Monday Message, Sept. 14
Jackrabbits community,
A rainy Monday morning welcomes us after another exciting weekend at South Dakota State University. The Jackrabbits football team earned a victory over New Haven, and we celebrated another successful Beef Bowl. Thousands of visitors experienced our campus this past week, and I appreciate everyone who helped showcase what it means to be a Jackrabbit.
Before looking to the excitement of this week, I want to recognize the SDSU Alumni & Foundation for an incredible 10th annual One Day for STATE last Thursday. More than 6,400 donors came together to raise over $3.4 million in just 24 hours. The power of giving creates the margin of excellence that allows our university to provide exceptional opportunities for our students, support our faculty and staff, and advance our teaching, research and outreach missions. Thank you to everyone who participated and demonstrated the remarkable generosity of the Jackrabbits family.
This week brings another important milestone as we celebrate the grand opening of the SDSU Metro Center in Sioux Falls on Thursday. The ribbon cutting begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by tours and an SDSU Block Party from 5-6:30 p.m. This new facility represents another significant investment and brings many of the services and educational opportunities we have been providing in Sioux Falls for decades into one facility and under a stronger SDSU brand. The Metro Center will enhance access to the benefits of higher education, which will only strengthen and continue to serve the workforce needs of our state.
On Thursday and Friday, we will also welcome Eric Kirby, Ph.D., to campus for professional development sessions focused on Generation Z and Generation Alpha students and employees. I encourage faculty and staff to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about effectively engaging the generations we teach, mentor and work alongside. Session information is included below.
Saturday promises another busy day as Jackrabbits football hosts Youngstown State for the Dairy Drive at 6 p.m. in Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, where another sellout is expected and thousands more people will be visiting our wonderful campus. Our volleyball team will also travel to Sioux Falls for matches against Washington and Minnesota at the Sanford Pentagon.
Finally, I want to thank everyone for your contributions to another strong fall enrollment as noted last week in a message from my office. Nearly 12,000 students are enrolled at SDSU, including 2,276 first-time undergraduate students — one of the five largest incoming classes in university history. Nearly 7,000 South Dakota residents are enrolled, our highest number in 11 years, while 1,272 first-time students are from South Dakota, an increase of nearly 8% from last year.
Enrollment is not the responsibility of one office or division. Every interaction shapes whether students choose SDSU, remain Jackrabbits and ultimately graduate. These numbers reflect your collective commitment to our students and our land-grant mission. I cannot thank you enough.
I want to wish everyone a wonderful week and recognize you for everything you do to make SDSU a premier land-grant university. It makes being a Jackrabbit so very special.
Sincerely,
Barry H. Dunn, President
Above and Beyond recognizes individuals and groups of South Dakota State University employees, faculty and students for individual and team efforts that go Above and Beyond to make the campus community a better place.
The literal roots of today’s Above and Beyond go way back — all the way to 1925.
It began with an SDSU pioneer who revolutionized agriculture and is credited with saving 25 million people from starvation.
Edgar S. McFadden was the university’s official plant breeder. His wheat variety Hope was resistant to both stem and leaf rust. Created in 1925, it increased food production, prevented crop loss and helped feed the Allies in World War II. The importance of Hope cannot be overstated.
Today, we’re recognizing the hard work of those on campus who chose not to let McFadden’s legacy fade.
On Aug. 29, dozens of people convened outside the Raven Precision Agriculture Center and McFadden Biostress Laboratory to dedicate H.O.P.E. a Helix of Resilience: The Life, Journey and Legacy of Edgar S. McFadden. The 24-foot sculpture by Reinaldo Correa is surrounded by informative plaques detailing McFadden’s story and impact.
