Monday Message, March 2
Good afternoon, everyone,
Welcome back for another week at ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń. We are fortunate to enjoy what looks to be a stretch of early spring weather in the days ahead — a welcome reminder that a new season is just around the corner. As we take advantage of the longer daylight, don’t forget that we will set our clocks ahead one hour next Sunday as we begin daylight saving time.
Earlier this morning, an email was distributed announcing that Gov. Larry Rhoden has granted, and South Dakota Board of Regents Executive Director Nathan Lukkes has supported, administrative leave for eligible employees over the Easter weekend on Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6. This additional time away from campus will provide a meaningful opportunity to spend time with family and friends and to recharge during the busy spring semester. We appreciate the state’s continued support of our employees and the important work you do each day.
I also want to remind you that the next Daschle Dialogues will be held April 7, when presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham visits the SDSU campus. This event will take place at First Bank & Trust Arena and will serve as one of the signature launch events for SDSU’s America 250 celebration.
Faculty, staff and students are eligible to secure two free tickets to the event, and I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity as tickets are going fast. Additional information about the program is included below.
America 250 offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the principles that have shaped both our nation and our university. Since its founding in 1881, SDSU has embodied the core values that helped define the American higher education system. Land-grant universities were established to expand access to education, advance research that benefits society and strengthen communities through service and outreach.
For more than a century, SDSU has advanced these ideals by preparing students for meaningful careers, driving innovation across industries and serving as a trusted partner for communities across South Dakota and beyond. America 250 provides a unique platform to highlight how our mission reflects the nation’s enduring commitment to education, civic engagement and economic progress.
We are excited to host a number of events in the months ahead and to partner with the Brookings community as we commemorate this historic milestone. There will be many wonderful opportunities to engage in the celebration. Information will be shared as more events become finalized.
We will end this week by cheering on our Jackrabbit men's and women's basketball teams at the Summit League tournament in Sioux Falls. We wish our student-athletes the very best.
Thank you for everything you do to make ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń a premier land-grant university. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Sincerely,
Barry H. Dunn
President
ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń
Above and Beyond recognizes individuals and groups of ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń employees, faculty and students for individual and team efforts that go Above and Beyond to make the campus community a better place.
On the last Friday in February, ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń hosted an open house to recognize TRIO Day. The two-hour event in Larson Commons attracted current and former students in our TRIO programs.
TRIO Day is a way to celebrate and recognize the impact TRIO has on our students, the university, the state and beyond. Today, we’re highlighting the staff and students behind the celebration for their Above and Beyond contributions to campus culture.
The university offers two TRIO programs that support first-generation and income-eligible students’ academic success. The federally funded program is open to qualifying students and seeks to uplift them so they can uplift themselves, their families and their communities.
TRIO Student Support Services provides an encouraging community for students transitioning to college. And TRIO Upward Bound prepares students from certain high schools in Sioux Falls and Flandreau for success in college.
South Dakota State’s TRIO Day started off with a mayoral proclamation from Brookings Mayor Ope Niemeyer that was delivered by City Council Member Holly Tilton Byrne. The open house provided networking and celebration opportunities for faculty, staff, TRIO students and TRIO alumni.
Leading up to the event, TRIO posted current student spotlights on Facebook and Instagram.
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While the TRIO program started more than 60 years ago, TRIO Day was first declared on Feb. 28, 1986. That makes this most recent event the 40th anniversary.
There was extra pressure to make the event extra special, so let’s recognize the many people who made South Dakota State’s TRIO Day happen:
- Nathan Bylander, program director
- True Thorne, academic coordinator
- Carolyn Killefer, student success adviser
- Karin Burdick, student success adviser
- Gail Flammond, senior secretary
- TRIO student ambassadors
- TRIO student leaders
Let’s also take a moment to recognize everything that TRIO-eligible students bring to campus and to our communities. Their futures are bright — and we’re honored they chose to advance their academic journeys at South Dakota State!
