Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Dakota State University history
Dakota State University company history timeline
The citizens of Brookings raised over $600 and purchased land that had belonged to Randi Petersen on October 10, 1881.
1881 – Dakota State University is located in the ancestral territory of the Oceti Sakowin, an alliance made up of the Isanti, Ihanktunwan, and Titunwan.
The 1881 Act also established a Board of Trustees to oversee the operations of the college.
1884 – Appropriations secured, and construction begins on first college building – 50 x 70 feet, three stories, wood-frame structure.
1885 – The first graduating class consisted of two students.
Brookings, SD: Student Association, 1885-. Variant titles: College Sheaves, Dakota Collegian, South Dakota Collegian, SDSU Collegian, Industrial Collegian, South Dakota State University Collegian. [Microfilm: 378.783 So8.43]
1886 – Beadle Hall opened in September of 1886.
1888 – The Commercial Department (business training) was introduced.
1890 - The institution was founded as North Dakota Agricultural College (NDAC) as the research land-grant institution for the state of North Dakota.
1892 – “The Oyaka” was the first college paper (September 1892). The name was derived from the Dakota Indians, meaning, “messenger of herald.”
1895 – The three-year elementary course was extended to four years and the first-year elementary courses were extended to one and a half years of attendance.
1898 – The first summer school sessions were introduced at the normal school.
Hilton M. Briggs Library. " South Dakota State University Library Biennial Report." Brookings, SD: The Library, 1900-. [Books, Archives: Z733.S729 A3r]
1901 – President Beadle went on a year’s sick leave to regain his health.
1901 – East Hall was built as a women’s dormitory in 1901.
1902 – President Beadle returns as President.
1904 – East Wing (later called Kennedy Hall) was constructed, made of Dell Rapids’ granite.
"The Quirt." Brookings, SD: Junior Class, South Dakota Agricultural College, 1904. [Books, Archives: S537.S6 A52]
1905 – At this time, property, buildings, and equipment were valued at $140,000.
1905 – The first year the “Anemone” (college yearbook) was published.
1907 - Due to ill feelings, all athletic events between NDAC and the University of North Dakota (UND) are cancelled.
1909 – The long-abandoned West Hall was torn down to make way for the Science Hall, now the Tunheim Classroom Building.
1910 – The Science Hall was built, including the gymnasium.
1910 – Erection of Science Hall (gymnasium, later called Women’s Gym and Performing Art Center), now called Performing Arts Center.
Three years later, in 1910, athletic events between NDAC and UND resumed.
President Beadle retires as president, but stayed on as a professor of history, until 1912 when he retired.
1912 – First year of inter-collegiate athletic competition.
Madison Community Hospital (Heston Hall) was opened to the public on August 1, 1920.
North Dakota State University began its homecoming tradition in 1921.
The "Bison" nickname was adopted in March 1922.
1922 – A student health service was organized with R.S. Westaby as the first school doctor.
1923 – The Garden Theater was built on the west side of campus for $5,000.
1924 – The first Student Senate was organized in 1924-25, to offer a student voice in matters pertaining to student problems confronting the administration of the school.
United States "Address of President Coolidge Dedicating the Lincoln Memorial Library at the South Dakota State College, Brookings, S. Dak., Saturday, September 10, 1927." Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1927. [Archives: S537.S6 S60805 1927]
Powers, William Howard, ed. "A History of South Dakota State College." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, 1931. [Books, Archives, Reference: S537.S6 P6h]
1936 – Faculty member Gertrude Gill wrote a curriculum book titled “How to Teach Poetry.” The Karl Mundt Library has several copies, some available for checkout.
1937 – Statue of General W.H.H. Beadle erected on campus, a contribution from alumni, faculty, and friends.
Wiseman, Clinton Raymond. "Report to Rufus W. Stimson: Story of courses in agriculture of less than college grade at South Dakota State College." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State College, 1940.
