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�ձ�av��Ƶ continues to uphold its long-standing reputation for academic excellence, innovation and student success. As the state’s largest, most comprehensive higher education institution, �ձ�av��Ƶ offers more than 230 majors, minors and specializations — including 90 undergraduate majors, 39 master’s degrees, 17 doctoral programs and two professional programs from seven degree-granting colleges. Each program reflects �ձ�av��Ƶ’s commitment to rigorous instruction, real-world learning and the land-grant mission of access and opportunity.

National rankings continue to affirm the quality of an �ձ�av��Ƶ education. U.S. News & World Report once again recognized �ձ�av��Ƶ among the nation’s best public universities and top regional institutions in the Midwest. The university also ranks No. 1 in South Dakota and among the top 20% nationally for best value, underscoring its dedication to affordability and return on investment.

New and recent programs in healthcare systems engineering, accounting, early childhood and special education, nutrition and dietetics, and professional science highlights �ձ�av��Ƶ’s ability to anticipate market trends and adapt to South Dakota’s evolving economy. Developed in close partnership with employers, industry leaders and the South Dakota Board of Regents, these programs reflect the university’s effort to align education with opportunity.

For the second consecutive year, �ձ�av��Ƶ welcomed one of the largest incoming classes in school history. Record retention rates annually above 80% — with an all-time high of nearly 84% in fall 2024 — demonstrate the dedication of faculty and staff who help students thrive from their first semester through graduation.

�ձ�av��Ƶ’s faculty are nationally recognized for research, scholarship and creative activity that advance agriculture, health, engineering and the arts. Integrating discovery into undergraduate education prepares students not only to enter the workforce but to lead within it. Students continue to shine on a national stage, including:

Four �ձ�av��Ƶ mechanical engineering students won NASA’s Gateways to Blue Skies competition with their STaPLE drone concept, designed to collect soil and plant samples autonomously using artificial intelligence and GPS. Their practical, farmer-focused innovation earned first place among national finalists and reflects �ձ�av��Ƶ’s leadership in precision agriculture and engineering.

�ձ�av��Ƶ junior Steiger Manson won first place nationally in the freshman/sophomore tenor, baritone, bass division at the National Association of Teachers of Singing Auditions. The music education major advanced through multiple rounds before performing at the national conference in Philadelphia, showcasing �ձ�av��Ƶ’s outstanding talent in the performing arts.

�ձ�av��Ƶ’s Jackrabbits Forensics team won the Pi Kappa Delta Tier 2 National Championship and placed third in individual events at one of the nation’s largest tournaments. With multiple students earning top awards, the team continues to rank among the country’s best in speech, debate and communication excellence.

Nine �ձ�av��Ƶ undergraduates competed at the 2025 International Food and Agribusiness Management Association Global Student Case Competition in Brazil, where one team won the championship and another reached the semifinals. Presenting to CEOs and industry leaders, students demonstrated exceptional analytical and strategic skills, reinforcing �ձ�av��Ƶ’s global leadership in agribusiness education.

�ձ�av��Ƶ named six students to the inaugural Mike Huether Public Service Academy, a two-year program preparing leaders committed to civic engagement and community service. Joining the Volcker Alliance Next Generation Service Corps, the academy equips students with leadership skills, coursework and internships to strengthen public service across South Dakota and beyond.

Guided by “Pathway to Premier 2030,” �ձ�av��Ƶ remains focused on providing transformative education, fostering innovation and serving South Dakota. Through these continued efforts, �ձ�av��Ƶ delivers affordable, high-quality education that empowers students, strengthens communities and drives the state’s future prosperity.

�ձ�av��Ƶ continues to expand its global impact through international partnerships that connect research, innovation and student learning across continents. During the past year, �ձ�av��Ƶ signed academic cooperation agreements with University College Dublin in Ireland and the University of Debrecen in Hungary — two of Europe’s leading research institutions — advancing the university’s mission to foster agricultural innovation and global collaboration.

“These partnerships demonstrate the power of connecting our land-grant mission with the world,” President Barry H. Dunn said. “Through education and research, we are preparing globally minded graduates who can solve challenges that extend far beyond South Dakota’s borders.”

The agreement with the University of Debrecen links the precision agriculture programs of both universities, providing opportunities for dual-degree enrollment, faculty collaboration and shared research in agricultural engineering, sustainability and food systems. Students from Debrecen will be able to dually enroll in �ձ�av��Ƶ’s precision agriculture program during their fourth and fifth semesters, gaining access to �ձ�av��Ƶ’s state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty and professional networks. Upon completion, they will earn dual bachelor’s degrees from both institutions.

