NEWS

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dr. Christian Pirlet, assistant professor of educational technology at Northern State University, presented at the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) annual conference in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5.

Pirlet’s presentation, “Building Economic Citizens: Critical Thinking and Decision-Making for Stronger Democracy,” focused on using reality television to teach economic decision making. Session participants received examples of how classroom teachers can use reality television to demonstrate the decision making and critical thinking as…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University Dean of Students Sean Blackburn has been selected to serve as the 2026 board president for United Way of Northeastern South Dakota.

United Way of Northeastern South Dakota announced Blackburn’s selection, citing his community-centered leadership and experience working with partners across the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

“It is an honor to step into this role alongside such a committed group of board members, staff, and community partners,” Blackburn said. “Together, we will continue building on the…

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dr. Shelby Boettner, DNP, RN, assistant professor of nursing at Northern State University, recently co-authored a study in the Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing focused on how faculty experience shapes nursing student preparedness in primary palliative care.

The multi-university study, which included four Midwestern institutions, examined how nursing faculty teach palliative care and how prepared they feel to guide students in this area. The findings point to progress in palliative care education, while also identifying…

Picking a college is a big decision. But a lot of the time, what makes it the right choice isn't just a major or a building. It's how your day-to-day life feels.

In Aberdeen, South Dakota, life is simple in the best way. It's the kind of college town where you can walk into a coffee shop and see someone from your class. Where you can get involved early, find your people fast, and build a life that feels full, not frantic.

A Town That Makes It Easy to Belong

Starting college can feel like showing up to a party where everyone already knows the…

ABERDEEN, S.D. - Northern State University’s "Experience Northern" video campaign earned a Gold ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation-South Dakota for video editing in the Elements of Advertising category. The award was presented at the SD Advertising Federation Award Show. 

The award recognized the "Experience Northern Video Spots," a project produced by Northern State University in partnership with Epicosity, a full-service marketing agency. The campaign was part of the larger "Experience Northern" brand effort and highlighted creative video…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Registration is now open for Growing the Future: A Student Symposium on Agribusiness, a free event at Northern State University designed to inspire students to become the next generation of leaders in agriculture. The symposium will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Centennial Rooms in the Student Center at Northern State University. 

The event is open to high school and college students interested in agriculture and agribusiness. The symposium is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited, and…

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony invites the community to the middle concert of its 2025-26 season at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Jewett Theater at Northern State University. A pre-concert conversation is also scheduled from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Berggren Recital Hall.

Christopher Stanichar, director of the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony, will lead the orchestra. The concert, titled Level Up: An Epic Video Games Pops Concert, will transport the audience into the worlds of…

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC) and the Northern Innovation & Startup Center are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition. Entrepreneurs and startup businesses from across the region are invited to compete for a $10,000 cash prize while advancing their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Applications will be accepted March 1, 2026 through April 30, 2026. Finalists will be announced by June 1, 2026, with the final competition event scheduled for June 19, 2026.

“The…

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University will welcome No. 1 New York Times-bestselling author, award-winning educator, founder and philanthropist Sharon McMahon as the keynote speaker for the Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, in the Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater in the Johnson Fine Arts Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Sharon McMahon is a longtime government and law teacher who provides daily insights on current events, political…

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University students have formed a new organization, Collegiate South Dakota Farmers Union, to provide hands-on opportunities to engage in agricultural policy, leadership development and community advocacy.

The club was founded by student Patrick E. Olson, with Dr. Aaron Scholl serving as the organization’s advisor.

As an affiliate of both the state and national Farmers Union, the Collegiate South Dakota Farmers Union offers members opportunities to participate in conferences, explore careers in agriculture and build…