South Dakota Guide to Higher Education 2023

2023 Guide to Higher Education

THERE’S A LOT TO THINK ABOUT when it comes to choosing a college. Se lecting the right major and navigating the world of financial aid are just the beginning. Then there’s identifying the right classes, finding the library and settling into the new rhythm of college life. It can all feel a bit daunting, but a little guidance from people who have been there before can help. In this year’s Guide to Higher Education, we asked students for insights about their school and community. They tell us about interesting classes to take, instructors to meet, local adventures, se cret study spots and other unique things on campus and beyond. So whether you are touring South Dakota’s college and university towns or moving a son or daughter into a dorm this fall, use this guide to get to know our campus communities.

University of Sioux Falls

Black Hills State University SPEARFISH

Sioux Tribe.

Learning in the Canyon

One of the best decisions I made was enrolling in Ethnobotany of the Northern Plains. We have been taking a lot of field trips to look at plants around the area, including Spearfish Canyon.

Colorful Culture

I encourage everyone to go to the Lakota Omniciye Wacipi each spring. Leading up to the event, we have American Indian Awareness week with guest speakers. It is always an exciting event, and an opportunity to share our beautiful culture.

Thought-Provoking Teachers

Rosie Sprague teaches Amer ican Indian Studies classes, and I have learned more about my culture than I could have hoped. She likes to make the class laugh, and her courses are thought-provoking and educa tional.

Comfort Food

My favorite place to eat is Gua dalajara Mexican Restaurant (83 W. Highway 14), or Guads. The atmosphere is great, the service is always wonderful, and they have my favorite enchiladas.

“Studying” with Friends

My favorite place to study is the Center for American Indian Studies. They always have snacks or drinks, and it is a chill place to get some work done,

although sometimes I don’t get much studying done because my friends and I are always in there. It’s hard to stay focused when we’re having a good time.

Isabella Montero is a senior history major with a minor in American Indian Studies and English. She is from Rapid City and is a member of the Oglala

I D E T O H I G H E R E D

Augustana University

SIOUX FALLS

Gilbert DeWitte is a multimedia entrepreneurship and music major from Sioux Falls.

Cutting Edge Tech

My Pro Tools classes are a thrill. I’ve dug into music pro duction and learned skills to benefit me musically now and in my future career. Plus, I get to work on the best equipment you can find in the industry.

Basement Vibes

The music lounge in the base ment of the Humanities Build ing is a comfy spot where I can study and spend time with my friends between classes.

Intramurals at the Elmen Center

I am a member of the Volley ball Club, so getting to play on

the court every week with my friends is always a fun time and great way to take a break from studying.

Getting In the Zone

I often go to the piano practice room to escape for some calm time. I can practice or just create and play whatever music I want to get into my zone.

Thai Time

My favorite restaurant in Sioux Falls is Pho Thai (230 S. Phillips Ave.). The Chicken pad see-ew with extra spice is one of my favorite meals. The food and service are always spectacular.

Dakota State University

Madison

Ethan Price is a sophomore computer science and artificial intelligence double major from Lamberton, Minnesota.

Jumpstarting Passion

Going in as a computer sci ence major, I had no previous experience with coding, nor could I take any courses in high school to prepare. I was

nervous that I wouldn’t be successful. But after taking Computer Science I, I realized I had the capability of being successful regardless of pre vious experience. This class jumpstarted my passion for Computer Science.

Let the Games Begin

Every year DSU hosts Nano con, a fun and free convention that celebrates all types of games. It hosts a variety of tournaments from chess to Warhammer. Everyone with a passion for games is welcome.

Programming Battles

Our school is known for tech-savvy students, so our programming competitions are not only fun, but they also bring our skills from the class room to real-life application.

Coffee and Boba Sundog Coffee (100 Egan Ave. S.) is a nice little coffee shop in downtown Madison.

I love to go there to catch up with friends, drink coffee and have lunch. They also have wonderful Boba drinks.

The Student Under the Stairs

My favorite place to study is an alcove under the stairs of the Beacom Institute. It is a quiet place to people watch and perfect for studying by myself or with a friend.

Dakota Wesleyan University MITCHELL

Experiencing Other Cultures

A group of students and I traveled to Uganda in May of 2022. We partnered with AsOne Ministries and immersed ourselves in Ugandan culture. We learned far more from the Ugandans than they did from us. We got to understand what true joy and love look like, and I will be forever grateful for that experience.

Mentor and Friend

Alisha Vincent is an assistant profes sor for our nonprofit administration program. She is an innovator and has created multiple programs at the

university for nontraditional students. She understands that everyone has different walks of life and wants to give them the opportunity to learn. Dr. Vincent isn’t just an advisor, but also a mentor and friend.