“�ձ�av��Ƶ is excited about our partnership with the University of Debrecen,” said Dennis Hedge, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The collective strengths of both universities in agricultural engineering and precision agriculture will keep students learning at the leading edge and foster innovation in a vital global industry.”

The collaboration was inspired by Peter Kovacs, �ձ�av��Ƶ precision agriculture professor and a native of Hungary, who hosted a Debrecen student intern in 2024. That connection led to broader faculty exchanges, including �ձ�av��Ƶ animal science professor Michael Gonda, who taught and conducted research in Hungary last fall.

At the same time, �ձ�av��Ƶ deepened its European connections through a new agreement with University College Dublin in Ireland. The partnership will promote joint research, student exchanges and dual-degree opportunities in precision agriculture, food systems and agribusiness innovation — areas of shared strength and strategic importance to both institutions.

“This partnership with University College Dublin will open new avenues for research and innovation, benefiting our students and faculty while strengthening South Dakota’s global presence,” Dunn said.

Together, these partnerships position �ձ�av��Ƶ as a global leader in agricultural education and research. By connecting South Dakota’s expertise with international partners, the university continues to advance its “Pathway to Premier” vision — creating solutions for a growing world and preparing the next generation of global agricultural leaders.

As the daughter of two disabled veterans, Anna Atkinson has built her �ձ�av��Ƶ experience around service, compassion and community. A sophomore majoring in human development and family science, the Brandt native is a proud Valor Partners Foundation scholarship recipient and an active advocate for veteran and military-affiliated students.

Atkinson works as a student employee in �ձ�av��Ƶ’s Veterans Services and Engagement, where she assists fellow students navigating benefits, resources and academic success. She is also a member of the Armed Forces Association, the Human Development and Family Studies Club and the Adopt Brookings volunteer program.

The Valor Partners Foundation program — supported through a 50% match from the �ձ�av��Ƶ Foundation — provides scholarships for the spouses and children of 100% disabled or deceased veterans who qualify for federal Chapter 35 benefits. This year, 10 scholarships of $5,000 each were awarded to �ձ�av��Ƶ students, marking the third year of a five-year partnership.

“I can’t express enough the impact our relationship with the Valor Partners Foundation has had on our students,” said Russ Chavez, �ձ�av��Ƶ’s director of Veterans Services and Engagement. “These families have endured so much and shouldn’t have to worry about college costs. This partnership makes higher education attainable for those who have sacrificed for our country.”

Atkinson’s parents, Anthony Atkinson, a former Army medic, and Connie Stone, �ձ�av��Ƶ’s coordinator of Veterans Services and a former military police officer and Purple Heart recipient, are both 100% disabled veterans and proud �ձ�av��Ƶ alumni.

Atkinson said the scholarship and campus community have shaped her path. “�ձ�av��Ƶ was the right fit — it’s affordable, welcoming and the perfect size,” she said. “I’ve met incredible people through the Veterans Services and Engagement Center and have seen how education transforms lives.”

Inspired by her family’s service and her experiences helping others, Atkinson plans to pursue a career in social work focused on aging populations and long-term care. “I like helping people through life’s transitions,” she said. “That’s what I see in my work with veterans, and it’s what I hope to continue doing after I graduate.”

Through programs like the Valor Partners Foundation and student leaders like Atkinson, �ձ�av��Ƶ continues to provide transformative educational opportunities rooted in access, service and impact.

When Sophie Dwelle returned to �ձ�av��Ƶ this fall, she brought back experiences most college students only see on television. The senior criminology major from southwest Minnesota spent her summer interning with the Sioux Falls Police Department, rappelling down a six-story building with the SWAT team, shadowing the bomb squad and K9 units, and observing a homicide investigation and autopsy.

“This internship took my education and applied it in the field,” Dwelle said. “Everyone — from officers to the chief — was incredibly supportive in helping us learn and succeed.”

The Sioux Falls Police Department’s internship program, now in its fourth year, exposes students to every aspect of law enforcement. “We want future officers to understand the full scope of what we do,” Police Chief Jon Thum said. “�ձ�av��Ƶ students bring critical thinking and communication skills that make them excellent candidates for this profession.”

The internship program aligns with �ձ�av��Ƶ’s growing criminology major, launched in 2021 through the School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies. What began with a few dozen students now enrolls about 150 majors, reflecting strong demand for careers in criminal justice, law enforcement and forensic investigation.

According to Paul Markel, the school’s director, students are drawn to criminology because it’s a field where they can make a real impact and through partnerships like the one with the Sioux Falls Police Department. “They gain hands-on experience while helping meet South Dakota’s workforce needs,” Markel said.

