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Civil engineering was among the first disciplines taught at South Dakota State University. Early students could complete a prescribed course of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Prior to 1902, civil engineering courses were offered through the Department of Architectural and Agricultural Engineering or the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In 1902, the Department of Civil and Agricultural Engineering was established. In 1925, Agricultural Engineering became its own department within the Division of Agriculture, and a distinct Department of Civil Engineering has existed since.

The civil engineering curriculum covers the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure such as highways, airports, bridges, dams, water and wastewater systems, irrigation and drainage networks, and river and harbor facilities. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

The program aims to prepare professionals capable of applying scientific and engineering principles to solve civil engineering problems. It also emphasizes the development of high standards of professional conduct.

Speech instruction has long been part of the South Dakota State University curriculum. In the early years, the preparatory department provided public speaking courses for high school students, while the English Department offered instruction in public speaking and rhetoric, including elocution and oral reading. Over time, various departments assumed responsibility for public speaking instruction, including the Elocution and Physical Culture Department, the Public Speaking Department, and again the English Department. A distinct Speech Department first appeared in the 1924 course catalog, offering courses in debate, public speaking, and play production. Required rhetoric courses were moved from the English Department to the Speech Department in 1938.

By the 1950s, the Speech Department was firmly established. The Board of Regents approved a speech major in 1958, and a master’s degree became available. Course offerings expanded to include forensics, drama, and radio, followed by film and television instruction. In the 1970s, the communication disorders program was established within the department to prepare students for careers in speech-language pathology and audiology.

Beyond formal coursework, the department has supported a rich array of extracurricular activities. In the early years, speech and literary societies organized plays and debates that served as major campus events. As these societies declined, student involvement continued through debate competitions, theatrical productions, and work with the State College broadcasting system and campus radio station KAGY.

Since the early 1990s, the department has been known as the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre. It offers programs in speech communication, speech education, theatre, and media production, including radio, television, and film. The department continues to provide numerous opportunities for student engagement through both academic and extracurricular activities.

Instruction and research in dairying at South Dakota State University began well before the formal establishment of the Department of Dairying in 1897. By that time, coursework in the field was already developed. A dedicated dairy building was constructed in 1892, providing laboratories and specialized rooms for instruction. In addition to its standard academic offerings, the department operated a short course in creamery practices for over 50 years, ranging in length from two to twelve weeks. These courses were well attended and widely regarded.

While the department's name has changed slightly over the years, its core mission has remained consistent—preparing students for careers in dairy production and manufacturing. The department has offered a Master of Science in Dairy Science since 1903, and students may also pursue a Ph.D. in agriculture with a focus on dairy science or dairy cattle nutrition and management. Research activities are closely tied to the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the department has also played a longstanding role in the Cooperative Extension Service.

The Department of Dairy Science maintains a strong presence on campus and in the Brookings community through its dairy processing plant and sales room. Students gain hands-on experience producing milk, cheese, butter, and ice cream, which are sold on-site and used in university dining facilities.

Geography was among the first subjects taught at South Dakota State University upon its founding in 1881. Although geography courses were occasionally offered through various departments, a formal program did not emerge until 1966–67, when a bachelor's degree in geography was approved. In 1968, the Department of History and Geography was established. By 1971, the program had expanded significantly, leading to increased faculty appointments. A separate Department of Geography was created in 1973, followed by the approval of a Master of Science degree in Geography in 1974.

Today, the geography curriculum trains students to describe, analyze, and explain natural and cultural phenomena that distinguish regions around the world. Courses emphasize technical geography, environmental planning, and resource management.

Physical education has been part of the South Dakota State University curriculum since its early years, reflecting the institution’s commitment to developing mind, body, and spirit. Students were historically required to complete coursework in either physical education or military science to graduate. Instruction evolved over time and was housed in departments with names such as Music and Physical Culture, Elocution and Physical Culture, and eventually Physical Education and Recreation.

A major in physical education was introduced in the 1940s with separate tracks for men and women, and a graduate degree was added in 1953. The department was renamed Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) in 1969–70, followed shortly by the introduction of a degree in public recreation. Additional majors and minors were later developed.