Downtown Coffee

Koinonia Kafe (312 N. Main St.) has become one of my favorites. It’s a peaceful coffee shop and a great off-campus place for good food.

Helping Hands

Every year during new student orien tation we collect thousands of pounds

of food to donate to the Mitchell Food Pantry. The food drive gives incoming freshmen the opportunity to get out into the community and is a great way to start the new school year.

Set Limits

It’s great to get involved in sports, clubs and other activities, but you don’t have to do everything. Being involved in too many things will burn you out quickly. Pick a few that you really want to devote your time to and stick to them.

Andrea Hult is a senior from Brookings majoring in nonprofit administration.

Andrea Hult (front row, second from right) with fellow Dakota Wesleyan University students on a mission trip to Uganda in May of 2022.

Mitchell Technical College MITCHELL

Ice Cream Dream

If you go to The Depot (210 S. Main St.) and only order one thing, it should be the chocolate chimichanga. It’s a large tortilla filled with melted chocolate, surrounded by dollops of vanilla ice cream. It’s a must have.

Equipment Edge

I enjoy troubleshooting during my Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Lab. The instructors use this time to re inforce what they teach in class. We have a large selection of equipment to learn about and work on, which gives it an edge over some programs.

Ride Around the Lake

The Kiwanis bike trails on the south side of Lake Mitchell have been a place for me to quiet myself and refocus attention on my goals. I appreciate the benches along the way to better enjoy the quiet scenery.

Rise and Shine

Rise Coffee and Tea (901 N. Main St.) is a small, drive-through shop. They have some of the best coffee I’ve ever had.

Follow Your Gut

Before Mitchell Tech, I spent two years at Dakota Wesleyan, where I earned an associate degree. I wish I would have followed my inner voice and done the two-year program, instead of pursuing a four-year degree. My advice for those who are debating: follow your gut.

Will Lauseng is a first-year heating and cooling technologies student from Watertown.

Lake Area Technical College

WATERTOWN

Nicolas Taylor is a sophomore welding and fabrication student from Ottawa, Illinois.

Hands-On

My favorite class is my overall welding class. I’m out in the shop getting hands-on and dirty with the rest of my classmates.

Networking

The career expo is my favorite event. The opportunity to meet around 300 busi nesses from all around the area who see potential in Lake Area students is just spectacular.

Free Movies

Lake Area sponsors free movie nights. It’s a great way for my friends and me to hang out on a Tuesday night.

Hitting the Books Downtown Gather (122 E. Kemp Ave.) has a quiet atmosphere where I can get my studying and homework done and enjoy a great cup of coffee.

Eats at the Lake

The Prop (728 S. Lake Dr.) is hands down one of my favorite places to get a garlic burger with sweet potato fries.

Mount Marty University YANKTON

Did You Know?

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O H I G H E R E D

Gabrielle Goodrich is a junior studying outdoor recreation and special education. She is from Peoria, Arizona.

Fun and Games

Lancer Days is my favorite campus tradition. The parade, homecoming festivities and game days during the week are so much fun. Lancer tailgates are awesome, too. Good people, good food, and tons of laughs.

Coffee with a Hug

If I want to sit down and have a cup of coffee, I enjoy Muddy Mo’s Coffee House (233 Broadway Ave.). The atmosphere and people are terrific.

When I walk in it’s like I’m receiving a nice hug. I can’t explain it, but I love it.

A Good Brgr

Bro Brgr Bar (304 W. Third St.) is the best burger joint in town. The atmosphere is awesome and it’s not too far from campus.

Sunshine and Studying My most common study spot on campus is Benny’s. The coming and going of students and being able to

grab a bite to eat makes it a great study space. I love the sunlight that shines in from the big windows.

River Tranquility

If I need to escape for some peace and quiet, my favorite place to go is somewhere along the Missouri River. I like to drive down to the dam with a snack and get away from the crazy college life. I find myself doing this when I’m facing a tough decision, or I just need a breath of fresh air.

Oglala Lakota College

KYLE

The Oglala Lakota College Historical Center tells the story of the Oglala Lakota people from the early 1800s to the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890 through photographs and artwork. The center is located 7 miles southwest of Kyle. From June through August, the center also displays the work of Lakota artists.

Oglala Lakota College’s annual Wazi Paha Festival celebrates traditional and contemporary Lakota life. The one-day celebration held at the beginning of the school year includes a traditional pow wow, hand games, arts and crafts, a cook off and a produce contest.

I

Northern State University

ABERDEEN

Lily

E T O H I G H E R E D

Hating Winter

A favorite tradition is the annual I Hate Winter basketball games. Being from Aberdeen, I remember attending these games with my parents and grandparents as a kid. Now, as a student I’m getting to experience them in an entirely different way.

Homecoming Energy

Nothing compares to the energy in the new Dacotah Bank Stadium during the homecoming football game. Win or lose, students, alumni and community mem bers are genuinely happy to be there.

