Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
SDSU
South Dakota. State University
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
SDSC
South Dakota State College
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
South Dakota State University (SDSU) originated in 1881, when the Dakota Territory legislature authorized the establishment of a land-grant agricultural college under the provisions of the Morrill Act. The first campus building was completed in 1883, and the institution gradually broadened its academic scope beyond agriculture as South Dakota approached statehood.
In 1904 the school was renamed South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, reflecting its expanding programs in science, engineering, and the liberal arts. Over the following decades it continued to grow in size, mission, and research activity.
The institution achieved full university status in 1964, becoming South Dakota State University. Today SDSU offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees, and continues to advance its land-grant mission through teaching, research, Extension, and service to the people of South Dakota.
Places
Legal status
Functions, occupations and activities
Field of Activity: Education, Higher