The first people to recognize for making the sculpture and the dedication happen are Daniel Scholl, vice president for research and economic development at SDSU, and Allie Arp, director of marketing and communications for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Others who deserve accolades for the sculpture and its dedication include:
- Jim Connors, project lead
- Tanner Aiken, installation and jury member
- Donna Merkt, artist selection jury lead
- Joe Cassady, Endowment Council chair
- Karen Sanguinet, Endowment Council member
- Kyle Gustafson, Endowment Council member
- Jon Kleinjan, Endowment Council member
- Jennifer Scharpe, Endowment Council member
- Mark Sandager, Endowment Council member
- Neal Foster, jury member, past Endowment Council member
- Reid Christopherson, jury member, past Endowment Council member
- Diana Behl, jury member
- Rachel Goldsmith, jury member
- David Wright, past Endowment Council member and past project lead
- Lora Perkins, jury member
- Yajun Wu, jury member
- Gary Anderson, jury member
- Karl Glover, expert consultant and artist educator
- Sunish Sehgal, expert consultant and artist educator
- Melanie Caffe, expert consultant and artist educator
That is by no means an exhaustive list, so thank you to everyone who assisted with the McFadden sculpture dedication, including those with Facilities and Services who worked on installing the art piece and maintaining the beautiful landscaping around it.
Many wheat varieties to this day contain genetic material from the Hope variety. The hard work of the above individuals will also impact South Dakota long after the end of the dedication — for as long as there’s H.O.P.E. on campus.
The Monday Message appears weekly during the academic year and less frequently during the summer months and holiday breaks.
Information for the Monday Message, including nominations for Above and Beyond, can be submitted online.
Fourth Annual John Enke Memorial 5K Run/Walk
SDSU Student Health Clinic and Counseling Services and HEROH will host the fourth annual John Enke Memorial 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention and Awareness on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9-11 a.m. at the Thompson Center, 802 11th Ave. in Brookings.
The free event honors the life of SDSU alumnus John Enke while encouraging conversation and building awareness around suicide prevention.
The morning begins at 9 a.m. with an art exhibition designed to encourage discussion about suicide prevention and awareness. The 5K run/walk will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m., with the route starting and ending at the Thompson Center.
Parking is available at the Pugsley Continuing Education Center near the intersection of Medary Avenue and Eighth Street.
The event is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to register in advance using the event registration link. Volunteers for the event are also needed.
Jacks Stand Together
In partnership with campus and community organizations, the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management is continuing Jacks Stand Together, an initiative reflecting SDSU’s commitment to safety, respect and community.
Fall events include:
- CommUNITY Meeting: It’s More Important to Be Interested than to Be Interesting – Sept. 14, 7-8:30 p.m., Volstorff Ballroom
- What’s in a Knapsack?: How Group Identities and Social Locations Carry Meaning in Society – Oct. 6, 4-5 p.m.
- Navigating Difficult Conversations: A Toolkit for the Journey – Oct. 28, 3-4 p.m., Lewis and Clark Room
- Navigating Difficult Conversations: Pathways to Forgiveness – Nov. 4, 3-4 p.m., Dakota Room
Dean of Students Listening Sessions will be held Sept. 17, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 22, Nov. 6 and Nov. 19 at various times and locations in the University Student Union.
Coffee with a Cop provides additional opportunities for informal conversation with campus law enforcement:
- Sept. 21, 9-10:30 a.m., Union Coffee
- Oct. 13, 2-3:30 p.m., Dairy Bar
- Nov. 23, 1-2:30 p.m., Starbucks at Southeast Apartments
Campus organizations with events that align with Jacks Stand Together or ideas for future programming are encouraged to contact Toby Uecker at 605-688-4493.
Upcoming College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Events
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences invites the campus and Brookings communities to participate in two upcoming events highlighting agriculture, experiential learning and connections with industry.
Farm to Finish Line and Breakfast on the Farm – Sept. 26
The inaugural Farm to Finish Line begins with a 3.9-mile cross-country style run/walk at 8 a.m. at the Ruminant Nutrition Center. The course will take participants through the Dairy Research and Training Facility, pastures and crop fields, past the SDSU Feed Mill and back to the Ruminant Nutrition Center.
