NEWS

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University has announced the award recipients for the 2026 McQuillen Creative Group Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, an annual showcase celebrating student creativity and achievement in the visual arts.

Presented by Northern State University’s Art Department and Art Galleries, the exhibition is held each year in Gallery X in the Johnson Fine Arts Center and highlights the work of student artists from across campus. In addition to showcasing student artwork, the exhibition recognizes outstanding pieces through a juried awards…

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Northern State University Music Department will present the 16th Annual Bach’s Lunch at 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in the sanctuary at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

The annual concert honors the 341st birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach and will feature keyboard, instrumental and choral works by the renowned composer. Following the concert, attendees are invited to stay for a fellowship lunch. There is no cost to attend.

The program will feature the Northern State University Chamber Singers,…

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University graduate student Renea Taylor has been named the 2026 graduate recipient of the Outstanding Student Award from the Council for Exceptional Children. The national organization recognizes one undergraduate student and one graduate student each year for outstanding service to the organization and to children with exceptionalities. 

Taylor is pursuing a master’s degree in special education at Northern State University. She has been involved with her school’s student chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children for three…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University will begin its ninth cohort at the Huron Community Campus in Huron, South Dakota, offering a Master of Science in Teaching and Learning beginning in August 2026.

Designed for working educators, the program focuses on strengthening practice, supporting professional growth, and preparing teachers for expanded leadership opportunities while they continue working in their classrooms.

The cohort model allows participants to progress through the program together, creating a collaborative learning environment that…

ABERDEEN, SD – Dr. Christian Pirlet, assistant professor of educational technology at Northern State University, presented at the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) annual conference in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5.

Pirlet’s presentation, “Building Economic Citizens: Critical Thinking and Decision-Making for Stronger Democracy,” focused on using reality television to teach economic decision making. Session participants received examples of how classroom teachers can use reality television to demonstrate the decision making and critical thinking as an…

ABERDEEN, SD — Northern State University Dean of Students Sean Blackburn has been selected to serve as the 2026 board president for United Way of Northeastern South Dakota.

United Way of Northeastern South Dakota announced Blackburn’s selection, citing his community-centered leadership and experience working with partners across the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

“It is an honor to step into this role alongside such a committed group of board members, staff, and community partners,” Blackburn said. “Together, we will continue building on the…

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Dr. Shelby Boettner, DNP, RN, assistant professor of nursing at Northern State University, recently co-authored a study in the Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing focused on how faculty experience shapes nursing student preparedness in primary palliative care.

The multi-university study, which included four Midwestern institutions, examined how nursing faculty teach palliative care and how prepared they feel to guide students in this area. The findings point to progress in palliative care education, while also identifying…

Picking a college is a big decision. But a lot of the time, what makes it the right choice isn't just a major or a building. It's how your day-to-day life feels.

In Aberdeen, South Dakota, life is simple in the best way. It's the kind of college town where you can walk into a coffee shop and see someone from your class. Where you can get involved early, find your people fast, and build a life that feels full, not frantic.

A Town That Makes It Easy to Belong

Starting college can feel like showing up to a party where everyone already knows the…

ABERDEEN, S.D. - Northern State University’s "Experience Northern" video campaign earned a Gold ADDY Award from the American Advertising Federation-South Dakota for video editing in the Elements of Advertising category. The award was presented at the SD Advertising Federation Award Show. 

The award recognized the "Experience Northern Video Spots," a project produced by Northern State University in partnership with Epicosity, a full-service marketing agency. The campaign was part of the larger "Experience Northern" brand effort and highlighted creative video…

ABERDEEN, S.D. — Registration is now open for Growing the Future: A Student Symposium on Agribusiness, a free event at Northern State University designed to inspire students to become the next generation of leaders in agriculture. The symposium will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Centennial Rooms in the Student Center at Northern State University. 

The event is open to high school and college students interested in agriculture and agribusiness. The symposium is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited, and…