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.
The Latest
USD’s IHEC: Where Healthcare Teamwork Begins
From the moment undergraduate students arrive at the University of South Dakota campus, they start adjusting to a new level of independence and responsibility; they learn how to manage their time, make decisions on their own and prepare for the careers they want to pursue.
A Duty to Dignity: An Insider Look at South Dakota’s Midwest Street Medicine Program
The spring snow and bitter wind blowing across empty downtown streets doesn’t seem to faze the group of physicians, students and volunteers gathering outside Union Gospel Mission.
USD and South Dakota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Expand Access for Sioux Falls Families
On any given evening in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you can find families gathered around their kitchen tables, talking about the future.
Civic Engagement, Service and Confidence: How One Teacher is Inspiring the Next Generation
When middle school students walk into Paige Wright’s classroom at the beginning of the school year, they see an encouraging message on the white board, an American flag displayed beside it and a teacher eager to welcome them.
Serving the Public Good: How an Innovative Program is Building Future Lawyer Leaders
South Dakotans are no strangers to a strong sense of civic responsibility; from public school classrooms to the Attorney General’s Office, the state is home to countless spaces and organizations that embody service.
Featured
Home at the Dome: Caden Ellingson’s Coyote Football Journey
From Friday night lights to college game days, Caden Ellingson’s football journey has come full circle. Once a high school senior competing inside the DakotaDome, he now returns to the same field—this time as a University of South Dakota Coyote.
Alumni
Always a Yote: Kari Oyen
As a third-generation Coyote, Kari Oyen, Ph.D. ’17, Ed.S. ’08, has a lifetime of memories connected to USD.
Always a Yote: Marcus Destin
Marcus Destin ’23 was enrolled at a college in North Carolina when his parents moved to South Dakota to work at USD.
USD In The News
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USD in Argus Leader
USD Discovery District to Hold Ribbon Cutting, Looks to Future Plans for Expansion
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USD on SiouxFalls.Business
Coyote Business Consulting Prepares USD Business Student for Avera Fellowship
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USD on SDPB
Teacher Talk | Compassionate Classrooms
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USD on Dakota News Now
USD Students Excited to Learn About Future Plans on Match Day
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USD in the Argus Leader
Why This South Dakota City is the Best in the U.S. for Small Town Arts Scene
More Headlines
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USD School of Education Celebrates First Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program Graduates
Summary: The University of South Dakota School of Education, in partnership with the Sioux Falls School District and the South Dakota Department of Labor, is proud to celebrate Rickie Presley and Rebecca Tuttle as the first educators to complete the school’s Registered Apprenticeship Program.
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USD Introduces the 30 Under 30 Class of 2026
Summary: The University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association is proud to announce the 2026 class of 30 Under 30, recognizing 30 outstanding alumni who are demonstrating leadership, innovation and service before the age of 30.
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USD’s Darla Biel Honored with 2026 Distinguished Dissertation Award
Summary: Recent University of South Dakota graduate Darla Biel, Ed.D., was awarded the USD 2026 Distinguished Dissertation Award.
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A Soundtrack of History: USD’s National Music Museum Celebrates America’s 250th
Summary: Whether it’s a moving lyric, a touching melody or an uplifting beat, music has a way of inspiring people and capturing moments in time. It has shaped lives, told stories and encapsulated the world’s most historic events—enabling thousands of generations to see how individuals lived, loved and celebrated throughout history.
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.
