South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University is a public land-grant research university located in Brookings, South Dakota. Established in 1881, it is the state’s largest public university and operates under the South Dakota Board of Regents. The institution offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across colleges that include agriculture, engineering, nursing, pharmacy, education, and the liberal arts. As a land-grant institution, it maintains a strong focus on agricultural sciences, engineering, and applied research, while also supporting programs in the sciences, humanities, and health professions. South Dakota State University attracts students seeking a comprehensive public university experience in a regional setting with research opportunities and Division I athletics.

South Dakota State University was founded on February 21, 1881, when the Dakota Territorial Legislature established Dakota Agricultural College under the Morrill Act of 1862. Located in Brookings, the college opened classes in 1885 after construction of its first building. George W. Lilley was selected as the first president in 1884. Following South Dakota’s statehood in 1889, the institution continued to expand its land-grant mission in agriculture and mechanical arts. In 1904, it was renamed South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. The academic structure was reorganized in 1923 into major divisions, and new programs such as nursing in 1956 and a formal graduate school in 1957 broadened its scope. On July 1, 1964, the institution became South Dakota State University, reflecting its expanded academic offerings. Since then, South Dakota State University has developed into a comprehensive public research university serving the state and region.