The South Dakotan
The South Dakotan is our story hub highlighting the meaningful contributions of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Find out everything USD is up to here.
Innovation & Workforce Development
How USD Prepares Students for AI-Driven Future—With Human Focus
The Latest
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.
USD Announces 2026-27 President’s Executive Leadership Institute Cohort
Twenty-two faculty and staff members at the University of South Dakota have been selected as 2026-27 fellows for the university’s President’s Executive Leadership Institute.
AI Teaching Innovation Showcase Celebrates USD Faculty
The University of South Dakota, in conjunction with the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs’ University Research Week, hosted an Artificial Intelligence Teaching Innovation Showcase on Monday, April 13, at the Muenster University Center.
From Vermillion With Voice: USD Sings Loud at National Association of Teachers of Singing Auditions
Students from the College of Fine Arts competed in the South Dakota District at the National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions, which were held on March 31 in Brookings, South Dakota.
USD Announces 2026 President's Research Award Recipients
The University of South Dakota recognizes four faculty members for their outstanding research, chosen by external reviewers for their research accomplishments, publications and grant success.
Featured
USD and Southeast Technical College Open Doors for Future Business Leaders
The University of South Dakota’s Beacom School of Business and Southeast Technical College have announced an expanded agreement focused on business programs, creating new opportunities for future business leaders to succeed.
Alumni
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.
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.
Alan Sazama Named Chair of Newly Established Emergency Medicine Department
Dr. Alan Sazama '14 has been named inaugural chair of the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine’s new Department of Emergency Medicine.
USD In The News
-
USD in Argus Leader
USD Discovery District to Hold Ribbon Cutting, Looks to Future Plans for Expansion
-
USD on SiouxFalls.Business
Coyote Business Consulting Prepares USD Business Student for Avera Fellowship
-
USD on SDPB
Teacher Talk | Compassionate Classrooms
-
USD on Dakota News Now
USD Students Excited to Learn About Future Plans on Match Day
-
USD in the Argus Leader
Why This South Dakota City is the Best in the U.S. for Small Town Arts Scene
More Headlines
-
USD School of Education’s Graduate Programs Rank Among Region’s Best in 2026 U.S. News & World Report
Summary: The University of South Dakota’s School of Education has received national recognition for its graduate programs, with U.S. News & World Report including USD among the 2026 Best Education Schools.
-
USD and Arts South Dakota Present Event to Advance Healing Through the Arts
Summary: On April 24 and 25, the University of South Dakota and Arts South Dakota presented the Arts Leadership Institute: Arts Healing South Dakota Intensive, in conjunction with the State Arts Conference, at Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, South Dakota.
-
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.
-
Hartman and Kraus Honored With USD Belbas-Larson Awards
Summary: Senior Lecturer Cheryl Hartman, Ph.D., and Associate Professor Sonja Kraus, D.M., are the recipients of the 2026 University of South Dakota Belbas-Larson Awards for Excellence in Teaching.
Guest Column
USD has done a great job of recognizing that higher education is changing, and they provide internship programs and job training opportunities that help students adapt to a changing workplace. The faculty at USD are top notch, and they put focus on providing students with the qualities they will need when they graduate.
A Conversation with the Leader of the Band: Scott Lawrence
USD alumnus Scott Lawrence has had a rather unique journey from high school band director to president and CEO of one of the region’s most successful advertising agencies.