The program is led by accomplished faculty with professional experience in policing, sociology and the FBI, offering students both academic rigor and practical insight. It also connects students to opportunities with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies across the region.

To date, the Sioux Falls Police Department has hired seven of nine �ձ�av��Ƶ interns who completed its program. “These students are well-rounded and ready to make a difference,” Thum said.

Through internships like Dwelle’s, �ձ�av��Ƶ continues to advance its land-grant mission — preparing graduates who serve their communities and strengthen South Dakota’s public safety workforce.

�ձ�av��Ƶ, Black Hills State University and Monument Health celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated and expanded nursing facility at Black Hills State University-Rapid City on Sept. 30. The milestone represents a shared commitment to expanding educational access, strengthening community partnerships and addressing South Dakota’s critical health care workforce needs.

Located on the eastern edge of Rapid City, the upgraded facility features modern classrooms, advanced simulation labs and enhanced student support spaces that will be used by �ձ�av��Ƶ’s College of Nursing. The expansion allows the university to enroll more students and deliver high-quality, hands-on training for future nurses who will serve western South Dakota and beyond.

“This facility is a direct response to the critical need for health care professionals in our state,” �ձ�av��Ƶ President Barry Dunn said. “By expanding our capacity in Rapid City, we are increasing access to high-quality nursing education and helping ensure families and communities across South Dakota have access to quality care.”

The project is the result of strong collaboration among universities, state leaders and health care partners. Black Hills State University President Steve Elliott highlighted the partnership between BHSU, �ձ�av��Ƶ and Monument Health as a model for regional cooperation. “This addition and renovation support shared recruiting, student support and academic services,” Elliott said. “The facility is crucial to meeting the nursing workforce needs of western South Dakota.”

Representatives from the South Dakota Board of Regents, Monument Health, the Governor’s Office and the South Dakota Legislature attended the opening, underscoring broad statewide support. “This investment goes beyond classrooms and labs,” said Tim Rave, president of the South Dakota Board of Regents. “It’s about ensuring that families and future generations have access to quality health care close to home.”

The BHSU-Rapid City facility now stands as a cornerstone for health care education in the region, demonstrating how community partnerships and shared purpose can strengthen South Dakota’s future workforce and improve the well-being of its citizens.

�ձ�av��Ƶ’s Ness School of Management and Economics is strengthening its connection to South Dakota’s largest city through a new downtown Sioux Falls presence designed to expand access, foster collaboration and advance urban economic development.

Leading this effort is Paul Rann, the school’s newly appointed program manager for urban economic development, whose office is located inside Startup Sioux Falls, the city’s hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

“The core idea is connecting the Ness School — its work, expertise, resources and thought leadership — to the Sioux Falls community and surrounding area,” Rann said. “This office serves as an outpost, allowing us to be part of the ongoing conversation around urban economic growth and opportunity.”

The outpost will serve as a bridge between �ձ�av��Ƶ and the Sioux Falls metro area through programs, events and partnerships that link students, faculty, employers and community leaders. Activities will include seminars, workshops and panel discussions focused on business and policy topics, as well as career fairs, employer listening sessions and advising for students interested in careers in the region.

“The location affords the Ness School and its stakeholders — existing and prospective — opportunities to engage in the Sioux Falls metro area,” said Joe Santos, director of the Ness School. “It’s a discovery, club, growth and information space — where we share what we know, connect with the community, help learners find career paths, and learn how we can better serve the region.”

A native of Lennox, Rann brings extensive experience in public policy, nonprofit leadership and business operations. He previously led the Huron Regional Medical Center Foundation and served in strategic roles with Talent Plus Inc., a global human resources consultancy.

“This role allows me to make a local impact,” Rann said. “I wanted to return to Sioux Falls and help strengthen the connection between higher education, community development and business growth. This position with �ձ�av��Ƶ and the Ness School brings all of that together.”

Before South Dakota was a state, the people of Brookings were already collecting weather data. The first local weather station began recording temperature and precipitation on July 1, 1888 — decades before the U.S. Weather Bureau, now the National Weather Service, was established. That early commitment to observation laid the groundwork for what is today one of South Dakota’s most important scientific resources: Mesonet at SDState.

“The mesonet today reflects much more localized, high-definition weather,” said Nathan Edwards, operations manager for Mesonet at SDState. “Much of the forecasting and weather information people use daily is built with or influenced by mesonet data.”

The current statewide network took shape following devastating floods of 2011 and 2019. Recognizing the need for better data to predict severe weather, U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds worked with �ձ�av��Ƶ researchers to strengthen weather monitoring and forecasting. Their leadership led to the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2020, which called for a modern mesonet station within 20 miles of every South Dakotan.

