The South Dakotan Health is the story hub of the USD School of Health Sciences. Here you’ll find stories and news highlighting the meaningful contributions of our students, faculty and staff, and alumni.
The Latest
Jun 23, 2026
USD’s Bass Named to National Social Work Education Board
Kelly J. Bass, DSW, chair of the Department of Social Work and the Department of Addiction Counseling & Prevention at the University of South Dakota, has been appointed to the Council on Social Work Education Board of Accreditation beginning July 1.
Apr 30, 2026
USD School of Health Sciences Names 2026 Award Winners
The University of South Dakota’s School of Health Sciences recently recognized several faculty, staff and students for their outstanding achievements and contributions.
Mar 20, 2026
Becca Jordre Honored with National Physical Therapy Award
A professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of South Dakota has been honored with an American Physical Therapy Association award.
Mar 17, 2026
University of South Dakota Names Betsy Becker, Ph.D., DPT, as Dean of the School of Health Sciences
The University of South Dakota has announced the appointment of Betsy Becker, Ph.D., DPT, as the next dean of the School of Health Sciences. A distinguished clinician, educator and administrator, Becker returns to her alma mater to lead the school as its fourth dean since its establishment in 2008.
Alumni
Brock Rops Receives South Dakota Office of Rural Health Award
The South Dakota Office of Rural Health has announced that Brock Rops has been named recipient of the South Dakota Office of Rural Health Community Star award.
The Magic of Starting Over: Alumnus Dave Hobler Creates Scholarship Reflective of His Experiences
"When you’re handed lemons, you need to figure out how to make lemonade."
Students Advance Education in State’s Largest City at USD – Sioux Falls
University of South Dakota – Sioux Falls students are taking advantage of the high-quality, affordable education and small class sizes offered at the university’s Sioux Falls campus.
More Headlines
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USD Department of Social Work to Host Third Annual Mental Health Conference
Summary: The Department of Social Work at the University of South Dakota will host its third annual conference for mental health professionals from May 13 to 14 at the USD – Sioux Falls campus.
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New Student Organization at USD School of Health Sciences Works to Boost Stem Cell Donor Sign-Ups
Summary: A new student organization at the University of South Dakota is already making a big impact just eight weeks after its launch.
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USD School of Health Sciences, Southeast South Dakota AHEC Host Disaster Response Training
Summary: On Feb. 19, 319 students from the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University gathered at the Andrew E. Lee Memorial Medicine and Science Building on the USD campus in Vermillion for Disaster Training Day, an annual event that provides hands-on disaster preparedness training.
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USD Department of Dental Hygiene to Host ‘Give Kids a Smile’ Event
Summary: The University of South Dakota Department of Dental Hygiene will host the “Give Kids a Smile” event on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Delta Dental Oral Health Center on the USD campus in Vermillion.
Guest Column
I chose family medicine because I love the idea of being 'everyone's doctor.' I also love making sure my patients are up to date with their immunizations and health care screenings. It's so important.
Guest Column | Lizz & Robbie Nicholas
Elizabeth (Hoffman) Nicholas, a Eureka, South Dakota native, and Robert Nicholas, a Huron, South Dakota native, met at the University of South Dakota when they were both in the Alumni Student Scholars Program, each with the dream of becoming a doctor.
