Wokini Initiative opens doors for students to pursue their dreams
Started in 2016, the Wokini Initiative is SDSU’s collaborative and holistic framework to support American Indian student success and Indigenous nation-building. The initiative builds upon current tribal partnerships and the American Indian Student Center services to enhance cultural programs and support for American Indian students while increasing research and outreach partnerships with tribes, tribal colleges and other organizations.
Quarter Scale Tractor Team wins national competition
The South Dakota State University Quarter Scale Tractor Team earned national recognition by winning the 2022 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International 1/4 Scale Tractor Student Design Competition.
SDSU selected as one of seven original metaversities
Greg Heiberger, an assistant professor in the College of Natural Sciences, led efforts to have South Dakota State University selected as one of seven metaversities in the United States by VictoryXR, a global leader in metaverse education. As a metaversity, SDSU will provide a virtual replica of campus for students to attend classes, whether they are on the main campus in Brookings or learning remotely.
Pride of the Dakotas performs at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The South Dakota State University Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band performed on a national stage in 2022 during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, entertaining more than 2 million people who lined the streets of New York City, as well as the millions watching on television.
SDSU Connect brings higher education and the Sioux Falls community together
Started as the Sioux Falls Academy in July 2021, SDSU Connect creates meaningful connections to individuals, organizations and communities in the state’s largest and fastest-growing city. The Sioux Falls Academy began with a 40-member task force that included campus partners for several areas of the university.
Wokini Initiative and Innoskate Festival partner to bring invention and creativity to Native students in South Dakota
The Wokini Initiative partnered with Levitt at the Falls to bring a free four-day, two-city Innoskate festival that included stops on the Pine Ridge Reservation and Sioux Falls.
Rita Hillman Foundation Grant to support Native American health care in the Black Hills
A $50,000 grant from The Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation will help to identify the health care priorities and needs of the Lakota community in Rapid City, while working with the Woyatan Lutheran Church and the Wambli Ska Teen Center to develop a culturally responsive, trauma-informed program to train and support community health workers.