That goal is quickly becoming a reality. In 2024, �ձ�av��Ƶ installed its 100th weather station, with plans to reach 150 by 2027. Each station transmits data to the National Weather Service every five minutes — over 1 million data points each day — providing the high-resolution information needed to improve forecasts, issue faster warnings and even support insurance and disaster recovery efforts.

Each site includes soil probes and 360-degree cameras that track drought, flooding, fog, wind and wildfire risk in real time. “The cameras have been a game changer,” Edwards said. “They give eyes to rural South Dakota.”

KELOLAND Chief Meteorologist and �ձ�av��Ƶ alumnus Jay Trobec, who earned his doctorate in atmospheric and environmental sciences from �ձ�av��Ƶ, uses mesonet data daily. “What mesonet does is give us information for more areas,” he said. “It’s worked extremely well for us in Sioux Falls to be able to see where the weather is coming from and what’s going to be happening in the next three hours.”

As part of the Upper Missouri River Basin network, Mesonet at SDState now sets a national standard for integrated weather and soil monitoring — continuing �ձ�av��Ƶ’s land-grant legacy of serving every South Dakotan through science, innovation and public safety.

The South Dakota State Fair isn’t typically a place for health screenings — but that didn’t stop 155 fairgoers from stepping into the �ձ�av��Ƶ pharmacy tent for free blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol checks this August in Huron.

The event, Pharmacy at the Fair, is coordinated by students from �ձ�av��Ƶ’s Doctor of Pharmacy program and the Student Collaboration for the Advancement and Promotion of Pharmacy student organization, giving aspiring pharmacists an opportunity to serve South Dakotans while putting their clinical training to work in a community setting.

“Everyone had eaten fair food and coffee that morning, which we anticipate,” said Raegan Kimbler, a second-year pharmacy student who helped organize the event. “Even with those factors, these screenings can alert people to issues that may need follow-up with their doctor.”

In addition to screenings, students calculated visitors’ 10-year cardiovascular risk, provided educational materials on diabetes, heart health and substance use, and distributed bottled water, fruit snacks and granola bars. Many participants were senior citizens or repeat visitors who return each year for the fair’s only free health checkup.

For students, the experience was as valuable as it was impactful. “This gives us real experience working with patients and hearing their stories,” Kimbler said. “It also helps people see the important role pharmacists play in preventive care.”

About 25 second- and third-year students conducted the screenings, supported by first-year pharmacy students who greeted guests and managed paperwork. All are members of the Student Collaboration for the Advancement and Promotion of Pharmacy, which organizes four to five public outreach events each year, including the annual Pharmacy at the Fair, now in its ninth year.

Events like these reflect �ձ�av��Ƶ’s strong commitment to community engagement and health education — core pillars of its land-grant mission. “These outreach efforts not only strengthen public health,” Kimbler said, “they also build relationships between �ձ�av��Ƶ and the communities we serve.”

The group’s next outreach effort will take place during Legislative Days in Pierre, continuing the university’s tradition of linking classroom learning with real-world community impact.

As the state’s largest and most comprehensive higher education institution that serves more than 12,000 students and continues to fulfill its land-grant mission of access, discovery and service, South Dakota State continues to shape the state’s economic growth and contributes to global innovation through teaching, research and outreach.

The university's spirit of discovery and innovation has deep roots. In 1916, �ձ�av��Ƶ scientist Edgar S. McFadden developed a wheat variety resistant to black stem rust — a feat many scientists thought was impossible. This breakthrough revolutionized world agriculture and helped launch the Green Revolution. Today, that same spirit continues to guide the university's researchers. In the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, �ձ�av��Ƶ researchers were among the first to identify avian flu in a dairy herd and are now working on the development of a protective vaccine with Medgene, a private company borne from �ձ�av��Ƶ research.

�ձ�av��Ƶ is currently in pursuit of Research 1 status, as defined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university is currently classified as Research 2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production — a position that was reaffirmed in 2025. This recognition positions �ձ�av��Ƶ among the nation’s best research institutions as it continues its pursuit of R1 status.

To achieve R1 status, �ձ�av��Ƶ must meet two clear benchmarks: $50 million in research expenditures and 70 doctoral degrees conferred annually. The university is making clear progress in achieving both of those benchmarks. In 2025, �ձ�av��Ƶ surpassed $94 million in annual research expenditures, an increase of 15% from the year before. The university's doctoral enrollment also continues to increase, up to 280. Currently, the university offers 17 doctoral programs, including a new social science Ph.D. program offered in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. These achievements reflect years of strategic investment in research capacity, faculty excellence and graduate student support.

