NEWS

  • Noon Forum series begins Feb. 11 with ‘Myth of Racism’ discussion

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University will begin its Spring 2026 Noon Forum series Wednesday, Feb. 11, in the Williams Library Round Room.

    The first forum, “The Myth of Racism,” will be led by Ken Blanchard, professor emeritus of political science. Blanchard will discuss how abstract concepts such as race and racism are used in the social sciences and why he believes those concepts can be misleading when used as political weapons. He will argue that racism does not exist because race does not exist, describing race as a continuum rather than a category. He…

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  • Northern State University, Aberdeen Central bands to present “Symphonic Colors”

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Northern State University Symphonic Band will team up with the Aberdeen Central High School Symphonic Band to present “Symphonic Colors” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the Jewett Theater at the Johnson Fine Arts Center.

    The concert will feature performances by the Northern State University Symphonic Band, directed by Terry Beckler, with works by James Hosay, Percy Aldridge Grainger and Jocelyn Hagen. The program will also include performances by the Aberdeen Central High School Symphonic Band, directed by Jeremy Schutter, with works by…

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  • New bison video spotlights Northern State University partnership with Dacotah Prairie Museum and Buntrock Gallery

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – A new bison-focused video produced by McQuillen Creative in conjunction with Northern State University and the Dacotah Prairie Museum is highlighting Northern’s faculty expertise and community partnership tied to the opening of the museum’s Rosemarie & Dean L. Buntrock Gallery.

    The video features interviews with Northern State University biology faculty members Dr. JodieRamsay, Dr. Eric Pulis, and Dr. Samantha St. Clair, who share insight on bison and the prairie ecosystem while helping tell the story behind the exhibit experience…

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  • 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 announces new Jim and Boni Lochner Scholarship

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University announces the new Jim and Boni Lochner Scholarship, an opportunity designed to support educators pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairments and help meet workforce needs across South Dakota. The scholarship provides $5,000 per year, renewable for up to two years, to six students.

    The scholarship supports educators completing Northern State University’s Graduate Certificate in Visual Impairments, which is designed to meet the requirements for the South Dakota Department of Education endorsement in Blind and…

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  • President's, Dean's, and Academic Recognition Lists for Fall 2025

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University is proud to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of students for the Fall 2025 semester. The university is pleased to announce the students who have earned a place on the President’s List, Dean’s List, and Academic Recognition List.

    The President’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who have achieved a perfect 4.00 grade point average (GPA) for the semester. This distinction reflects a commitment to academic excellence and dedication to their studies.

    The Dean’s List recognizes full-…

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  • Battle for the Baton set for Feb. 28 at Northern State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University and the Aberdeen University-Civic Symphony Advisory Board are launching the Battle for the Baton, a friendly fundraising competition where community donations count as votes and help determine who will take the podium as guest conductor during the Symphony’s 7:30 p.m. concert on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in the Jewett Theater inside Northern State University’s Johnson Fine Arts Center.

    This year’s contestants are Aberdeen Mayor Travis Schaunaman and community champion Dan Cleberg. Supporters can make a donation…

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  • Three Northern State University alumni honored with state music education awards

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Three Northern State University alumni were recently recognized by the South Dakota Music Education Association, with major statewide awards honoring their impact on music education.

    SDMEA presented the Distinguished Service to Music Education Award to Sheri Holt, the Distinguished Administrator Award to Kent Knudson and the Outstanding Young Music Educator Award to Taylor Schweitzer.

    “These prestigious awards are indicative of the excellence and creativity demonstrated by our music education graduates throughout the state,…

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  • NSU Honors Student Accepted into Honors Law Opportunity Program

    ABERDEEN, S.D. – Morgan Haselhorst, a member of the Northern State University Honors Program, has been accepted into the Honors Law Opportunity Program (HLOP) at the University of South Dakota (USD) Knudson School of Law.

    Through the HLOP, Haselhorst is guaranteed admission to the USD Knudson School of Law, regardless of LSAT score, and will receive a $2,500 scholarship for her first year of law school if she earns an LSAT score of 150 or higher and graduates in Honoribus from NSU.

    “Being accepted into the HLOP is an incredible honor and a significant…

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