Following the race, everyone is invited to a free Breakfast on the Farm from 9:30 a.m.-noon. The event will feature interactive agricultural activities for children and families, including opportunities to interact with farm animals, plant seeds, make butter and learn more about where food comes from. Race registration and additional information are available on the event webpage.
Precision Connect – Oct. 6
The campus community is invited to Precision Connect, a showcase featuring SDSU’s future agriculture professionals. Students from agronomy, horticulture and plant science, agricultural and biosystems engineering, and the global agricultural leadership program will present posters highlighting their summer internship experiences.
New this year, the poster session will be followed by two panel discussions exploring what employers look for in internship candidates and what students seek from internship experiences. All students, advisers and internship coordinators, regardless of department, are encouraged to attend.
Additional information about both events is available through the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
21st Annual eLearning Online Conference: Shaping the Future of eLearning
Instructional Design Services will host South Dakota State University’s 21st annual eLearning Online Conference: Shaping the Future of eLearning on Oct. 1-2. The free, two-day virtual conference will bring together SDSU faculty, eLearning experts and industry partners to explore innovations and strategies transforming higher education.
Sessions will cover practical applications of Microsoft Copilot, a faculty-led panel discussion on AI in teaching and learning, working with multiple AI models through Boodle, and emerging eLearning applications. Additional topics include digital accessibility, course design, online teaching strategies, microcredentials and the future of workforce-ready learning.
Conference schedule:
- Thursday, Oct. 1, 8:10 a.m.-4:50 p.m. CDT
- Friday, Oct. 2, 8 a.m.-3:50 p.m. CDT
Participation is free for SDSU faculty and staff. Faculty teaching face-to-face, hybrid or online courses are encouraged to participate and connect with colleagues during two days of learning, collaboration and innovation.
Registration is available through the conference registration form.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha Workshop
South Dakota State University will welcome Eric Kirby, Ph.D., to campus Thursday and Friday for a professional development opportunity focused on Generation Z and Generation Alpha students and employees. Kirby is a national leader in generational engagement and leadership development and author of the 2024 book “Leading Gen Z: Insights and Strategies for Managing, Parenting and Teaching Generation Z.”
All sessions will be held in the Pheasant/Crest Room 253 of the University Student Union
Thursday, Sept. 17
- 9-10:15 a.m. – Academic Leadership and the Generational Shift
- 10:30 a.m.-noon – Leading Multigenerational Teams
- 1-2 p.m. – Understanding Today’s Student-Athlete
- 2-3:30 p.m. – Teaching Generation Z
- 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Career Readiness and Future-Ready Graduates
Friday, Sept. 18
- 9-10:30 a.m. – Teaching Generation Z (repeat of Thursday session)
- 10:45 a.m.-noon – Frontline Service for Generation Z and Generation Alpha
- 1-2:30 p.m. – Connecting with Gen Z: Communication That Builds Engagement and Trust
- 2:45-4 p.m. – Well-being, Resilience and Student Success
Faculty and staff are encouraged to attend sessions that align with their roles and interests. Additional information about Kirby is available on his website.
Student Essential Needs Hub
The Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management has launched the Student Essential Needs Hub, or The Hub, to help students access resources that address essential needs and support their academic success.
The Hub provides a centralized, student-focused resource connecting students with food assistance, emergency aid, clothing, transportation support, household essentials, financial wellness education and university and community services.
Initially, The Hub will bring together existing resources and services in one online location, making it easier for students to identify and access available support. As additional resources are secured and a permanent location is established, The Hub will continue to expand its services.
Learn more, access resources and find opportunities to get involved by visiting the Student Essential Needs Hub webpage. Updates are also available through The Hub’s Instagram and Facebook accounts.