The pursuit of R1 status will amplify �ձ�av��Ƶ’s ability to attract competitive federal funding, recruit world-class faculty and engage students in discovery that changes lives. The university’s research infrastructure — including the POET Bioproducts Center, Raven Precision Agriculture Center and the expanded Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory — positions �ձ�av��Ƶ to continue leading innovation in agriculture, engineering and health sciences.

R1 classification is also important to those who are looking to invest in the university. For example, university leaders have met with more than 100 South Dakotans — entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, researchers, legislators and donors — and each of them embraces �ձ�av��Ƶ's pursuit of R1 classification. The university convenes a smaller group of these individuals, coined the “R1 Champions,” on campus twice each year to highlight different areas of the university’s research enterprise and to provide updates on its R1 progress.

Reaching R1 would fulfill a key objective of “Pathway to Premier 2030,” �ձ�av��Ƶ’s strategic plan. It represents not only a milestone for the university but a transformative opportunity for South Dakota — fueling economic growth, enhancing workforce development and advancing knowledge that serves people and communities across the state and beyond.

In April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration announced a forthcoming ban on petroleum-based synthetic food dyes. Widely used in candies, drinks and even medications, these dyes add no nutritional value and are linked to health concerns. Red Dye No. 3, for example, has been tied to cancer in lab rats and is already banned in Europe and other countries. Food companies must phase out synthetic dyes by January 2027, creating urgent demand for safe alternatives.

At �ձ�av��Ƶ, Ananda Nanjundaswamy, Richard and Janice Vetter Endowed Associate Professor of Biotechnology and Bioprocessing, is leading research to develop natural replacements. His lab is focused on carotenoids — compounds produced from fungi, yeast, bacteria and algae that provide red, yellow and orange coloring in nature. Beyond their visual appeal, carotenoids also act as antioxidants and sources of provitamin A, adding nutritional benefits.

Production costs are a major challenge for natural food dyes. Nanjundaswamy’s team is addressing this by using agricultural byproducts such as sugar beet molasses and high fructose corn syrup as feedstock for carotenoid-producing microbes. This circular economy approach transforms low-value coproducts into high-value natural products.

To move this work into the marketplace, �ձ�av��Ƶ researchers are scaling up production at Dakota BioWorx, a bioprocessing facility at the Research Park at �ձ�av��Ƶ. Bioreactors ranging from 30 to 3,000 liters allow the team to test processes at commercial scale. Recent 70-liter batches have provided insights into cost effectiveness and engineering challenges. The lab has also filed U.S. provisional patents on its processes and products.

While food is the immediate focus, this work may extend to animal feed, personal care and other industries that may face regulatory pressure. With synthetic dyes currently making up 70% of the color additive market, demand for safe, natural alternatives is expected to surge.

“This is a transformative moment,” Nanjundaswamy said. “We are ahead of others in optimizing these processes. Now it’s about scaling up."

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of nurses in our health care system while exposing long-standing workforce challenges. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 100,000 registered nurses left the profession during the pandemic, and nearly 900,000 more are expected to leave by 2027.

The challenge is especially acute in rural states like South Dakota. Nearly all of the state is considered short of primary medical staff, and projections indicate South Dakota will face one of the nation’s most severe nursing shortages by 2030. Long travel distances between facilities, higher rates of chronic disease and economic constraints intensify the strain.

Theresa Garren-Grubbs, clinical assistant professor in �ձ�av��Ƶ’s College of Nursing, has made addressing this crisis her mission. Since joining �ձ�av��Ƶ in 2016, her research has focused on recruitment and retention in rural acute care, workplace violence and nurse resilience.

“Since the majority of South Dakota is considered rural or frontier, this research has significant implications for our state,” Garren-Grubbs explained.

One of her signature projects is PREPARE-RNs: Partnering to Address the Critical Nursing Shortage in South Dakota. Launched in 2022 with $1 million in federal support, the initiative partners with Avera Health to place undergraduate nursing students in rural acute care settings for more than 200 clinical hours. Experiencing the flexibility and skill required in rural practice has motivated many participants to pursue careers in these communities. More than half of the program’s graduates have already accepted positions in rural South Dakota health care facilities.

“I am passionate about the land-grant mission of �ձ�av��Ƶ and believe it is important to conduct research that benefits our local communities and beyond," Garren-Grubbs said. "University-level research can play a pivotal role in addressing the nursing shortage in South Dakota and our region. By collaborating closely with our clinical partners, we can identify the needs of current nurses in rural practice and understand what attracts nurses to these settings.”