Sweet Treats

Three22 Kitchen and Cocktails (322 S. Main St.) has great food, a good

atmosphere and delicious homemade cheesecakes that rotate weekly.

Study Options

I spend a lot of time in the campus Mac Lab. I choose to work there over my own room because I have access to the art department’s resources. When I’m working on papers or studying for tests, I like to get off campus and usually end up at the Market on the Plaza (506 S. Main St.) or Red Rooster (218 S. Main St.).

I Scream, You Scream

Late-night ice cream runs to Twist Cone (503 N. Third St.), a locally owned and operated outdoor ice cream shop, are always an adventure.

Presentation College

ABERDEEN

Taylin Boettcher is a sophomore radiology student from Cowley, Wyoming.

Coffee with a Quirk

Red Rooster (218 S. Main St.) is a fun place to relax. I always get a warm drink and delicious breakfast sandwich and sit in the back for some personal time or for studying. The random objects, books and art are fun to explore, and the in-house thrift store is fun to shop in.

Homecoming Tradition

The burning of the PC during homecoming is a fun way to get the entire school together. This year we had an awesome DJ, homemade snacks and drinks and fun activities like Spike Ball.

Celebrating Success

The Halo Awards is a fun event celebrating the accom plishments of all the sports teams throughout the year. The formal dress, awards and presentations are a fun way to recap the year and to cele brate the success of PC.

Beyond the Book

My favorite class is Anatomy and Physiology Lab because PC is fortunate to have the cadaver lab, which is helpful in applying the information we learn to a real human rep resentation. It is fascinating to relate anatomical terms to the actual human cadavers.

A Good Meal

Pounders Pub & Grub (1702 Sixth Ave. SE) is my go-to place for lunch or dinner. My favorite is the sweet chili chicken burrito with a side of mac ’n’ cheese, and I finish with a giant cookie.

Tobin (left) is a digital media and graphic design student from Aberdeen.

H E R E D

University of Sioux Falls SIOUX FALLS

Together in Faith

Thursday Night Worship is completely student-led. Worship is a great time for students to come together in their faith in an energetic and comfortable environment.

Calming Falls

Going to The Falls is a great way to escape and relax. The sound of the water while being outside is very soothing and can really provide stress relief.

Beyond Starbucks

Jordyn

Reider is a senior biology, psychology and social science

triple major from Crooks.

I’m a Starbucks pink drink girl at heart, but there are two coffee shops down town that are fun hangout spots. Josiah’s (104 W. 12th St.) has great food, and La Luna Cafe (701 N. Phillips Ave.) is run by USF graduates.

Experience

My favorite adventure was going to Hawaii for two weeks for a J-term class. The course was Island Experience, so class

involved an authentic luau, snorkeling, hiking, visiting Pearl Harbor, surfing lessons and trying new foods.

Talented Classmates

USF’s Got Talent is my favorite campus tradition. Students enter with any talent they want, and the audience votes on the winner. It’s always so much fun to watch. One year someone did impres sions of faculty members, and they were spot on.

Did You Know?

Sinte Gleska University

MISSION

Sinte Gleska University is among a handful of tribal colleges to manage its own buffalo herd.

Sinte Gleska University sponsors the annual Northern Plains Indian Art Market, the largest such market devoted to art from Northern Plains tribes. The event, which also includes cultural activities and a

pow wow, is held in Sioux Falls every September. The university’s namesake, Spotted Tail, was a powerful leader of the Sicangu Tribe. His advocacy for his people and their traditional ways helps guide the mission of the school today.

Southeast Technical College SIOUX

FALLS

Quiet Time

The study rooms around campus are a great spot to study when I am looking for a quiet place to work. They are private and can be reserved, so you nev er have to worry about someone else being there.

Be Prepared

I wish someone had prepared me for the rigor of college life. Even when you are doing well, it’s hard to watch people around you struggle. Be prepared to

manage your time. Find an organization method that works for you and stick with it. As long as you stay on track, college is a fun and rewarding experience.

A Quick Jolt

The Hub Cafeteria serves any size Caribou coffee for a dollar, and it’s a short walk from all my classes.

Late Night Tacos

My favorite place in town to eat is Giliberto’s, a locally owned

taqueria that’s open 24/7 with three locations. The food is good, cheap and the best thing open at 3 a.m.

Fling Some Discs

I love to play disc golf. Southeast Tech is among the few schools in the state with a disc golf course on campus.

South Dakota Mines RAPID CITY

Becoming Freshmen

One campus tradition that has stuck with me is each fall for the home coming game the frosh run a lap around the track to become fresh men. It’s different and fun.