CommUNITY Meetings: Connection, Constitution and Civic Engagement
Two upcoming CommUNITY Meetings will provide opportunities to connect with others, strengthen community and participate in civic engagement.
On Sept. 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Volstorff Ballroom, Kim Bartling and the Humanity Launch will present “It’s More Important to Be Interested than to Be Interesting.” The interactive program will explore how curiosity and meaningful interpersonal communication can create deeper connections, build stronger communities and foster a sense of belonging.
In celebration of Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day, “From the Constitution to the Ballot Box” will be held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 17 on the second floor of Lincoln Hall. Activities will include voter registration, voting rights trivia, pizza and guest speakers discussing information voters should know before participating in an election.
The events are presented through partnerships involving Student Connection and Engagement, the Student Engagement Center, the School of American and Global Studies, Jacks Stand Together, Yellow, Blue & You and the Humanity Launch.
SDSU Employees Free Access to Miller Wellness Center
SDSU employees and their families can enjoy free access to the Miller Wellness Center from Sept. 20-27. Employees simply need to present their employee ID for access.
Employees who join the Miller Wellness Center during the free access week can also have their initial membership cost waived when enrolling through payroll deduction or electronic funds transfer. Membership must remain active for at least six months to qualify.
For questions or additional information, contact the Miller Wellness Center membership office at 605-688-5521.
IDS Fall Training Schedule
Instructional Design Services has released its fall 2026 training schedule, featuring sessions focused on digital accessibility and teaching in the artificial intelligence era. Workshops include refresher sessions on creating accessible D2L courses, AI prompting strategies for course development and using the Copilot Create Agent for content creation.
New this fall is the Friday Faculty Drop-in, a casual Zoom session held every other Friday from 12:10-12:50 p.m. Faculty can stop by for quick support, course feedback or assistance with eLearning applications from an IDS team member.
Training opportunities also include eLearning workshops and the SDSU Online Instructor Certification Program, which is open to faculty, academic staff and graduate teaching assistants.
For the complete training schedule, visit the IDS 2026 fall schedule. Questions may be directed to Instructional Design Services. IDS looks forward to supporting faculty and staff throughout the semester.
Theatre: A New Brain
The School of Performing Arts, Department of Theatre and Dance, opens its 2026-27 season, “Second Chances,” with the musical “A New Brain” by William Finn and James Lapine.
Known for its quirky humor and poignant storytelling, “A New Brain” follows a children's television composer who, after being diagnosed with a life-threatening brain condition, confronts his mortality, relationships and the meaning of art.
Please note: This production contains mature language and themes.
Performances will be held in the Oscar Larson Theatre:
- Oct. 8-10 at 7 p.m.
- Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.
Tickets and additional information are available through the School of Performing Arts.
South Dakota Art Museum Exhibitions
The South Dakota Art Museum invites the campus and community to explore three featured exhibitions this fall.
“Flyover” brings together six longtime friends and artists from Flyover Country, showcasing individual works alongside collaborative pieces created through a unique process of shared artistic expression. Participating artists include Roger Broer, Bill Fleming, Dale Lamphere, Kenny Putnam, Susan Turnbull and Ray Tysdal. The exhibition celebrates friendship, experimentation and creative exchange and will be on display through early October.
“New Arrivals” highlights recent additions to the museum's permanent collection, many of which are on public display for the first time. The exhibition features paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography and textiles by artists including Harvey Dunn, Signe Stuart, Skye Gilkerson, Dyani White Hawk and others, reflecting the museum's commitment to preserving and expanding artistic voices.
“America in Art” commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring the promise and paradox of the nation's history. Through works that examine America's ideals, struggles, freedoms and contradictions, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the country's past while considering its future.
Faculty, staff, students and community members are encouraged to visit the South Dakota Art Museum and experience these thought-provoking exhibitions.
Updated Policies
New and updated university policies continue to be adopted and published. For the most recent updates, visit the New and Recently Revised Policies page on sdstate.edu.
