NEWS

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University recognized outstanding faculty and staff during its annual Employee Service Awards luncheon held Friday, April 17.

The event celebrated the dedication, professionalism and impact of employees across campus, highlighting both milestone years of service and exceptional performance in a variety of roles.

Employee Performance Awards were presented to individuals and teams nominated by their colleagues, with recipients selected through a voting process. These honors recognize employees who go above and beyond… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University was recognized twice at the 2026 ABBY Awards, hosted by the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, with assistant professor of accounting Josh VanLaecken named to the Top 4 Under 40 and the Northern Innovation and Startup Center receiving the Cultivator of Progress Award. The evening also celebrated the graduation of the 2026 Leadership Aberdeen class, which included four NSU faculty and staff members.

The ABBY Awards — Aberdeen Business Awards — recognize outstanding businesses, organizations and community leaders for… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Dr. Alyssa Kiesow, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University, has been named provost of Texas A&M-Victoria starting July 1. Dr. Kiesow joined Northern in 2007 and served as an exceptional faculty member in biology, chair of science and math, and for the past six years as dean.

"Dr. Kiesow cares deeply about Northern and has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure students are well prepared for success — both during their time here and as alumni," said Dr. Erin Fouberg, interim provost. "She leads the largest… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Northern State University Center for Public History and Civic Engagement will host Princeton University professor Robert P. George for a public lecture on Monday, April 27, at 7 p.m. in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Room 181, known as the Blue Room, on the Northern State University campus in Aberdeen.

George, the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton, will speak on "America 250," reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. One… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University (NSU)  and Dakota State University (DSU) have entered into a series of partnership agreements designed to create new and streamlined educational pathways for students seeking degrees in criminal justice and cybersecurity. The agreements — which include a dual degree program and an accelerated master's option — open doors for students at both institutions to earn credentials from two of South Dakota's leading universities without duplicating coursework or time. 
 
The partnership, beginning spring 2026,… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Northern State University Speech and Debate team returned from Springfield, Mo., with a strong showing at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament, competing against 438 students representing 59 schools and more than 1,900 total entries. Seven NSU students competed with 13 total entries, earning multiple individual and team awards across the field.

Abiah George earned excellence awards — recognizing the top 20% of competitors — in extemporaneous speaking and student scholarship, and a superior award — top 10% — in interviewing. She also… more

ABERDEEN, SD — Spring is in the air at Northern State University, and the annual plant sale is back. NSU will host its spring plant sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in MeWaldt-Jensen Room 144B, the classroom adjacent to the MeWaldt-Jensen greenhouse.

The sale is open to the public and offers a great opportunity to pick up plants for the season while supporting NSU's greenhouse program. Proceeds go directly toward plants and supplies that keep the greenhouses running throughout the year.

Whether you are an experienced gardener or just… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University's Art Department and Art Galleries are currently presenting the first round of its Spring 2026 Senior Exhibitions, on view through April 17 in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Gallery and Gallery X.

The exhibitions feature This Space Has Potential by Aly Lang, Simple Living by Daria Poor and Marginalia by Ksenia Unser.

Lang's This Space Has Potential examines the meaning and visual impact of everyday printed materials that are often thrown away or ignored. Using items such as… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Northern State University Symphonic Band and Concert Band will present "Band Extravaganza" at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19, in the Jewett Theater at the Johnson Fine Arts Center.

The concert will feature performances by the NSU Symphonic Band, directed by Terry Beckler, with works by John Philip Sousa, Frank Ticheli and Johan de Meij. The Concert Band, directed by Travis Netzer, will perform works by Robert Russell Bennett, David Holsinger and Leonard Bernstein.

The concert serves as the final performance of the academic year for both… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony invites the community to the season finale of its 2025-26 season at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1620 Milwaukee Ave. NE, Aberdeen.

Christopher Stanichar, director of the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony and associate professor of music at Northern State University, will lead the orchestra in "Cathedrals of Sound," a program designed to fill the church sanctuary with sweeping, large-scale works.

The concert will feature guest artist Marilyn Schempp performing… more