Kelso named a 2024 Udall Scholar

For the second time in three years, a South Dakota State University junior has been named a Udall Scholar — one of the most prestigious scholarships in the country.

Dallas Kelso, of Chadron, Nebraska, was named a Udall Scholar in tribal public policy earlier this spring. It was her second try at being named to the highly competitive award as she was named honorable mention last year. She follows Jessica Begeman as the second Jackrabbit to be named a Udall Scholar. 

Kelso, a Wokini Scholar, was one of 55 students selected from over 400 applicants at 192 colleges and universities.

"I was excited and blown away when I found out," Kelso said. "It's such a great honor, and I am proud to represent SDSU."

As part of the award, Kelso will receive a $7,000 scholarship and will travel to Arizona this summer for a scholar orientation experience which will include four days of networking, critical thinking and community building with other scholars.

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship honors the legacies of Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall, whose careers had a significant impact on Native American self-governance, health care and stewardship of public lands and natural resources. The program identifies future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy and health care fields. To be named a Udall Scholar, a student must demonstrate a commitment to addressing significant health care and tribal policy issues.

"We in the SDSU community have known for quite some time that Dallas is a star who is making profound impacts on our campus and beyond," said Rebecca Bott-Knutson, dean of SDSU's Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College. "It is wonderful to see her recognized for her accomplishments on the national scene."

An enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribal Nation, Kelso has been very active during her time on SDSU's campus. She serves as the president and Wacipi chair of the American Indian Student Association and the vice president of Chi Omega's Xi Theta Chapter.

Kelso's work with the American Indian Student Association has been noteworthy. During her freshmen year, the club was nearly inactive, with few meetings and little community interaction. Kelso then decided to dedicate herself to the club. After becoming elected as the club's president her second year, she completely revitalized membership, reinstated annual events, organized multiple fundraisers and hosted two additional events — including the spring Wacipi.

"The powwow is AISA's biggest event, and we've taken the initiative to expand its reach to impact SDSU's and eastern South Dakota's community," Kelso said. "We've added additional members to the planning committee, increasing leadership opportunities and organizational management."

While majoring in English education and Indigenous studies and minoring in history, she also works in the Office of International Affairs on campus as a student assistant, where she helps create education abroad programs focused on Indigeneity.

"I serve as a mentor for the Jacks Start Abroad program," Kelso said. "I try and help encourage Indigenous students to study abroad while also working to create an all-encompassing program about Indigenous life and culture."

"South Dakota State University's Jacks Start Abroad programs have permitted Dallas Kelso to see herself in other Indigenous people in global locations who are committed to the land and environment," said Sally Gillman, SDSU's Director for Education Abroad. "Specifically, Dallas has traveled to Scandinavia, Central America and New Zealand where making a connection with other people has enriched her life. These experiences have transformed Dallas' quiet confidence into an outspoken, animated and confident young woman with an even greater commitment to Native American policy."

Kelso has also participated in research and this spring, earned a top poster award in humanities at SDSU's annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day.

One of Kelso's career goals is to reform national education standards to create a more standardized and inclusive curriculum of Indigenous history and cultures. After graduation, she plans to work as an English teacher at a school on her reservation.

"I will become familiar with the education system while empowering Indigenous youth," Kelso explained. "This will help me in reforming the state educational standards before moving on to the national standards."

"Not only is Dallas a passionate advocate for Native people, but she also cares deeply about tribal legislation, policies and proposals that affect Indigenous people in South Dakota, the U.S. and world," Gillman added.

Kelso's award announcement coincided with this year's Wacipi, which she revitalized as the American Indian Student Association's president. A song was performed by the drum circle in Kelso's honor, and she was given a quilt in recognition.

"I am just so thankful for the opportunities that South Dakota State University has provided," Kelso said. "It's incredible that, even at such a large school, I am still seen as an individual. There are so many people here that I am thankful for."