Now part of the College of Education and Human Sciences, the department operates as the Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, offering undergraduate programs in Athletic Training, Nutrition and Dietetics, Exercise Science, Health Education, Physical Education, and Sport, Recreation and Park Management, along with related minors.

The teaching of history at South Dakota State University developed alongside the college. From the beginning, students in all divisions of the college were required to take basic history courses. As time went on and the numbers of students and teachers multiplied, the Department of History was able to carve out its own niche. At times, other disciplines were taught through the department and the name was occasionally changed to reflect these areas. In 1905, the department was known as the Department of History and Political Science, this lasted until 1967. After a year as the Department of History, in 1968 the name changed to the Department of History and Geography to reflect the number of geography courses taught. In 1973, a separate geography department was established and the history department was reorganized into a resemblance of today's department.

The courses offered by the Department of History are intended to prepare majors for careers in teaching, government, and service-oriented occupations, and to provide a necessary background for graduate work or other specialized training. / History is now merged into the Department of History, Political, Sciences, Philosophy, and Religion.

The Department of Horticulture and Forestry was established in 1887 as one of the original units of the college and its newly organized experiment station. Early research focused on windbreak trees, orchard and small fruits, vegetables, and ornamental trees and shrubs, with practical applications across South Dakota. Over the years, the department maintained active research programs in horticulture, forestry, landscape design, and park management. In the mid-1980s, it was renamed the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape and Parks and offered a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree with majors in horticulture, landscape design, and park management. In the summer of 2011, the department was merged with the Department of Plant Science.

Mathematics has been part of South Dakota State University since its founding. In the early 1900s, the department emphasized developing habits of systematic and accurate thinking, proficiency in calculation, and independent problem-solving. Original demonstrations and problem-solving were central to each course.

The Department of Mathematics offers a strong liberal arts curriculum with opportunities for focused study in mathematics, as well as support courses for other academic units. Over time, the department has been administratively housed in either the College of Engineering or the College of Arts and Sciences. Currently, financial and administrative matters fall under the College of Engineering, while degrees are conferred through the College of Arts and Sciences. An effort to consolidate this dual administration was proposed but not approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Mechanical engineering has been taught at South Dakota State University since its earliest years. Initially, students could follow a prescribed course sequence leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Arts, later renamed Mechanical Engineering. During the first two years, mechanical engineering students shared coursework with civil engineering students, with specialization occurring in the junior and senior years.

In 1897, the Department of Mechanical Engineering was established to oversee the mechanical engineering curriculum. At that time, most civil engineering courses were transferred to the Department of Architectural and Agricultural Engineering, though some remained with mechanical engineering. By 1902, with the formation of separate Civil and Electrical Engineering departments, Mechanical Engineering became an independent department, a structure that continues today.

Graduates of the mechanical engineering program pursue careers in research, development, design, testing, manufacturing, operations, maintenance, marketing, sales, management, and administration.

Military instruction has long been a part of campus life at South Dakota State University. The Morrill Act of 1862, which established the nation's land-grant colleges, required institutions to offer instruction in “military tactics.” At SDSU, formal military classes began in September 1884 under Professor Robert F. Kerr. Instruction consisted of lectures, recitations, and regular drills. Until 1918, the university met federal military training requirements through mandatory drills and academic coursework led by civilian faculty.

The National Defense Act of 1916 established the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), which standardized military training across all land-grant institutions, including SDSU. ROTC replaced the earlier system with a formalized structure directed by the War Department, which set the curriculum and provided personnel and equipment. Local land-grant colleges served as the headquarters for their respective ROTC programs.

One notable figure in SDSU’s ROTC history is General Omar Bradley, who served as Professor of Military Science at the university. While best known for commanding the largest U.S. field force during World War II and becoming the first Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Bradley also gave SDSU’s Army ROTC its enduring nickname: “The West Point of the Plains,” a title still embraced by cadets and alumni.