The Monday Message appears weekly during the academic year and less frequently during the summer months and holiday breaks.
Information for the Monday Message, including nominations for Above and Beyond, can be submitted online.
SDSU Ambassador Selection
The SDSU Admissions Ambassadors program is a fantastic opportunity for students who are passionate about sharing their SDSU experience. The Office of Admissions is looking for students to be ambassadors during the 2026-27 academic year. Admissions Ambassadors are hired to represent and promote SDSU to prospective students, their families and the general public. Please encourage students who you think would be good in this role to apply online.
Daschle Dialogues
Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham headlines this year’s Daschle Dialogues on April 7 on the ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń campus. This year’s event is being held in First Bank & Trust Arena.
, and they are going fast. Tickets are available to the general public on at a cost of $15 per ticket, with all proceeds going to support general scholarships at SDSU.
Meacham is considered one of America’s foremost public intellectuals. His body of work includes biographies of George H.W. Bush, Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson. His bestselling books include “And There Was Light” (a portrait of Abraham Lincoln), “The Soul of America” and “His Truth Is Marching On” (a biography of John Lewis). His latest book, “American Struggle,” covers a wide spectrum of history, from 1619 to the 21st century.
Daschle Dialogues is the public component of the Thomas A. Daschle Congressional Research Study. Daschle, a 1969 SDSU graduate, served in Congress for 26 years. He was one of the longest-serving Senate democratic leaders in history and one of only two to serve twice as both majority and minority leader.
Meacham is a distinguished visiting professor at Vanderbilt University and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Biden in 2024.
Private donations to the SDSU Alumni & Foundation for the Daschle endowment are used to underwrite the Daschle Dialogues program.
Information on the event and logistics can be directed to Steve Erpenbach, CEO of the SDSU Alumni & Foundation, or Megan Nelson, administrative and guest experience manager of the SDSU Alumni & Foundation, or by calling 605-697-7475.
CommUNITY Meeting: Wacipi 101
Join the American Indian Student Association president, vice president and Wacipi (powwow) chair for Wacipi 101, an informative session designed to deepen understanding of this important cultural tradition. Participants will learn what a Wacipi is, why it matters, and how understanding its traditions and protocols can make attending a Wacipi meaningful and respectful.
The informative session will be held March 10 from 3-4 p.m. in the Pheasant and Crest rooms (SSU 253) in the University Student Union.
The presentation will also provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the student organization coordinates and hosts this large-scale cultural event.
Wacipi 101 serves as a guide to attending with knowledge and appreciation ahead of the annual Wetu Wacipi (Spring Powwow) on March 28-29.
Tackling Burnout: Tips and Tricks from Experts – Event Recording Available
The Wellness Advisory Committee recently hosted Tackling Burnout: Tips and Tricks from Experts, a panel discussion focused on workplace well-being and burnout.
Moderated by Mary Anne Krogh, the panel featured campus professionals Andrea Bjornstad, Becky Jensen, Whitney Keller-Reetz and Stephanie Johnson-Kayne. Panelists explored how burnout differs from everyday stress, its common causes and its impact on individuals, teams and organizations.
The discussion highlighted practical, research-informed strategies for prevention and recovery, including organizational interventions, personal coping tools and the role leadership and policy play in supporting sustainable and healthy work environments. Wiyaka His Horse Is Thunder served as chat and Q&A monitor, helping facilitate audience engagement and discussion.
is now available for those who were unable to attend or who would like to revisit the conversation.
Acclaimed Author Amara Lakhous Talk: “How Stories Save Us”
Grant Camp 2026 – Call for Applications
Faculty members interested in developing compelling proposals for external funding and building connections with potential collaborators across disciplines are invited to the 2026 Grant Camp hosted by the Division of Research, May 18-21. Location for the event will be the Pioneer Room (SSU 265) in the University Student Union.
Grant Camp is designed to demystify the grant application process for SDSU researchers. While the program is particularly beneficial for early-career faculty, seasoned researchers seeking greater familiarity with external funding opportunities are also encouraged to apply. The program is open to research-active faculty in all disciplines and at all ranks, regardless of tenure status.