Mars may soon be within humanity’s reach, and technology rooted in �ձ�av��Ƶ’s research enterprise is helping make it possible.

AeroFly, a Brookings-based aerospace company born out of �ձ�av��Ƶ’s Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, is developing technologies that support NASA’s Artemis campaign — the series of missions that will establish a permanent human presence on the moon and pave the way for a future journey to Mars.

AeroFly’s journey began at �ձ�av��Ƶ in 2019, when professors Todd Letcher and (former faculty member) Marco Ciarcia received a NASA grant to design drones capable of carrying humans. That student-focused project ignited an interest in aerospace technology and led to multiple top finishes in national NASA design competitions — including the Break the Ice Lunar Challenge and RASC-AL competitions — where �ձ�av��Ƶ teams outperformed institutions like MIT and Princeton.

With industry veteran and �ձ�av��Ƶ alumnus Gordon Niva, ’73, as CEO and guidance from �ձ�av��Ƶ faculty and support from the Research Park at �ձ�av��Ƶ and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, AeroFly grew from a drone startup into a NASA contractor.

Currently, the company employs �ձ�av��Ƶ graduate students and alumni developing cutting-edge lunar excavation and transport systems.

“This work paves the way for a more sustainable human presence on the moon,” Niva said. “It shows what’s possible when academic innovation meets industry collaboration.”

In 2026, AeroFly will build a 30-foot model of its space technology and will take part in a series of parabolic flights, which will see its auger-inspired technology tested in microgravity.

From the classroom to the cosmos, AeroFly exemplifies how �ձ�av��Ƶ’s research, partnerships and student innovation are driving solutions that extend far beyond South Dakota — proving the path to Mars runs through Brookings.

Volcanic eruptions are known to blast heat and ash into the sky but, oddly, they can also cool the planet. Now, scientists from �ձ�av��Ƶ have found fresh evidence of this effect hidden in Antarctic ice.

Jihong Cole-Dai, distinguished professor in the College of Natural Sciences, has made numerous trips to both the North Pole and South Pole to retrieve ice cores — cylinders of ice that are drilled from the depths of glaciers and ice sheets. When studied, ice cores can reveal evidence of important climatic events like volcanic eruptions, dust storms and wind patterns. These ice cores allow scientists to reconstruct the climatic history of the world.

A new analysis of polar ice cores detected signals from five major volcanic eruptions that occurred in the 13th century. It turns out that, while volcanoes burn hot in the moment, their lasting impact can be chilling.

"The number of very large volcanic eruptions in the 13th century (A.D. 1201–1300) was higher than in any other century in the last several thousand years," Cole-Dai said. "The high number makes this century highly important and susceptible to volcanic influence on climate variations in the last millennium."

Large volcanic eruptions often have a two-, sometimes three-year effect on the Earth's climate. But what happens to the climate with repeated major eruptions in a relatively short amount of time?

Cole-Dai believes feedback mechanisms in the climate system have a compounding effect that can change the baseline level of the climate — with long-term consequences. The five eruptions occurring over a span of approximately 55 years in the 13th century may have helped trigger what is known as the “Little Ice Age,” a cold period that lasted from around A.D. 1300 to 1850.

At a time when universities nationwide are facing steep enrollment declines, �ձ�av��Ƶ continues to defy the trend — growing enrollment, maintaining high retention and efficiently advancing its mission as the state’s largest, most comprehensive and highest-performing university.

�ձ�av��Ƶ’s fall 2025 enrollment stands at 12,139 students, its largest since 2017 and an increase of 74 students from last year. The university welcomed 2,276 new first-time students, the fourth-largest freshman class in its history, while total credit hours climbed to 144,855, up 2,043 from 2024.

“�ձ�av��Ƶ is the destination of choice for students in our state, across the region and around the world,” President Barry Dunn said. “Our growth, particularly among South Dakotans, is a strong vote of confidence in our academic quality, value and the opportunities available at �ձ�av��Ƶ.”

More than 56% of �ձ�av��Ƶ’s students — nearly 6,840 — are South Dakota residents, an increase of 2.3% from last year. Students from 48 states and 78 countries call �ձ�av��Ƶ home, reflecting the university’s expanding national and global reach. Within South Dakota, 17% of first-time students come from the Sioux Falls metro area, the state’s largest population base.

�ձ�av��Ƶ continues to lead in student success and retention, reporting an 83% retention rate, the second highest in institutional history and among the best in the region. “Retention is one of the most important measures of academic quality and the overall student experience,” Dunn said. “Our success in this area reflects the exceptional work of our faculty, advisers and student support staff.”