ROTC participation was once compulsory for underclassmen, who were required to complete two years of basic military training. Selected upperclassmen could choose to pursue advanced training. Initially, SDSU’s program included multiple service branches, but by 1942—when DePuy Military Hall was built—training was limited to Army and Air Force ROTC. ROTC remained mandatory for all male freshmen and sophomores until 1969, when the South Dakota Board of Regents made participation voluntary. Despite the change, the program has remained active, with students continuing to enroll.

Today, the Army ROTC program at SDSU offers training in leadership, ethics, management, and personal development, preparing cadets for service as commissioned officers in the Army, Army National Guard, or Army Reserve. Through classroom instruction, hands-on exercises, and field training, cadets gain the skills and values essential to military and civilian leadership.

The Global Studies major and minor were introduced at South Dakota State University in 2004. This interdisciplinary program offers students a broad academic foundation, preparing them to be globally literate, culturally aware, and proficient in a modern foreign language.

The program provides students with a current understanding of global studies, including contemporary global events, and potential career paths in international business, global corporations, government agencies (both domestic and international), and non-governmental organizations. A central goal is to promote global citizenship and a broad perspective on the individual's relationship to the world community. Global Studies is administered through the Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies.

Music instruction has been a part of South Dakota State University since its founding in 1881. Initially organized as the Department of Music and Physical Culture, the program expanded in 1904–1905 into a four-year Department of Music with four faculty members. Early course offerings included piano, voice, stringed instruments, orchestra, pipe organ, band instruments, and music theory. The music major was discontinued during the Great Depression but reinstated after World War II, with curricular and extracurricular opportunities such as chorus, orchestra, and band continuing to be available.

A major curricular revision in 1975 led to the establishment of three degree programs—Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Music, and Bachelor of Music Education—and earned the department national accreditation. By the 1996–1998 academic bulletin, the department offered the BA in Music, MS in Music Merchandising, and the Bachelor of Music Education, as well as a minor in music.

In 1938, South Dakota State University offered its first Conservation of Natural Resources course through the Entomology and Zoology Department. By 1939, the college catalog included conservation and wildlife management as a formal area of study. The program expanded over the years, and by 1950, students could pursue a BS in agriculture or a BS in wildlife techniques and conservation. Graduate courses were introduced in 1957, eventually leading to a Master of Science degree in both areas. In 1963, these developments culminated in the creation of a separate Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.

The department continued to grow, with a wildlife extension agent added in 1970 and increasing faculty numbers. Although the wildlife techniques major was later discontinued, new areas of study were introduced. Today, the department—now known as the Department of Natural Resource Management—offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees designed to prepare students for careers with government agencies and private organizations.

The department’s mission is to conduct research, educate students at all levels, and provide outreach benefiting South Dakota and society at large. Its work focuses on ecology and environmental science, rangeland ecology and management, and wildlife and fisheries sciences.

Instruction in human nutrition and foods at South Dakota State University originated within the early home economics curriculum. Initial coursework in cooking expanded into formal foods instruction, and by 1907 dietetics courses had been introduced. By 1918–1919, the university catalog noted that the curriculum prepared students for institutional employment, with campus cafeterias serving as laboratory spaces. Following the 1924 divisional reorganization of South Dakota State College, the Department of Foods and Nutrition was formally established, and early research activities were supported through the Agricultural Experiment Station. The curriculum underwent regular revision to remain responsive to advances in nutrition science and evolving professional needs.

Program growth accelerated in the mid-20th century. In 1955, a restaurant management program was introduced and later developed into the Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management program, combining coursework in food service operations, business, and economics with practicum-based experience. The dietetics program also expanded significantly through the creation of a coordinated undergraduate pathway and accreditation by the American Dietetic Association, requiring supervised internships at approved sites and qualifying graduates for the dietetic registration examination. Food science was added as a program option in 1966, offering students access to specialized laboratories and research opportunities in food processing, safety, and analytical methods grounded in chemistry and the biological sciences.