Participants must:
- Be research-active
- Commit to attending the sessions (May 18-21, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
- Agree to submit a proposal for external funding by the end of the 2026-27 academic year
Applications may be submitted through InfoReady by April 6: .
SDSU Research and Incentive Program
The SDSU Research and Scholarship Incentive Plan has been developed to enhance sponsored research and scholarly activities. By providing the opportunity for faculty and research staff to be eligible for one-time payments, the program provides incentive options to secure externally funded research grants and contracts.
All faculty members on a tenure track and term appointments are eligible for the program. The program is in addition to and complements existing summer salary policies and procedures for nine-month faculty. Professional staff (i.e. non-faculty exempt staff) whose base salary is paid by state general funds or tuition, and fees are also eligible for the incentive program. Incentive payments shall not be paid from grant/contract funds and will be paid from institutional accounts such as state general funds, tuition and fee accounts, and recovered F&A costs allocated to the colleges and units.
can now be submitted via InfoReady. Deadline is March 15.
Employee Access to the University Wellness Center – Spring Break
The University Wellness Center will offer free access to all ĂŰĚŇÓ°Ďń employees and their families during spring break, March 14-22.
Employees and their immediate family members are invited to take advantage of the Wellness Center facilities during this time at no cost. This is a great opportunity to stay active and prioritize wellness while campus activity is lighter during the break.
Employees must present a valid SDSU employee ID at entry.
For additional information about hours and facility guidelines, please visit the Miller Wellness Center webpage.
Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day
Registration is now open for Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day, which will be held Tuesday, April 14, in the University Student Union. The new event merges the events formerly known as Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day and Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day into one daylong event celebrating and promoting student involvement in research and creative activity at SDSU. The schedule and more information about the event can be found on the Student Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day website.
All students enrolled at SDSU are encouraged to participate. There are separate registration forms for the undergraduate and graduate poster showcases, and those links can be found on sdstate.edu along with an agenda of events. Both events are limited to the first 100 students who register.
LeadState and Huether Public Service Academy Nominations
LeadState is proud to partner with the Mike Huether Public Service Academy, a nationally networked program housed in the School of American and Global Studies. The academy is a selective, cohort-based program that prepares exceptional leaders with the passion to solve problems and serve something larger than themselves.
LeadState provides the leadership development foundation for Mike Huether Public Service Academy scholars, while academy students bring their public service focus and commitment to the LeadState cohort. Faculty who have any current first-year or second-year students who may be interested in LeadState should invite them to participate. Please be selective in your nominations and consider those who would truly benefit from this program. To nominate students, please send each student's name, student ID number and email address to Seth Daughters by Thursday, April 2.
To learn more about LeadState, please visit sdstate.edu. For more information about the Huether Public Service Academy, contact Jon Ruff.
Judges needed for the Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair
Volunteer judges are needed for the Eastern South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair — an annual event on the SDSU campus that brings more than 500 middle and high school students from the region to showcase their research and creativity in STEM. It is an opportunity to encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers while spending a rewarding day on campus.
- Tuesday, March 31
- Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium – Club 71
- Main judging: 9-11:30 a.m. (orientation at 8:15 a.m.)
- Grand awards: about 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
- Undergrad volunteers: all day
Opportunities:
- to share personal expertise and inspire students.
- — Advisers of student groups and invite them to volunteer.
- Sponsor an award — Email fair director Brad Blaha.
Judging is flexible, meaningful and a great way to give back to STEM education.
Digital Accessibility Training
The April compliance deadline for universitywide digital accessibility is approaching quickly, and the efforts to ensure digital content is accessible continues to be shared responsibility.
Several training opportunities are available throughout the semester to support this effort. Information about training sessions, resources and expectations can be found online.
Updated Policies
New and updated university policies continue to be adopted and published. For the most recent updates, visit the New and Recently Revised Policies page on sdstate.edu.