Efficiency and impact remain hallmarks of �ձ�av��Ƶ’s performance. The university accounts for 34% of all students in the South Dakota Board of Regents system and generates 38% of full-time enrollment and credit hours, the highest share of any public institution in the state.

�ձ�av��Ƶ’s strength in high-demand academic programs — including nursing, business economics, engineering, animal science and human biology — continues to support workforce needs across the state. Meanwhile, doctoral enrollment grew to 280 students, reinforcing the university’s progress toward R1: Very High Research Activity status under its “Pathway to Premier 2030” strategic plan.

“These results affirm that �ձ�av��Ƶ continues to be a model for an efficient, high-performing and forward-looking land-grant university,” Dunn said. “Our mission of access, academic excellence and research innovation is stronger than ever.”

Responding quickly to industry demand, the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering launched a new surface mount technology program — one of only two in the nation — to meet the growing need for engineers and technicians skilled in advanced electronics manufacturing.

Surface mount technology, the process of mounting electrical components directly onto printed circuit boards, powers virtually every modern device — from cell phones and computers to video displays and scoreboards. When Daktronics, a Brookings-based global leader in electronic displays, approached �ձ�av��Ƶ in 2023 about workforce challenges in surface mount technology, the university mobilized swiftly. Within months, the program was approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents, with both an undergraduate minor and graduate certificate now available.

“Each surface mount technology line at Daktronics relies on engineers to program and troubleshoot complex processes,” said Dave Philips, Daktronics engineering manager and chair of the new industry advisory council. “Finding experienced engineers is difficult, and this program gives students a head start in a high-demand field.”

The program — housed in the Department of Construction and Concrete Industry Management — combines classroom instruction with immersive, hands-on experience at industry job sites. Students complete an 18-credit undergraduate minor or 12-credit graduate certificate, learning directly from industry professionals at partner companies including Daktronics, Spartronics (Watertown), Dakota Digital (Sioux Falls), EI Microcircuits (Mankato) and others.

Its first graduate, Wylie Wiebe of Dawson, Minnesota, earned the minor in summer 2024 after interning at Daktronics. “I got to see every stage of the process — from screen printing to soldering and programming pick-and-place machines,” he said. “It’s a field that’s going to keep growing.”

The new program also complements South Dakota’s strategic priorities in advanced manufacturing, automation and robotics. “Manufacturers in our region have world-class technology but not enough people,” said Carrie Steinlicht, senior lecturer and program coordinator. “By working directly with our industry partners, we’re helping fill that skills gap and strengthen the state’s largest sectors.”

Through programs like surface mount technology, �ձ�av��Ƶ continues to distinguish itself as a high-performing, efficient university that delivers innovative workforce solutions for South Dakota’s economy.

Student success is more than a goal at �ձ�av��Ƶ — it’s a shared commitment that defines the Jackrabbits student experience. Through the work of the Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center and the newly created Student Engagement Center, �ձ�av��Ƶ is providing students with the resources, guidance and sense of belonging they need to thrive.

Since launching as the Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center in 2021, the center has been the heart of academic support at �ձ�av��Ƶ. Nearly half of all students use its services each year, whether through tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic advising or mentoring. The center brings together faculty, professional advisers and peer leaders to help students navigate their academic journey, set goals and find the right path to success.

“Wintrode represents our commitment to meeting students where they are,” said Dennis Hedge, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The data shows that students who use these services are more likely to stay on track and graduate on time. It’s a powerful reflection of what happens when faculty and staff collaborate across the university.”

That collaborative spirit inspired the launch of the new Student Engagement Center, a cross-campus initiative bringing together offices and programs focused on leadership development, student involvement, volunteerism and campus life. Located within the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, the center is designed to strengthen connections between students and the university community while building a greater sense of belonging.

Together, these two centers represent �ձ�av��Ƶ’s comprehensive approach to student success — combining academic support with meaningful engagement. Whether a student seeks help mastering organic chemistry, finds a mentor through the First-Generation Student Program or leads a student organization that serves the Brookings community, the message is clear: at �ձ�av��Ƶ, every student matters.

The work is already paying dividends. Record-high retention rates — 83% from freshman to sophomore year — and increased student participation in academic and cocurricular programs demonstrate the power of intentional investment. Through innovation, collaboration and care, �ձ�av��Ƶ continues to create an environment where every student can succeed, belong and lead, embodying the university’s commitment to opportunity for all.

�ձ�av��Ƶ continues to strengthen its physical environment through thoughtful planning, maintenance and strategic investment. A vibrant, well-maintained campus supports academic excellence, student success and community pride — core elements of �ձ�av��Ƶ’s “Pathway to Premier 2030” strategic plan.