These academic areas eventually came together within the Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Hospitality, offering undergraduate and graduate education in nutrition, dietetics, food science, and hospitality management. The department’s history reflects a sustained emphasis on experiential learning, research, and professional preparation, supporting careers in healthcare, public health, food industries, regulatory agencies, education, and hospitality services.

Prior to the establishment of the Department of Philosophy and Religion in 1968, instruction in those subjects was sporadic. Religion courses were occasionally taught by local clergy, with the first mention of this arrangement appearing in the 1947–48 course catalog. Philosophy courses, by contrast, were taught by college faculty.

Philosophy has been part of the curriculum since the university’s founding. The Morrill Act, which established land-grant institutions like South Dakota State University, required instruction in ""moral philosophy."" A Chair of Psychology and Philosophy was created in 1885, and a Department of Philosophy was established in 1906. For a time, it included philosophy, psychology, and education before these disciplines were moved under the Department of Education in 1913. In 1967, a Department of Psychology and Philosophy was briefly reestablished before splitting the following year into separate departments for psychology and for philosophy and religion.

The department began offering minors in philosophy (1975) and religion (1978). Although efforts were made to establish a philosophy major, the Board of Regents denied the request.

Philosophy and religion courses remain open to students of any major. The study of these subjects is intended to broaden students’ perspectives and explore foundational questions in human thought. The program is now part of the Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion.

Physics instruction at South Dakota State University developed to serve multiple institutional needs, including preparation for engineering careers, foundational science education for students across disciplines, and professional training in physics. From its early years, the program emphasized strong grounding in core physics principles supported by qualified faculty and dedicated instructional facilities. Historically, the department offered two primary academic paths: Engineering Physics, which combined physics coursework with mechanical or electrical engineering, and a more flexible physics curriculum designed for students pursuing graduate study, medical and health related fields, education, meteorology, and other scientific careers.

Over time, the Department of Physics expanded its curriculum, facilities, and research capacity while maintaining a focus on undergraduate education and close faculty student engagement. Housed in Daktronics Engineering Hall in recent years, the department supported instruction and research in areas such as condensed matter, materials science, optics, renewable energy, nuclear physics, and astrophysics. Undergraduate research became a central component of the program, complemented by student organizations, public outreach, and statewide STEM engagement. Administratively located within the College of Arts and Sciences for much of its history, the department was reassigned to the College of Natural Sciences in 2018, reflecting ongoing organizational evolution while sustaining its mission of rigorous instruction, applied research, and public engagement.

The first college catalog (1884–1885) listed political economy as a course of instruction. At the time, political economy was a broad 19th-century discipline encompassing political science, economics, and sociology. By the 1890s, academic departments began to form, and political science courses were incorporated into various departmental groupings. In 1905, the Department of History and Political Science was established, serving as the administrative home for both fields until their separation in 1967.

Political science courses aim to: 1) convey the values and traditions of democratic institutions and encourage civic engagement; 2) promote global awareness and understanding; 3) develop critical thinking and strong communication skills; 4) support other social sciences as a cognate field; and 5) provide political science majors with foundational and advanced coursework across the discipline’s subfields to support intellectual and career development.

Today, Political Science is part of the Department of Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion.

Courses in psychology were first introduced at South Dakota State University in 1885 as part of a combined philosophy and psychology curriculum. In 1913, psychology was incorporated into the Department of Education, where course offerings gradually expanded from two to twelve and faculty increased. From 1938 to 1941, psychology operated briefly as a separate department before returning to its association with education. In 1954, the university approved a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. In 1967, psychology was again separated from education and paired with philosophy in a joint department. The following year, it became an independent Department of Psychology, a status it has maintained since. The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with several curricular tracks, including pre-professional, applied, teaching, and psychological services options.

Sociology was formally established as a department at South Dakota State University in 1925, though courses in the field had been offered earlier through the history and political science departments. The first course with a rural focus was introduced during the 1913–1914 academic year.

The creation of a dedicated rural sociology department was largely a response to the Purnell Act of 1925, which provided federal funding for research in sociology and economics. By the 1930s, the department had become sufficiently established to lead sociological research projects under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). From 1933 to 1942, collaboration between the department and various government agencies helped solidify rural sociology’s role at the university.

