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
USD Announces 2025 Undergraduate Research Award Winners
The Latest
Jay Perry Named to AGB Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education Class of 2025
University of South Dakota – Sioux Falls Vice President Jay Perry, Ph.D., has been selected to participate in the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) Institute for Leadership & Governance in Higher Education. He is one of just 25 leaders from colleges and universities nationwide selected for the Class of 2025.
USD Student Alex Vonderau to Study in Kyrgyzstan as Part of Critical Language Scholarship Program
University of South Dakota student Alex Vonderau was selected for the nationally competitive Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. As a recipient of this scholarship, Vonderau will travel to Kyrgyzstan, a country in Central Asia, and study the Russian language.
Malory Peacock Named Delta Sigma Pi's 2025 Regional Collegian of the Year
Malory Peacock, a senior at the University of South Dakota, has been recognized as the 2025 Regional Collegian of the Year for the Great Plains Region by Delta Sigma Pi, one of the highest honors a collegiate member of the business fraternity can receive.
A Crescendo of Wins: USD Voices Shine at South Dakota National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition
University of South Dakota voice students won several top awards at the South Dakota District National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition, South Dakota, on April 5. USD received 25 of the 37 awards.
Knudson School of Law Students Attend Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference, Accept Judicial Clerkships
Five University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law students attended the Fifth Annual Judicial Clerkship Opinion Writing Conference at the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law (CSL) in Washington, D.C., in February. These same students have also accepted judicial clerkships upon graduation.
Featured
USD's Griffin Petersen Appointed as Student Regent to the South Dakota Board of Regents
University of South Dakota student Griffin Petersen has been appointed as the student representative to the South Dakota Board of Regents.
Alumni
USD School of Education Native Alumni Honored at 13th Native Alumni Dinner
The University of South Dakota Tiospaye Student Council, along with Native Student Services, hosted and celebrated the accomplishments of Native graduates from the School of Education and/or those who have dedicated their careers to education during the 13th Annual Native Alumni Dinner.
USD Alumnus Gary Ellis to Deliver Commencement Address May 10
Gary Ellis ‘78, a renowned business leader and University of South Dakota alumnus, will deliver the commencement address at USD’s 138th Commencement Ceremonies to be held on Saturday, May 10 in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
Transformative Nursing Education: Lisa Varenhorst’s Journey with USD’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
For Lisa Varenhorst, instructor in the Department of Nursing at the University of South Dakota and graduate of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, the journey from critical care nurse to educator was entirely organic.
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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National Music Museum Receives Major Gift From T. Denny Sanford
Summary: The National Music Museum (NMM) is excited to announce a $1 million gift from South Dakota philanthropist and businessman T. Denny Sanford to support the museum’s ongoing exhibit renovation project.
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School of Education Student Selected for Esteemed Warren Fellowship for Future Teachers
Summary: Resse DeZur, a junior majoring in secondary history education at the University of South Dakota School of Education, was recently accepted to this year’s Warren Fellowship for Future Teachers, hosted by the Holocaust Museum Houston, May 18-23.
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Mrozla and Feldhacker Honored with USD Belbas-Larson Awards
Summary: Associate Professor Thomas Mrozla and Assistant Professor Mackenzie Feldhacker are the recipients of the 2025 University of South Dakota Belbas-Larson Awards for Excellence in Teaching. They will be recognized at the USD commencement ceremony and receive a framed certificate, a commemorative medal and a $5,000 tribute.
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USD Announces 2025 President's Research Award Recipients
Summary: The University of South Dakota presents four faculty members recognized for their outstanding research, chosen by external reviewers for their research accomplishments, publications and grant success.
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.