South Dakota Dept. of Finance. "A Building Survey of South Dakota Institutions Under the Direction of the Regents of Education." Pierre, SD: 1950. [Books, SD Collection: LB3223.4.S63 S6]
1955 – East Wing was renamed Kennedy Hall in honor of C.B. Kennedy, the donor of the original 20-acre college site. “Kennedy Hall” sign donated as a memorial to Mr.
"South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts Building Survey." Brookings, SD: The College, 1955. [Archives: S537.S6 S60911 1955]
1957 – 24.81 acres of additional land was purchased for expansion of the college, three blocks north of the present campus.
1958 – Lowry Hall (for men) was completed, named after former President V.A. Lowry.
Wiseman, Clinton Raymond. "History and Development of Teacher Training in Agriculture at South Dakota State College." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State College, 1958.
1960 – Memorial Gym and the Fieldhouse were completed, built in conjunction with the National Guard.
1960 - NDAC succeeded in a four-decade struggle to change its name.
1961 – The Lake County Historical Museum was built on campus and donated to the State of South Dakota by George G. Smith and Lillian Zimmerman with a $75,000 initial donation, and $16,000 additional.
1963 – Campus School (Beadle High School) was destroyed by fire on January 19, leaving 350 students without a school.
1964 – Name of College changed to General Beadle State College.
1965 – Trojan Center and Higbee Hall were built.
South Dakota State University. "The President of South Dakota State University, Brookings Reports to the People of South Dakota." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State University, 19-- - 1965. [Books, Archives: S537.S6 A29]
South Dakota State University. "The President's Annual Report." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State University, 1966-.[Books, Archives: S537.S6 A29]
1968 – New Trojan Field was built north of the main campus.
The name Dakota State College was adopted in 1969.
1970 – Richardson Hall was built.
1971 – Heston Hall, the former Madison Hospital, was ready for use after renovation.
Schmeichel, Russel Lee. "The Historical Development of Intercollegiate Track and Field Athletics at South Dakota State University." Master's thesis, South Dakota State University, 1971. [Books, Archives: LB2385.Sch44]
Emmerich, Jim. "History of the Physical Education Program at South Dakota State University." Brookings, SD?: The Author, 1972? [Archives: S537.S6 E66]
South Dakota State University, Cooperative Extension Service. "History of Extension." Brookings, SD: South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service, 1973? [Archives: S537.S6 S6092 1973]
South Dakota State University, Lincoln Memorial Library. "Administrative memorandum." Brookings, SD: The Library, 1974-. Contains annual reports from each department.
1975 – Health Information Management program began.
South Dakota State University. "Seventeen Years: A Report from South Dakota State University." Brookings, SD: The University, 1975. [Books, Archives, Reference: S537.S6 S6095]
Raney, Leon and Dave Martin. "South Dakota State University, H.M. Briggs Library." Brookings, SD: The Library, 1977? A booklet about the new building issued shortly after occupancy. [Archives: S537.S6 S6082 1977]
Williamson, Warren E. "Intramural Sports History, South Dakota State University." Brookings, SD?: Williamson, 1978. [Archives: GV710.S56]
1980 – KDSU broadcast system on campus began.
LYNETTE MOLSTAD GORDER (1981), Professor of Business and Information Systems
Holter, Ilverine and Genevieve Johnson. "History of the College of Nursing, South Dakota State University." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State University, 1981. [Books, Archives: S537.S6 H57 1981]
1983 – Kennedy Hall closed as a portion of the east wall was damaged by lightning.
In 1984, the South Dakota Legislature and the South Dakota Board of Regents changed the mission of Dakota State to emphasize computer technology and information systems.
DORINE BENNETT (1987), Professor, Dean of the College of Business & Information Systems, Chair of HIM Department, Graduate Program Coordinator for MSHI, RHIA, FAHIMA,
Brown, Phillip L. "South Dakota State University's Library: A History." Brookings, SD: H.M. Briggs Library, South Dakota State University, 1987. [Books, Archives: S537.S6 S6081 1987]
On July 1, 1989, the South Dakota Legislature changed the name to Dakota State University to better reflect its purpose in the total scheme of the state's higher education system.