The curriculum expanded significantly from its early beginnings. Students can now earn either a B.A. or B.S. in sociology with one of six emphases: general sociology, teaching, social work, human services, criminal justice, or personnel services. A master’s degree in rural sociology has been offered since 1932. In 1961, the university launched a unique interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in social science, allowing students to combine coursework in history, political science, psychology, economics, and sociology. After three years, the program was revised to offer the Ph.D. exclusively in sociology.

Today, the Department of Sociology and Rural Studies remains an integral part of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. Its courses are designed to (1) support undergraduate majors and minors in sociology, (2) provide service courses for students in other disciplines, and (3) fulfill requirements for graduate degrees in sociology.

The first student union at South Dakota State University, Pugsley Union, was completed in 1940 and named for former president Charles W. Pugsley. It served as the center of campus life and housed facilities such as the Jungle cafeteria and Christy Ballroom. In 1973, a new University Student Union was constructed to accommodate increased enrollment and expanded student activities. A major renovation and expansion in 2004 updated the facility and reconfigured interior spaces, including the Main Street area. Pugsley Union was later repurposed as the Pugsley Continuing Education Center.

The Student Union and Activities office oversees the University Student Union and coordinates co curricular programming that supports student leadership, engagement, and campus activities. The Union houses the Students’ Association, student publications, campus radio station KSDJ, Student Legal Services, the Center for Student Engagement, dining services, and the University Bookstore. The office also supports more than 240 student organizations, the University Program Council, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and New Student Orientation. Services administered through the Union include technical services, central reservations, leisure skills programming, and event coordination, making the facility the primary gathering place for student life.

The Veterinary Science Department provides advising services to students in the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum and offers courses in the biomedical sciences for undergraduate and graduate majors in related sciences. The department also offers several graduate research assistantship positions in microbiology, virology, and molecular biology for students majoring in other departments. Active research programs in diseases of food-producing animals support graduate training.

The State of South Dakota does not have a professional College of Veterinary Medicine. A pre-veterinary medicine curriculum is offered which allows students to obtain prerequisites for application of Colleges of Veterinary Medicine in other states. Students may meet requirements in two or three years of pre-veterinary study. Many students complete a major for the Bachelor of Science Degree before entering the professional curriculum of Veterinary Medicine. Many degree options are available to students in the pre-veterinary medicine curriculum, but popular choices include Animal Science, Biology, Microbiology, and Dairy Science. Students typically select a BS option late in their freshman year or during their sophomore year.

In 2011, the department changed its name to the Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences Department. The new name better reflects the activities of the department, especially relative to the research work with zoonotic pathogens and the training of its students under the One Health concept.

The department has always had a strong mission related to preparing undergraduate students for entry into veterinary colleges within the region, training graduate students for careers related to veterinary or human infectious disease research or careers in diagnostic medicine, and providing public service through South Dakota’s only animal health diagnostic laboratory, the SD Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL).

Art instruction has been a part of South Dakota State University’s curriculum since its earliest years. Initial courses required women students to take drawing and painting, while drawing was included in all programs of study for men. Over time, the curriculum expanded to include courses in art education, fine arts, and visual arts, administered through the Department of Art.

The Department of Visual Arts offers studio and lecture-based courses designed for all students, regardless of major. For those pursuing careers as artists, art educators, or designers, the department provides foundational training for professional practice or graduate study. Degree options include a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts with concentrations in art education, graphic design, fine arts, and general art.

On July 1, 2015, South Dakota State University established the School of Design, uniting programs in art, design, and architecture that were previously housed across several colleges, including Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Sciences, and Agriculture and Biological Sciences.

The Division of Budget and Finance at South Dakota State University is responsible for overseeing the institution’s fiscal operations and ensuring financial accountability in support of the university’s academic and administrative mission. Operating under the policies and guidelines of the South Dakota Board of Regents, the division manages budget development, financial reporting, accounting, and related business functions essential to university operations.