This past year, �ձ�av��Ƶ Facilities and Services advanced several major construction and renovation projects that enhance learning spaces, student life and campus operations, including work on the McFadden Biostress Laboratory, Larson Commons, Waneta Hall, Sioux Falls Metro Center, Larson Commons at Yeager Hall, Cottonwood Field Station and the Black Hills State University-Rapid City nursing facility for the College of Nursing at �ձ�av��Ƶ.

Across campus, investments in academic and research infrastructure continue to align with �ձ�av��Ƶ’s pursuit of Research 1 classification. Work advanced on the McFadden HVAC system to support research labs, a new sanitary sewer system through main campus, updated chilled and domestic water systems and data center enhancements.

Maintenance and renovation projects throughout the year prioritized sustainability, accessibility and safety. The university’s commitment to energy efficiency includes continued upgrades to heating, ventilation and lighting systems, along with modernization of campus utility infrastructure. Facilities staff completed major roof replacements, masonry repairs and ADA accessibility improvements across academic and residential buildings — ensuring that �ձ�av��Ƶ remains a safe and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Residence halls and student support facilities also received significant attention. Updates to dining areas enhanced the student experience and extended the useful life of campus assets.

�ձ�av��Ƶ’s Facilities and Services team maintains more than 190 buildings and 4.3 million square feet of space across the Brookings campus and statewide sites. Their work ensures that classrooms, laboratories, farms and research stations remain operational year-round, despite South Dakota’s demanding climate.

Through collaboration with the South Dakota Board of Regents, state leaders and private partners, South Dakota State continues to invest strategically in facilities that reflect its status as a leading land-grant university. These ongoing improvements are more than construction projects — they are investments in the people and programs that define �ձ�av��Ƶ’s mission to provide transformative education, foster innovation and serve the people of South Dakota.

�ձ�av��Ƶ student-athletes continue to demonstrate excellence in competition, the classroom and the community. Competing in 19 Division I sports, they embody the Jackrabbits spirit of hard work, teamwork and integrity. Their achievements elevate �ձ�av��Ƶ’s national profile, strengthen campus pride and reflect the university’s mission to develop leaders who make a difference on and off the field.

1. South Dakota State teams won conference titles in eight different sports and made four NCAA postseason appearances during 2024-25, continuing a tradition of dominance that includes more than 55 conference crowns in the last decade. �ձ�av��Ƶ has claimed the Summit League Commissioners Cup each of the last five seasons, given annually to the institution whose athletics programs finish the highest among all league-sponsored men’s and women’s sports.
2. The Jackrabbits men’s cross-country team recently won its 10th consecutive Summit League title. Senior Cody Larson won his first men’s individual crown.
3. The Jackrabbits’ 540 student-athletes achieved a 3.52 cumulative GPA, marking the 15th consecutive year above 3.3. Twenty-one of 19 programs posted team GPAs above 3.0, and 77% of Jackrabbits earned Dean’s List or Honor Roll recognition, exemplifying the university’s balance of academic rigor and athletic success.
4. The Jackrabbits football team earned its 14th straight FCS playoff appearance and 15th postseason appearance overall, fueling unprecedented national exposure for �ձ�av��Ƶ and reinforcing the university’s culture of sustained excellence and teamwork. The 15 postseason appearances rank the Jackrabbits among the top 10 all-time for playoff appearances by an FCS team.
5. �ձ�av��Ƶ women’s basketball continued its championship tradition, earning a Summit League regular-season title and a 12th NCAA Tournament berth. The team also ranked in the top 10 nationally in NCAA Academic Progress Rate, demonstrating the commitment to both championship performance and classroom achievement.
6. The Jackrabbits volleyball team earned its second consecutive at-large invitation to the NCAA tournament after winning the Summit League regular season title for the second straight year. During the past two seasons, �ձ�av��Ƶ has compiled a 50-8 overall record and a 31-1 record in Summit League play. During the 2025 season, six members of the �ձ�av��Ƶ volleyball program earned Summit League year-end accolades. The group is headlined by Sylvie Zgonc and Dan Georgalas repeating as Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively. Joining Zgonc on the Summit League First Team is Madison Burr, Rylee Martin and Sydni Schetnan. Hannah Klein was named to the All-Freshman Team.

7. More than 230 student-athletes participated in community outreach in 2024-25, volunteering over 2,800 hours in Brookings and across South Dakota. Their engagement underscores �ձ�av��Ƶ’s land-grant mission — serving communities, mentoring youth and building pride statewide through the spirit of the Jackrabbits.