To reach broader audiences, including non-traditional, rural and international students, the institution began offering its quality, ground-breaking programs through distance course options in 1989.
After multiple name changes since its founding, DSU was granted university status and received its current name in 1989.
"Class Souvenir." Brookings, SD: The College, 1989. [Books, Archives: S537.S6 A519]
DANIEL MORTENSON (1994), Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems and Music
Hengeweld, Derek W. "Comparison of the Performance of the H.M. Briggs Library's Cooling System with Manufacturer's rated Performance and a Common Mathematical Model." Master's thesis, South Dakota State University, 1998. [Books, Archives: LB2385.H3674]
South Dakota State University. "The Inaugural Celebration of Doctor Peggy Gordon Elliott." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State University, 1998.
1999 – The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) extended DSU's accreditation to include the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS).
OMAR F. EL-GAYAR (2000), Professor of Information Systems
2000 – YAHOO magazine recognized DSU as 9th in the nation for being wired.
2000 – Madison Community Center opened, a joint recreation building for use by campus and the Madison community.
South Dakota State University. "SDSU President's Faculty Committee: Two-year Report." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State University, Office of the President, 2000-. [Books, Archives: S537.S6 S60166]
South Dakota State University. "Doctor Hilton M. Briggs Memorial Service: November 28, 2001." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State University, 2001.
BRENT TULLOSS (2001), Instructor of Information Systems
2001 – Eight-Plex housing built north of campus.
Videorecording. [SD Collection, Audio Visual: S537.S6 S60953 2001 Video]
KEVIN STREFF (2002), Professor of Information Assurance
2002 – DSU was named 3rd in US News & World Report Top Midwestern Public Comprehensive Colleges, and on the list of "Best Online Graduate Degree Programs."
2003 – DSU Champion Scholarships were first offered.
Dunkle, Amy with V.J. Smith. "The College on the Hill: A Sense of South Dakota State University History." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State University Alumni Association, c2003. [Books, SD Collection: S537.S6 C86 2003]
2004 - In August 2004, NDSU expanded its campus to downtown Fargo.
In Spring 2004, DSU was one of ten colleges in the country named a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency.
2004 – Doctor Jerald Tunheim retired after 17 years as President and was succeeded by Doctor Doug Knowlton.
Renaissance Hall (initially called NDSU Downtown) opened to classes in fall 2004.
2005 – DSU installed the Walk of Honor on the west edge of campus to honor donors.
2005 – The Doctor of Science degree in information systems approved by Board of Regents (BOR).
CHRIS OLSON (2006), Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems
2006 – DSU celebrated its 125th year with a series of celebrations throughout the year.
South Dakota State University, Office of University Relations. "Woodbine Cottage." Brookings, SD: South Dakota State University, Office of University Relations, 2006. [Books, Archives, SD Collection: S537.S6 W66 2006]
Richard H. Barry Hall held its first classes in fall 2008 and Klai Hall was dedicated on Oct.
2009 – The Tunheim Classroom Building was dedicated in September.
2009 – DSU established the Center for the Advancement of Health Information Technology (CAHIT).
Cecil, Chuck. "The sky's the limit: South Dakota State University's Coughlin campanile and the man who made it possible." Sioux Falls, S.D. : Pine Hill Press, 2009. [SD Collection: S537.S6 C43 2009]
LINDA J. PARKS (2010) Associate Professor of Health Information Management
2010 – DSU’s Doug Knowlton become the first president of a public university in South Dakota to have an active Twitter account.
JUN LIU (2012), Associate Professor of Information Systems and Graduate Program Coordinator for MSA
2013 – DSU received a $5 million gift from alumnus Miles Beacom and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.
INSU PARK (2014) Assistant Professor of Information Systems
2014 – DSU receives a $5 million gift from Miles Beacom and T. Denny Sanford.
2015 – Doctor José-Marie Griffiths become the 23rd DSU President.
