News at SDState

Since 1986 the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has presented awards to support talented college sophomores and juniors who aspire to become this nation’s next generation of researchers in science, engineering and mathematics. This year Mason Pulse became the 12th recipient from South Dakota State University. The following Jackrabbit have been selected.

South Dakota State University math and physics double major Mason Pulse of Salem has become only the 12th SDSU student to be selected as a Goldwater Scholar. This is the 40th year in which the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has presented awards to support talented college sophomores and juniors who aspire to become this nation’s next generation of researchers in science, engineering and mathematics. There are 454 awards being presented for 2026-27. The students were selected from a field of 1,485 students nominated by 482 schools. Pulse becomes the first SDSU recipient since Timothy Paris in 2020.

South Dakota State University's Oceti Sakowin language minor is the only such program in the South Dakota Board of Regents system, but it is one of many language revitalization programs nationwide.

For South Dakota State University pharmacy student Abigail Pape, the path toward becoming a pharmacist has been shaped by equal parts curiosity, connection and the desire to make a meaningful difference.

Despite being the recipient of numerous awards over the years, including this year’s F.O. Butler Award for Excellence in Teaching, Tadd Hellwig, a professor of pharmacy practice in SDSU’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, didn’t always picture himself as an educator.

The South Dakota State University Department of Natural Resource Management invites the public to attend its 2026 International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists seminar. All are welcome to attend the event on Friday, April 17, at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

South Dakota State University professor Tyler Miller is the newly appointed director of the School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies. He joined the SDSU faculty in 2012 after earning his Ph.D. in experimental cognitive psychology from Texas A&M University. Miller’s appointment will officially begin in June 2026.

Two engineering graduates who have become pioneers in their field of expertise will be honored as Distinguished Engineers by the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering at South Dakota State University April 28. Selected as the 2026 Distinguished Engineers are Kent Klemme and Steve Warntjes.

Graduate students make up about 10% of the student population across more than 100 master’s degree and Ph.D. programs and specializations and 23 graduate certificate programs offered at South Dakota State University. Each graduate student is immersed in research and scholarship with the support of their advisor and the Graduate School staff. April 6-10 is Graduate Student Appreciation Week, a great opportunity to highlight a few graduate students at SDSU and the work they are accomplishing.

The Drone Club at South Dakota State University is hosting its fourth annual Drone Day on April 17. The event is free and open to the public.