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.
The Latest
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.
May 26, 2026
University of South Dakota Researchers Granted a U.S. Patent for Antimicrobial Coating
This spring, researchers at the University of South Dakota were granted U.S. Patent No. 12,545,804 B2 for their development of a long-lasting antimicrobial surface coating designed to quickly kill bacteria and viruses.
May 05, 2026
Celebrating Impact: Faculty Honored at USD College of Arts & Sciences
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.
May 04, 2026
A Week of Service and Learning for USD Undergraduates in Guatemala
Eleven undergraduates in health-related majors from the University of South Dakota traveled to Guatemala in March to provide clinical outreach to children in Mayan villages surrounding Lake Atitlán, a large volcanic lake in the country’s highlands.
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 Honors Julia Hellwege With New Political Science Department Professorship
Summary: The Department of Political Science at the University of South Dakota has announced a new named faculty position. Julia Hellwege, Ph.D., an associate professor of political science, will serve as the inaugural Diane Jones Meier Distinguished Professor in Gender and Public Policy.
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Chiesman Center for Democracy Announces Higher Education Civic Engagement Award Winners
Summary: The University of South Dakota’s Chiesman Center for Democracy is pleased to announce the recipients of the inaugural Higher Education Civic Engagement Award.
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South Dakota Students Compete at Science Olympiad at the University of South Dakota
Summary: On Saturday, March 28, 111 middle and high school students showed off their science smarts at the South Dakota Science Olympiad competition on the University of South Dakota’s Vermillion campus. Yankton Middle School and Yankton High School won top honors in their divisions and have earned a place at the national Science Olympiad competition in Los Angeles in May.
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Physics Researchers at USD Successfully Fabricate High-Performance Germanium Detector
Summary: 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.
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.
