DSU 2.0

Blast From The Past

  • 1885: Size of first graduating class: 2
  • 1890: Tuition per 19-week semester: $2.25
  • 1912: First year of inter-collegiate athletics
  • 1913: Men on athletic teams averaged 140 lbs.
  • 1926: Enrollment: 380
  • 1945: The football team was all female
  • 1950: Tuition, room & board per year: $534.39
  • 1969: Name changed to Dakota State College
  • 1970: Enrollment: 1326
  • 1984: New mission: computer-related instruction
  • 1989: Name changed to Dakota State University
  • 1998: DSU ranks among "most wired" campuses
  • 2001: 97 distance education courses offered
  • 2009: Enrollment: 2861
  • 2010: Enrollment: 3101
  • 2010: Named #1 public regional college in the Midwest according to US News & World Report for 5th consecutive year

The DSU 2.0 story begins in 1881.

Founded in 1881 as the Normal School, we filled a gap in Dakota Territory, supplying the region's first teacher training institute.

In that hardscrabble time of sod huts, kerosene lanterns and covered wagons, teachers were treasured. People knew that teachers brought the light of education, progress and hope to prairie communities.

Through training teachers, Dakota State University was essential to the development, growth and success of South Dakota.

 

Dakota State University Mission

History The Legislature established Dakota State University as an institution specializing in programs in computer management, computer information systems, and other related undergraduate and graduate programs as outlined in SDCL 13-59-2.2.

A special emphasis is the preparation of the elementary and secondary teachers with expertise in the use of computer technology and information processing in the teaching and learning process.

The Board of Regents implemented SDCL 13-59-2.2 by authorizing undergraduate and graduate programs that are technology-infused and promote excellence in teaching and learning.

These programs support research, scholarly and creative activities and provide service to the State of South Dakota and the region. Dakota State University is a member of the South Dakota System of Higher Education.