Monday Message, Sept. 21
Jackrabbits community,
Another rainy Monday greets us as we begin another very busy week at South Dakota State University with opportunities to celebrate the generosity, excellence and impact of our university both on campus and across South Dakota.
First, final numbers are in from the 10th annual One Day for STATE, and again, we continue to set a standard of excellence when it comes to the generosity of our alumni, faculty, staff and students. A total of 6,949 donors came together to raise $3,538,288 for SDSU. Once again, gifts were received from all 50 states, including support from 678 students and 1,145 faculty and staff members.
I want to congratulate and thank the SDSU Alumni & Foundation, its social ambassadors and everyone who made One Day for STATE successful. Philanthropic support provides the margin of excellence that strengthens the student experience and advances our mission. For 10 consecutive years, Jackrabbits Nation has demonstrated what we can accomplish when we work together.
On Thursday, we will recognize another important investment in excellence during our University Leadership Honors ceremony at 4 p.m. in Founders Recital Hall. Nine additional faculty and staff positions have been endowed, providing lasting support for the talented people whose teaching, research, leadership and service move our university forward. Endowed positions are an important mark of distinction for a university, and I am grateful to the donors who make these investments possible. We will share those who become endowed position holders through a news release and highlight them in a future Above and Beyond in the Monday Message.
Friday will showcase the continued advancement of our agricultural research and education infrastructure. We will celebrate the grand reopening of the Cottonwood Field Station, located between Wall and Philip. Cottonwood is our oldest and largest Agricultural Experiment Station field station and is devoted entirely to range management — a discipline especially close to my heart. Modernization of the facility will expand its research capacity and further support our pursuit of R1 status. Tours begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by the ceremony at 9:30 a.m.
Later that same day at 3:30 p.m., we will cut the ribbon on our new transient animal facility on the western edge of our Brookings campus. The facility strengthens biosecurity for our campus herds while supporting research, animal science education and traditions such as Little International.
We conclude the week Saturday by welcoming hundreds of prospective students and their families for Senior Day. They will explore our academic programs, student organizations and campus resources before Jackrabbits football hosts Eastern Illinois at 6 p.m.
I encourage all of us to remember that every interaction these visitors have with SDSU helps shape their impression of our university. Whether welcoming a prospective student, conducting groundbreaking research or supporting our students each day, you help demonstrate what it means to be a Jackrabbit.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week and thank you for everything you do to make SDSU a premier land-grant university.
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.
Today, we’re recognizing:
- Christine Garst-Santos, director of SDSU’s School of American and Global Studies
- David Earnest, dean of SDSU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Amber Turner, communications coordinator for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- The entire staff of the dean’s office of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- The operations and box office teams for the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
Because of their hard work, more than 650 people streamed into Larson Memorial Concert Hall on Sept. 11 for the They Were There: Witnesses from Sept. 11 event.
This powerful event marked 25 years since the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, and reflected the 250th anniversary of the U.S. They Were There was presented by the SDSU College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. It was a free, public panel detailing firsthand accounts from that fated day.
Garst-Santos moderated the panel, composed all questions and guided the discussion. Turner created the event’s marketing strategy and introductory video.
Dean Earnest developed the idea and vision for the event. He also identified and recruited the speakers, who were:
- John Richards, a former FBI agent with experience in counterterrorism and emergency response
- JJ Sutherland, an award-winning former NPR correspondent and producer
- Retired Brig. Gen. Jeffrey R. Johnson, a former senior Air National Guard officer
The event didn’t center on the historical details of the day. It focused on the feelings and experiences of survivors and responders.
It was a way to honor the country’s losses and remember the displays of bravery and heroism from that day.
Several professors served as hosts for the speakers, including:
- Joshua Westwick, director of the School of Communication and Journalism
- Matt Miller, professor of practice in criminology
- Capt. Ken Olson, Air Force ROTC
Thanks to their work, the speakers held VIP conversations for students through the School of American and Global Studies, the Criminal Justice Club and Air Force ROTC.
Thank you to everyone who helped organize, publicize and pull off the panel. Your work helped our campus remember one of the darkest days in the country’s history.
The event also provided an especially powerful learning experience for our students, the majority of whom were born after the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Join me in applauding the above individuals and teams for a successful They Were There: Witnesses from Sept. 11 panel.
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.
Interim Student Travel Policy Training
A new training video is available to provide guidance on SDSU’s interim student travel policy. Faculty and staff who advise registered student organizations, sponsor student travel or otherwise support student travel activities are encouraged to review the training.
The 21-minute video provides important updates and outlines university expectations related to student travel. While the training focuses primarily on student travel, some components also apply to staff travel. University credentials are required to access the video through Panopto.
The training addresses many common questions related to the interim policy. Additional questions should be directed to the appropriate point of contact identified at the conclusion of the video.
The training video is also available on InsideState under Student Affairs in the Quick Links section.
F.O. Butler Foundation Awards for Excellence
Nominations are now open for the 2026-27 F.O. Butler Foundation Awards for Excellence. Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate colleagues whose exceptional work and contributions are deserving of recognition.
A notable change this year is an increase in the honorarium, with each award recipient receiving $5,000.
Updated award rubrics and nomination requirements are available for each award category. Nominators are encouraged to carefully review the criteria and requirements, as changes have been made from previous years.
Nominations must be submitted through the InfoReady platform by 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. For assistance with InfoReady, email the Division of Research and Economic Development or call 605-688-5642.
Questions about the F.O. Butler Awards Program may be directed to Yajun Wu at 605-688-5974 or Carson Sehr at 605-688-4112.
Feel Better. Work Better. Live Better
SDSU Extension is offering Better Choices, Better Health SD, a free, employer-approved virtual workshop for South Dakota Board of Regents employees living with a chronic health condition.
The interactive six-week workshop provides practical tools to help participants build confidence in managing their health, reduce stress and fatigue, stay active and productive, improve communication with healthcare providers, set realistic goals and connect with others facing similar experiences.
Sessions will be held virtually via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays from noon-1 p.m. CT, Oct. 19-Nov. 25. There is no cost to participate.
The program is designed for individuals living with diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, chronic pain, lung disease or other chronic conditions and focuses on developing skills to better manage health and improve quality of life.
Space is limited to encourage discussion and personalized support. Register online using the Better Choices, Better Health registration form or call 1-888-484-3800 for more information.
"Two Copies, Many Stories" America 250 Event
The School of American and Global Studies will host historian Emily Sneff, Ph.D., for “Two Copies, Many Stories” on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 6:30 p.m. in Founders Recital Hall at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.
Sneff, author of “When the Declaration of Independence Was News” and consulting curator for “The Declaration’s Journey” at the Museum of the American Revolution, will present a book talk and conversation exploring how news of the Declaration of Independence traveled in 1776.
The program will highlight the German-language broadside printed for the colonies’ approximately 275,000 German speakers — of which only two copies survive — and explore how the declaration circulated through broadsides, newspapers, public readings, translations and exchanges with Native nations.
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:
- 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 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:
- 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 is 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.
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.
Meet several of the artists featured in the exhibition during a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by an Artist Talk at 6:30 p.m., Thursday. Enjoy hearing from Susan Turnbull, Bill Fleming, and Roger Broer as they discuss their work, creative process, and the ideas behind the exhibition.
“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.
