Monday Message, Sept. 28
Jackrabbits community,
A warm fall day greets a new week and the last few days of September. The first month of the academic year has been a wonderful tribute to our students, faculty and staff. The learning and innovation that takes place on our campus each day is what makes us a leader in the state of South Dakota and a premier land-grant university. Thank you to everyone for a tremendous start to the academic year.
I would also like to recognize everyone who helped make another busy weekend at South Dakota State University possible. Friday provided two opportunities to celebrate important investments in our agricultural infrastructure. We enjoyed a wonderful grand reopening of the Cottonwood Field Station and the ribbon cutting for our new transient animal facility on the Brookings campus. Both facilities will strengthen our teaching and research capabilities while supporting our land-grant mission for generations to come.
On Saturday, we welcomed hundreds of prospective students and their families for Senior Day while also celebrating Family Weekend. We recognized the largest 50-year club celebration, while also inducting five new members to the Jackrabbits Sports Hall of Fame. Thank you to our faculty, staff and students who welcomed our visitors and shared what it means to be a Jackrabbit. The weekend concluded with another victory at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium as our football team defeated Eastern Illinois.
At halftime of the football game, I was honored to present Presidential Medallions, SDSU’s highest symbol of esteem and appreciation, to three individuals whose efforts have contributed significantly to our university and state over the years.
Mark Luecke, managing director and CEO of South Dakota Innovation Partners, has helped provide access to venture capital to commercialize university research and support startups impacting South Dakota agriculture. Jeff Lautt, an SDSU graduate and chief operating officer at POET, has championed bioproducts research, innovation and public-private partnerships that strengthen the bio-ag economy. Brenda Forman, a distinguished alumna, president of Ag Unity and executive director of the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives, has been a dedicated advocate for SDSU research and SDSU Extension throughout her 29-year career. Congratulations to Mark, Jeff and Brenda on this well-deserved recognition and allowing me the honor of celebrating your successes.
Finally, our search for SDSU’s next vice president for research and economic development is entering an important stage. The search committee has selected three finalists: John Blanton Jr., associate dean for research in our College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station; Thomas S. Risch, vice chancellor for research at Rutgers University-Camden; and Nicholas Hammond, most recently associate vice president for innovation and commercialization at Indiana University.
Each candidate will spend a day and a half on campus meeting with university and community stakeholders, including an open forum available to the campus community. I encourage you to learn more about the candidates, participate in the upcoming forums and provide feedback to the search committee.
Thank you for everything you do to make SDSU a premier land-grant university. It is an exciting time at SDSU, and I appreciate the many ways you contribute to our continued momentum.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week.
Go Jacks!
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.
On Sept. 10, Jackrabbits on campus and beyond came together for our 10th annual One Day for STATE. Like every year, donors made the most of 24 hours of hype, Jackrabbits pride and generosity for the institution. The difference this year is that the SDSU Alumni & Foundation, the campus community and SDSU supporters raised more than ever before.
In 24 hours — 86,400 seconds — we raised more than $3,538,288. That’s the most ever raised for One Day for STATE. It averages out to about $41 every second, $2,457 every minute and $147,428 every hour.
Our goal was to reach 5,000 individual donors during the event. We reached 6,949 passionate Jackrabbits around the globe for this beloved tradition this year! Their generosity led to our highest fundraising total yet.
An event like this doesn’t just happen. While One Day for STATE is just that — one day — the celebration is built on months of work from team members throughout the SDSU Alumni & Foundation and campus. Through the leadership of Erin Glidden and Jenn McCloud, who have built the program from concept to what we know today, One Day for STATE takes the work of many.
Whether it’s development personnel working with generous donors to secure challenge gifts, events and creative personnel who help design the look and feel of the day, or campus partners, students and staff who create content to bring attention to their specific projects and needs, One Day for STATE is the ultimate group project.
Not every university community gets to have a day that unites everyone around garnering support for programs in every corner of campus. It’s one of the things that makes SDSU and One Day for STATE special.
On behalf of a grateful university president, thank you to the SDSU Alumni & Foundation team.
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.
Careers in Student Affairs Month
October is Careers in Student Affairs Month, an opportunity to recognize and thank the professionals within South Dakota State University’s Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management for their contributions to the Jackrabbits experience.
Student Affairs and Enrollment Management teams support student success, well-being and personal growth throughout a student’s journey at SDSU. Their work ranges from recruiting and welcoming new students to creating safe and welcoming spaces, connecting students with career opportunities, promoting health and wellness, and fostering engagement and belonging through programs such as Meet State, Yellow, Blue & You and CommUNITY events.
The division includes the Miller Wellness Center, University Wellbeing, Student Health Clinic and Counseling Services, Fitness and Recreation, Jacks Dining, Office of Career Development, Student Union Operations and Event Services, Student Activities and Orientation, Student Engagement Center, Housing and Residential Life, Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and Enrollment Management.
Throughout October, the campus community is encouraged to recognize the many division professionals whose work cultivates access and opportunity, fosters learning and helps SDSU students thrive.
Woodbine Productions Presents Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Woodbine Productions, a scholarship fundraiser supporting the South Dakota State University School of Performing Arts, will present the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.
The limited engagement features Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra founder and artistic director Marsalis during his final tour at the helm of the orchestra. The performance will showcase memorable arrangements Marsalis has created for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra throughout his tenure.
SDSU will host the tour’s only performance in South Dakota, providing audiences an opportunity to experience Marsalis and the internationally recognized ensemble in Brookings.
Proceeds from Woodbine Productions support scholarships for students in SDSU’s School of Performing Arts.
Tickets and additional information are available at woodbineproductions.com.
Jacks Stand Together Events
In partnership with campus and community organizations, the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management continues its Jacks Stand Together initiative, demonstrating SDSU’s commitment to safety, respect and community.
The initiative encourages Jackrabbits to see each other, learn from each other and support each other. Upcoming events include:
Dean of Students Listening Sessions – Friday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., University Student Union Campanile Room and Hobo Day Gallery (SSU 169A&B).
Join the dean of students and a rotating group of campus leaders for an informal conversation about topics that matter to the SDSU community. Participants can share feedback about their experiences and learn more about the work of campus leaders. Sessions are held in an open-house format, with conversation topics guided by those in attendance.
What’s in a Knapsack?: How Group Identities and Social Locations Carry Meaning in Society – Tuesday, Oct. 6, 4-5 p.m., University Student Union Lewis & Clark Room (SSU 262A&B).
This interactive and reflective workshop will explore how group identities and social locations influence experiences in society, including how identities acquire or lose status based on history and societal assumptions. The session will be presented by Erin Lavender-Stott, Ph.D., associate professor and program coordinator in human development and family science.
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.
The America 250 event is free and open to the public. A reception and book signing will follow, with books available for purchase at the event and in the South Dakota Art Museum gift shop.
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 an upcoming events highlighting agriculture, experiential learning and connections with industry.
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.
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 Events
The Yule Market – The Yule Market returns to the South Dakota Art Museum for another holiday season beginning Saturday, Oct. 24, and continuing through Jan. 9.
Visitors can discover handcrafted works from local and regional artists and artisans, featuring one-of-a-kind gifts for the holiday season. The market will also feature festive events and opportunities to enjoy the museum throughout the season.
The Yule Market will be open during regular South Dakota Art Museum hours, with additional late-night shopping opportunities on Thursdays throughout November and December.
Admission is free. Visit the South Dakota Art Museum to shop, explore and celebrate the holiday season.
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.
