NEWS

  • Northern State University renames Management Information Systems degree to Information Systems

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University’s Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems has been renamed to a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems.

    The degree’s new title reflects how the field and Northern State University’s curriculum have evolved. Information systems work today extends beyond managing systems and includes creating, innovating and leading with technology.

    Students in the program develop skills in data analytics, cybersecurity principles, database concepts and coding. The program is designed to prepare graduates to…

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  • Winners announced for the 2025 BIG Idea Competition

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – High school innovators from South Dakota and across the country were recognized through the 2025 BIG Idea Competition, with winners announced during an awards ceremony held Dec. 18 at Northern State University. 

    The competition was split into two finalist tracks. Out-of-state finalists presented on Dec. 9, while South Dakota finalists presented Dec. 18. In total, nearly $55,000 in cash and scholarships was awarded. 

    South Dakota winners

    • 1st place: Dakota…
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  • Northern State University Students Pitch Business Ideas in Annual Competition 

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Eight Northern State University students took to the podium Tuesday evening, turning big ideas into bold pitches during the university’s annual Idea Pitch Competition. 

    By the end of the night—with a packed room of students, community members and business partners looking on—Madi Jones claimed first place with her business concept, CR8 Soda. Elana Bishop earned second place for her proposal, Liora: Infrared Light Bed Studios. And Blake Clay, Cade Trenhaile and Maggie Kruger earned third with their business idea Behind the Pack. 

    …

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  • Finalists Announced for Northern State University’s Annual Idea Pitch Competition

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Five students and student groups will compete for cash prizes as they pitch their business ideas Shark Tank-style at Northern State University’s annual Idea Pitch Competition, taking place Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater.

    The event, which is free and open to the public, showcases innovative ideas from Northern students and provides an opportunity for the audience to help select the winners of the People’s Choice Award, worth $150.

    The finalists and their ideas are:

    • Blake…
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  • School of Business Receives Grant to Help Fund Student Symposium on Agricultural Business

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern State University School of Business has received a grant from the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation (AACF) to support “Growing the Future: A Student Symposium on Agribusiness,” which will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

    The grant was awarded through the AACF’s Aberdeen Energy-Agriculture Sub-Fund, created with funding from Advanced BioEnergy following the sale of its Aberdeen ethanol plant several years ago. The company established the charitable sub-fund to support agriculture in the Aberdeen area.

    Dr. Dan Shannahan…

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  • Northern State University Professor Presents Research at National Accounting Conference

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dr. Eman Momeni, assistant professor of accounting at Northern State University, was recently invited to present at the 2025 Fraud and Forensic Accounting Conference, hosted by the Louisiana State University Department of Accounting.

    Momeni presented his research, “Corporate Reporting Fraud and Descriptive Decision Theories,” which explores the behavioral, psychological, and cultural factors behind fraudulent financial reporting. His invitation came as recognition of his scholarly publication and his service as an Editorial…

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  • NSU Professor’s Research on Market Efficiency Published in International Finance Journal

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dr. Eman Momeni, assistant professor of accounting at Northern State University, recently had his work published in the Afro-Asian Journal of Finance & Accounting.

    His article, “The impact of an emerging market’s microstructure legislations on market efficiency: evidence from Iran,” looks at how new trading rules on the Tehran Stock Exchange influenced both pricing efficiency and investor behavior. The research focused on four key areas — tick size, lot size, minimum order value, and base volume — and compared market data…

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  • Samantha Wipf Wins Aberdeen Idea Pitch Competition with Optimal Performance

    ABERDEEN, S.D. — Samantha Wipf was named the winner of the Aberdeen Idea Pitch Competition, hosted by the Northern Innovation and Startup Center and Aberdeen Development Corporation.

    With more than 30 business pitches submitted and five finalists presenting at the competition finals, Wipf's business, Optimal Performance, stood out for its innovative approach to physical therapy. She will receive a $10,000 cash prize, sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation.

    "It feels awesome. I'm very appreciative," Wipf said after the announcement. "I feel…

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  • Northern State University Business Professor Earns Doctorate in Accounting

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University is proud to announce that Josh VanLaecken, instructor of accounting in the School of Business, has earned his Doctor of Business Administration in Accounting from West Virginia University.

    VanLaecken said the decision to pursue a terminal degree was a natural progression as he transitioned from industry to academia.

    “I pursued the doctorate to ask better questions and begin to answer them,” he said.

    VanLaecken noted that the experience has allowed him to engage more deeply with the content he teaches…

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  • Northern State University Business Faculty Publish Study on Workplace Gratitude in Banking Industry

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Two Northern State University business faculty members are co-authors of a newly published study examining the impact of workplace gratitude on employees in the banking and financial services industry.

    The article, “Workplace Gratitude’s Impact on Banking and Financial Services Employees’ Psychological Capital, Intention to Stay and Satisfaction With Life,” appears in the latest edition of the Journal of Applied Business and Economics. The study was conducted by Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean of the NSU School of Business, and Dr. Aaron…

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