Study Spots

My favorite places to study are the upper floor of the Surbeck Center or the top floor of the new Devereaux Library. Off campus, there are many coffee shops that have

free Wi-Fi. There is a student discount at Pure Bean Coffeehouse (201 Main St.), and I love to study there.

Hammock Time

I love to go to Canyon Lake Park and hammock during the fall semester when all the trees turn yellow. Also, there are some great hiking trails at Founders Park.

The Edge of Wilderness Being near the Black Hills has been great for

weekend adventuring. I love hiking around Jenny Gulch on Lake Pactola. People swim and go cliff jumping there.

Downtown Tex Mex

Downtown Rapid City has many places to eat. Murphy’s Pub and Grill (510 Ninth St.) has the best mac and cheese, but I think my favorite is Pancheros Mexican Grill (1221 W. Omaha). They have amazing burritos.

Ashton Dykstra is a paramedic science student from Sioux Falls.

Nadia Kaczmarz is a senior biomedical engineering major from La Grange Park, Illinois.

South Dakota State University BROOKINGS

Allison Bruns is a sophomore advertising major from Madison.

Hobo Day

I look forward to Hobo Day, not only because it is homecoming, but because of the traditions that have continued for over a century. Hobo Day brings together the community of Brookings, including students, alumni and Jackrabbit fans, which is something special.

Coffee Choices

I frequently visit Starbucks on campus, which doubles as a good study spot. But I also like Einstein Bros Bagels, mainly because I love a good bagel with my coffee.

The Old Ball Game

Football and basketball games are always fun, and you can’t beat the crowd environment, especially the energy of the student section. SDSU is passionate about is school spirit and sporting events exemplify that.

Sports Bar Scene

Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill (307 Main Ave.) has such a good atmosphere and their sweet potato fries are my favorite!

Student Union Study Spot

The comfiest chairs are upstairs in the University Student Union. It’s usually calm and easy to focus.

University of South Dakota

VERMILLION

Footsteps of Lewis & Clark

About 10 minutes from cam pus there’s a half-mile hike up Spirit Mound, a nature reserve that Lewis and Clark visited. It’s tranquil and a great place to go if you need a break.

Quiet, Quieter, Quietest

Each floor of the I.D. Weeks Library has special sound requirements depending on how you like to study. There are also a ton of private

rooms that make it easy to study with friends.

River Beach

“Verm Beach,” is a sandbar on the Missouri River. My friends and I go when the weather is warm and play spike ball, football or just chill out on the beach.

Coffee and Books

The Bean (6 W. Main St.) is the best coffee spot. Owned and operated by

amazing locals, they provide much-needed caffeine as well as great study spots.

Sandwich and a Hammer Cafe Brule (24 W. Main St.) for brunch is undefeated.

But it wouldn’t be Vermillion without Mr. Smith’s (812 Cottage Ave.), the world’s best sandwich shop that also happens to be in an Ace Hardware store.

Trevor Sinclair is a junior from Kansas City majoring in economics and operational analytics.

Western Dakota Technical College

RAPID CITY

Did You Know?

Sisseton Wahpeton College

AGENCY VILLAGE

R

Elizabeth

Hands-On Aquaculture

We have our own aquacul ture lab where we cultivate four species of fish, some times more, in a controlled environment, and we do dissections on a variety of aquatic animals. We also learn how to start our own aquaculture business, so it crosses over into the economic side.

Sharing the Knowledge Career and Science Fairs are a great way to show what you’ve learned and to gather inspiration. It’s also fun to engage with people and get them interested in what you do. I didn’t realize

how much I knew about my degree until I had to explain it at a high school career fair.

Keeping Campus Beautiful

The Environmental Action Team on campus helps with a campus and community clean-up every year. It’s encouraging to see people take care and pride in the health of our envi ronment and community.

Exploring the Black Hills One time we hiked to a ghost town and kept going down the trail to see where it led. As we came out of the woods, we ended up

at a horse camp that we didn’t know about. We hiked some distance back to our car, but it was worth it. That’s the fun thing about adventuring around the Black Hills with your friends — someone gets a crazy idea and then you’ve found something new and exciting.

Good Coffee, Good Friends

The coffee — and especial ly the caramel mocha latte — is really good at Dunn Brothers (405 Canal St.), and the lively atmosphere makes for a fun place to hang out with friends and family.

Students taking the Traditional Plants and Herbs class take field trips with Dakota elders to identify important plants growing in the wild.

The Sisseton Wahpeton College Vocational Arts Building is a two-story octagon that resembles a large drum. Four of the sides feature three-story figures of drummers, representing the four directions.

The Sisseton Wahpeton community is known for preserving the game of moccasin. Students enrolled in Moccasin Games for Dakota learn the rules, protocol, songs and language that make the game unique.

Pam Stillman-Rokusek

Crumb is in her second year studying controlled environment agriculture. She is from Rapid City.