Over time, the division has expanded to encompass a broad range of financial and administrative services. Its responsibilities include budget planning and administration; accounting and financial analysis; accounts payable and payroll; purchasing and property management; cashiering and card services; grant administration; institutional research; risk management; logo licensing; and student loan collections. The division also administers the university’s Banner finance system, which supports integrated financial management and reporting.

The Division of Budget and Finance provides financial oversight for major institutional initiatives and capital projects and supports long term fiscal planning and stewardship. Its work includes monitoring liquidity, assets, and net position, as well as coordinating activities related to bonds, investments, and special funds. Through these functions, the division plays a central role in maintaining the financial stability of South Dakota State University and supporting the efficient use of public and private resources.

Student affairs functions at South Dakota State University developed gradually as the institution expanded and student needs became more complex. Early student support services were informal and dispersed, but by the mid-20th century the university moved toward a centralized administrative structure. In February 1942, the South Dakota Board of Regents approved a reorganization that created a Junior and Senior College Division. The Junior College Division assumed responsibility for student personnel services, preparatory curricula, and terminal programs, with Raymond Y. Chapman appointed as director.

In 1949, the Junior College Division was discontinued and replaced by the Division of Student Personnel Services, again under Chapman’s leadership as dean. This division centralized oversight of student services that had previously reported directly to the president, consolidating administrative responsibilities and reducing institutional fragmentation. Until 1958, the dean guided policy and program development with input from the president, the Administrative Council, and a Committee on Student Personnel Services composed of senior student services staff. During the 1958–1960 biennium, the committee was dissolved and regular staff meetings were introduced to improve internal coordination.

As the university continued to grow, student services expanded in scope and complexity. In 1969, an associate dean was appointed in anticipation of Chapman’s retirement, and further reorganization followed in 1970 with updated procedures and new programs. A major restructuring in 1986 resulted in the division being renamed the Student Affairs Division, a designation that remains in use. Core responsibilities have included testing and counseling, orientation, student records, General Registration, financial aid, veterans’ services, student employment and placement, educational research, and counselor training, as well as oversight of New Student Week and coordination with housing, health services, admissions, and student activities.

The Division of Student Affairs later incorporated enrollment management functions, reflecting a broader institutional emphasis on recruitment, retention, and student success. Operating within the context of a land-grant university, the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management supports student well-being, engagement, and development through programs and services designed to complement academic instruction and prepare students for professional and civic roles.

The Office of Information Technology at South Dakota State University provides technology services and infrastructure in support of the university’s academic, research, and administrative functions. The office encompasses multiple specialized units serving faculty, staff, and students across campus.

Administrative and Research Computing supports large scale research computing and institutional data systems. Classroom Technology Services manages technology enhanced classrooms and oversees the installation, maintenance, and upgrading of instructional equipment. The eSDSU Laptop Center provides students with access to educationally priced computer systems and technical support. Information Security develops and implements protocols to safeguard institutional data and systems.

Information Technology Operations coordinates daily IT services and administers programs that support faculty, staff, and students. Student Information Technology Services operates the Support Desk, maintains general use computer labs, and manages equipment loan and repair services. Instructional Design Services assists faculty with course design, distributed learning, and instructional technology integration. The Student Technology Fellows Program provides structured technology support to faculty and university units through student participation.

The Division of Technology and Security manages core cyberinfrastructure, including high performance computing systems, secured data storage, and campus networking. In 2014, the division secured National Science Foundation funding to establish a Science DMZ to enhance research data transfer. In 2018, a 100 gigabit research network was implemented to strengthen connectivity to regional and national research networks. Through these coordinated efforts, the office supports the university’s technological and research infrastructure.

The South Dakota State University Economics Club was organized as a chapter of the Student Section of the American Farm Economic Association, founded in 1910. The club adopted its constitution in 1955 and has maintained records of activity from 1951 through 2012. It was established to promote academic and professional engagement in economics and related social sciences.

