newly established Child & Adolescent Stress & Trauma Lab.
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USD Alumnus Selected as a 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholar
Summary: Caleb Swanson, a 2024 graduate of the University of South Dakota, has been selected as a 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholar by Stanford University.
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Celebrating Impact: Faculty Honored at USD College of Arts & Sciences
Summary: The University of South Dakota’s College of Arts & Sciences has presented several faculty members with awards for their contributions to education through teaching, research and public service.
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.
