Preparing Future Leaders in Business and Nursing
The Business and Health Innovation Center is Northern State University's newest academic home, built on the vision of preparing students for in-demand careers in business and nursing. The facility houses the School of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences' Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, as well as the Northern Innovation and Startup Center—a hub for entrepreneurship and regional economic development. Now open, it represents a significant public investment in the region's future.
New Construction for the Future
The Business and Health Innovation Center replaced Lincoln and Briscoe halls, which were demolished to make way for this state-of-the-art facility.
The new building was made possible through $29.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and a $1.5 million state appropriation—a significant commitment from federal and state partners to the region's workforce and economic future. Completed in early 2026, the facility was designed with collaboration, accessibility, and real-world application at its core. Modern classrooms, flexible learning environments, and cutting-edge technology define every space.
Student-Centered Learning
The building was designed to support the kind of active, hands-on learning that prepares students for today's workplaces.
Business students benefit from collaborative classrooms and innovation spaces where they develop analytical, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. Nursing students train in the Avera Nursing Simulation Center, featuring six simulation suites, an eight-bed skills lab, high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality systems, and advanced audiovisual technology that mirrors real clinical environments. Both programs emphasize experiential learning and meaningful application.
Innovation Across Programs
The facility brings together business, nursing, and entrepreneurship under one roof—creating opportunities for collaboration and cross-disciplinary learning.
The School of Business offers two associate degrees, nine bachelor's degrees, and three master's degrees—with a new Bachelor of Science in Analytics launching in Fall 2026. The nursing program, launched in Fall 2025, has already grown to 115 pre-nursing and nursing students with 40 planned incoming freshmen. The Northern Innovation and Startup Center supports student entrepreneurs and regional economic development through programming, mentorship, and workspace.
Serving Regional Demand
The facility strengthens Northern's connection to businesses, healthcare organizations, and communities across northeast South Dakota.
Through partnerships with Avera Health, Dacotah Bank, the Aberdeen Development Corporation, and local employers, the center creates pathways from classroom to career. Business students connect with regional companies and develop solutions to real industry challenges. Nursing students train alongside healthcare professionals and prepare for immediate workforce entry. These partnerships ensure that Northern's graduates meet the actual needs of employers and healthcare systems in the region.
A Hub for the Future
More than a building, the Business and Health Innovation Center is a catalyst for opportunity—for students, for businesses, and for communities.
The facility honors Northern's commitment to workforce development, innovation, and regional partnership. With its modern spaces, collaborative design, and forward-looking programs, it positions Northern students to lead businesses, heal communities, and drive economic development for generations to come.