The club’s stated goals are to stimulate interest in economics and allied fields, encourage cooperation and mutual support among students in the social sciences, and provide opportunities for interaction between students and professional staff. Membership has included undergraduate and graduate students with interests in economics, as well as faculty involved in teaching, research, and extension within the department.

The Eminent Farmer and Homemaker Program was established at South Dakota State University in 1927 to recognize outstanding leadership and service in agriculture and rural life. The first honorees were two South Dakota farmers selected following a campaign led by the Farmer magazine and the South Dakota Agricultural Extension Service. Their portraits were placed in Agricultural Hall on what became known as the “Wall of Fame,” and the recognition was conferred by action of the South Dakota Board of Regents. In 1928, the program expanded to honor women under the title Master Farm Homemaker, an initiative supported by The Farmer’s Wife magazine to highlight the importance of farm women in their homes and communities. In 1935, the title changed to Eminent Farm Homemaker, and women were formally recognized alongside male recipients by the Board of Regents. The designation later evolved to Eminent Homemaker.
In its early years, the honor included the granting of an honorary degree; by the 1950s, the terminology was clarified to distinguish the award from an academic honorary degree while preserving its significance. The program has been jointly administered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the College of Education and Human Sciences, and the Cooperative Extension Service, with nominations reviewed annually and approved by the university president and the Board of Regents. In 2019, the program was renamed the Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family, and Community Award, reflecting a broader recognition of leadership across agricultural, family, and community spheres. Since 1927, more than 300 individuals have been honored for their contributions to South Dakota’s agricultural and civic life.

In the late 1960s, the South Dakota Legislature created the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and directed it to develop an Academic Master Plan to define the roles of the state’s public universities and improve efficiency. As part of this process, Committee D was charged with reviewing academic programs. In 1969, the committee recommended consolidating engineering education by transferring the South Dakota State University College of Engineering to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, citing anticipated cost savings.

The recommendation triggered intense opposition at SDSU and statewide. Faculty, students, alumni, and community members argued that eliminating engineering at SDSU would undermine the university’s land grant mission and long established academic strengths. The proposal generated extensive public debate, media coverage, and legislative activity, including efforts such as the Bibby Bill intended to preserve engineering education at SDSU. Between 1971 and 1972, the issue was widely discussed in Board of Regents meetings and the state legislature. Ultimately, the Board of Regents decided not to eliminate the College of Engineering at SDSU, making the controversy a defining episode that underscored institutional resilience and strong public support for maintaining engineering education in Brookings.

The mission of Engineering Extension is to assist the private and public sectors of the state with their technical needs for the purpose of economic development. These programs satisfy these needs: 1) Occupational safety and health surveys of the workplace for any South Dakota employers who request the service. 2) Training workshops and seminars to update skills regarding technical needs and to certify individuals who are required to work under specific government regulations (e.g. asbestos).

The Engineering Resource Center, established in 1986, serves the university, citizens, and industry in South Dakota through a combination of outreach and technology transfer programs. These programs are designed to be complementary, with knowledge gained from one often supporting or enhancing the others. The center's initiatives include Engineering Extension, the Office of Remote Sensing, the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, the South Dakota Local Transportation Assistance Program, the University/Industry Technology Service, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and the Essential Networking and Training for Entrepreneurship (ENTRE) program.

The center undertakes projects directly or through interdisciplinary teams composed of students, university faculty, and external experts. It maintains an online expertise database to help identify faculty and industrial consultants, along with a separate database containing information on manufacturers and processors in South Dakota.

The South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, funded in part by NASA, includes South Dakota State University, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Augustana College, and the EROS Data Center. Its goal is to foster interest in aerospace science among students and faculty and to encourage careers in related fields. The University/Industry Technology Service links university resources with industry, business, and government to solve technical problems and support economic development. The ENTRE program offers a ten-session course designed to help individuals explore and refine entrepreneurial ideas, promoting business development and economic growth across the state. The Office of Remote Sensing, established in 1969 as the Remote Sensing Institute with support from Senator Karl Mundt, uses multispectral imagery and geographic information systems for natural resource studies and mapping projects in South Dakota and beyond. It is supported by both state and federal funding.