NEWS

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University's annual Gypsy Day Parade took place Saturday, Sept. 20, drawing students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to downtown Aberdeen.

The parade, which started at 9 a.m., featured an impressive lineup of floats and bands. Participants showcased their creativity with entries aligned with this year's homecoming theme, "Wolves Through Time."

Float Winners:

• First Place: St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center (#22) — $500 cash, tickets to the President's… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University has been ranked No. 1 in South Dakota for our education program (No. 94 nationally) and residence halls (dorms) in Niche’s 2026 rankings.

Niche, a platform for college reviews and rankings, bases its results on factors such as academic quality, student satisfaction, campus safety and housing options.

“At Northern, preparing future teachers isn’t just what we do, it’s who we are. Being ranked #1 reflects the heart and soul our faculty and staff give to our students and the community of learners we’ve built… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University and Huron Community Campus have signed a new memorandum of understanding, approved by the Huron City Commission, that builds on their partnership and outlines the next chapter of higher education in Huron.

The agreement creates more options for students in the region — whether they are in high school looking for early college credit, adults seeking to complete a degree, or teachers ready to begin graduate study.

“This is an exciting day for Huron!” said Doug Pietz, executive director of Huron Community Campus… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University's fall 2025 enrollment resulted in pockets of growth and areas of stability despite a decrease in first-year students. Total headcount increased from 3,708 to 3,739, and undergraduate transfer students were up 33%, the highest among the regental schools. Additionally, 69% of freshman students were retained from last fall to this fall, resulting in a 4% increase in continuing undergraduate headcount. Full-time equivalent enrollment and student credit hours were steady compared with fall 2024.

Two-thirds of Northern's… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University will kick off its Fall 2025 Noon Forum series on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in the Williams Library Round Room.

Dr. Jon Schaff, professor of political science at Northern and director of the NSU Center for Public History and Civic Engagement, will be the featured speaker at the first forum. His session is titled Fahrenheit 451 and the Educated Citizen. Schaff’s talk, part of Northern’s Constitution Day celebration, will focus on First Amendment freedoms.

The second Noon Forum of the semester will be… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University will celebrate its annual homecoming week with the 109th Gypsy Day Parade and homecoming football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. This year's homecoming theme, "Wolves Through Time," promises a tasteful celebration as the Northern and Aberdeen communities come together for this time-honored tradition.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. on Main Street, with a wide variety of creative floats, marching bands and community entries expected to participate. Parade-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and bags for collecting… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University will mark the 238th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.

“September 17 is Constitution Day and Northern State University will join schools, offices, and individuals across America marking the signing of this foundational document, which occurred on that date in 1787,” said Dr. Ric Dias, professor of history and campus coordinator of Constitution Day.

In recognition of the day, hundreds of U.S. flags will be displayed around Aberdeen, thanks to the Exchange Club. On campus, all are… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University will welcome internationally renowned author and advocate Loung Ung as the keynote speaker for the Larry and Julie Poeppel Family Common Read Lecture at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in the Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater in the Johnson Fine Arts Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.

“Loung Ung has a remarkable story to share, and it will inspire and challenge us all,” said Dr. Hannah Walters, director of the NSU Honors Program. Ung is the… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University introduced an updated Thunder the Wolf mascot costume during New Student Convocation on Friday, Aug. 22, and across Northern's social media channels. The week of Aug. 25, Thunder made appearances across campus welcoming new employees and students, along with touring Aberdeen Public Schools. Thunder will be making more appearances throughout the community this fall, including at upcoming football games at Northern and other community events.

The new costume replaces the previous version that had been in use since… more

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern State University School of Fine Arts will hold its annual “Music Faculty Showcase Recital” and “Welcome Back Student Art Show” on Thursday, Sept. 11.

The “Welcome Back Student Art Show” will have an opening reception beginning at 6 p.m. in the JFAC Gallery X. At the same time, there will be a closing reception for the “nice; 03 Annual National Juried Exhibition” in the JFAC Art Gallery. In addition, the annual “Music Faculty Showcase Recital” will be held in the JFAC Harvey and Cynthia Jewett Theater at 7:30 p.m. This concert… more