DAVID BISHOP (2016), Associate Professor of Information Systems
2017 – Miles and Lisa Beacom and T. Denny Sanford announced a $30 million gift to Dakota State that will be used to construct the Madison Cyber Labs, or MadLabs®, provide for scholarships and faculty and staff development, and develop programs.
2017 – Hope Juntunen was named a Goldwater Scholar, the first DSU student so honored.
2018 – The number of women enrolled in The Beacom College is up almost 300% in the past five years, due in part to efforts of the outreach program CybHER.
2018 – President Griffiths was invited to attend a first-of-its-kind State-Federal Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education Summit hosted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
2018 – DSU becomes the first institution in the state to offer an online Elementary Education degree.
2018 – Lowry Hall was demolished to make room for the new Madison Cyber Labs construction.
2019 – DSU carries out their first “DSU Giving Day” on March 22.
2019 – The Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs®) was formally dedicated on October 2, 2019.
2019 – Campus Watch was created to increase a campus security presence during the evening hours with employees each evening providing safe chaperone services for students, staff, and faculty members.
2019 – The South Dakota Advantage is announced, a tuition program that state public universities offer new freshman and new transfer students from Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Colorado to give them a tuition rate equivalent to the resident undergraduate rate.
2019 – Doctor Ashley Podhradsky was selected as one of 125 IF/THEN Ambassadors with the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
2019 – Dakota State joined the collegiate world of esports.
2019 – First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, along with Miles and Lisa Beacom, made a lead gift of $10 million towards the Trojans Unite Capital Campaign.
2019 – The Karl Mundt Library celebrated the 50th anniversary of its dedication.
2019 – Dakota State introduced two new telepresence robots, Dewey and Cosmo.
2020 – After spring break, the DSU campus moved to all online classes for the spring semester, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020 – Dakota State and Sanford Health announce a CyberHealth Strategic Alliance, to partner on innovation and research, and create workforce and economic development opportunities.
2020 - DSU’s Health Information Technology program celebrated 45 years since the creation of the program’s first associate degree.
Ranked among The Best Online Colleges in South Dakota for 2020 by TheBestSchools.org - Dakota State University offers a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs through four colleges.
2021 – DSU Cyber Operations student Gabe Lamb was chosen for the US Space Force.
2021 –DSU launched “Cyberology” podcast, about all things cyber and technology.
2021 – Doctor Ashley Podhradsky was one of 125 Women in STEM honored with a life-size statue, displayed around the country.
2021 – Four Dakota students and alumni have been named to the first-ever US Cyber Games team.
2021— The Forum on History and Ethics has been created, to bring speakers to campus to consider how history and ethics relate to technology.
2022 – The Trojans Unite Comprehensive Campaign was launched, with the goal of raising $250 million for athletics, cyber-research, and academic success.
Rate how well Dakota State University lives up to its initial vision.
Dakota State University jobs
Do you work at Dakota State University?
Does Dakota State University communicate its history to new hires?
Dakota State University competitors
| Company name | Founded date | Revenue | Employee size | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern State University | 1901 | $71.6M | 120 | - |
| Black Hills State University | 1883 | $5.0M | 595 | - |
| Central Washington University | 1891 | $12.0M | 1,000 | 105 |
| University of Central Oklahoma | 1890 | $127.7M | 2,000 | 247 |
| Coppin State University | 1900 | $3.7M | 2 | - |
| Pittsburg State University | 1903 | $27.0M | 1,247 | 153 |
| Governors State University | 1969 | $5.0M | 1,395 | 62 |
| Northwestern Oklahoma State University | 1897 | $6.4M | 311 | - |
| Bellarmine University | 1950 | $86.0M | 1,203 | - |
| Northwest Missouri State University | 1905 | $15.0M | 1,338 | 60 |
Dakota State University history FAQs
Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of Dakota State University, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about Dakota State University. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at Dakota State University. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by Dakota State University. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of Dakota State University and its employees or that of Zippia.
Dakota State University may also be known as or be related to DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, DSU Physical Plant and Dakota State University.