The University of South Dakota (USD) is a public research university located in Vermillion, South Dakota, United States. Established by the Dakota Territory legislature in 1862, it predates the state's admission to the Union by 27 years, making it the oldest public university in South Dakota and the flagship institution of the state's higher education system. USD opened its doors in 1882 as the first public university in the Dakotas, initially serving a small number of students focused on liberal arts education.
The origins of the University of South Dakota trace back to the Civil War era when the Dakota Territory was formed. In 1862, the territorial legislature authorized the creation of a university to promote education in the region. Despite challenges such as funding shortages and the remote location, construction began, and classes commenced in 1882 with 39 students and a faculty of six. The university's early years were marked by growth amid the settlement of the American West, evolving from a normal school into a comprehensive institution.
Throughout the 20th century, USD expanded significantly. It established the Sanford School of Medicine in 1907 (initially as the Medical College of the State of South Dakota) and the Knudson School of Law in 1883, becoming the only institutions offering these professional degrees in the state. The university navigated economic depressions, world wars, and social changes, including desegregation efforts in the mid-20th century. In recent history, USD's historic core campus—comprising 13 buildings, two gate posts, and one fountain constructed between 1883 and 1954—was added to the National Register of Historic Places in March 2025, recognizing its architectural and educational significance.
USD occupies a 274-acre campus situated on bluffs overlooking the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota, approximately 60 miles southwest of Sioux Falls and 40 miles northwest of Sioux City, Iowa. The campus blends historic structures like the iconic Old Main building (completed in 1883) with modern facilities such as the Lee Medicine and Science Building. Key attractions include the National Music Museum, which houses over 15,000 musical instruments from American, European, and non-Western traditions, making it one of the world's largest collections of its kind.
The university's location in the small city of Vermillion (population around 11,000) fosters a close-knit community, with the institution and town maintaining a symbiotic relationship that supports both academic and cultural growth.
As South Dakota's only public liberal arts university, USD offers more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across nine divisions, including arts and sciences, business, education, fine arts, health sciences, law, medicine, modern languages, and social work. Enrollment stands at approximately 9,971 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio that emphasizes personalized education. The university is classified as an R2: Doctoral University – High research activity by the Carnegie Classification.
USD's professional schools are particularly renowned: the Sanford School of Medicine trains physicians for rural and underserved areas, while the Knudson School of Law, founded in 1901, prepares students for legal practice with a focus on public service. The university also hosts unique programs like the only accredited beekeeping course in the U.S. and strong offerings in Native American studies, reflecting the region's cultural heritage.
The University of South Dakota is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents and led by President Sheila Gestring. It holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools), ensuring high standards in education quality.
USD emphasizes inclusive excellence, diversity, and research, with initiatives aimed at becoming a regional leader in these areas. Its athletic teams, known as the Coyotes, compete in the NCAA Division I's Missouri Valley Football Conference and Summit League, adding to the vibrant campus life.
For more details, refer to the official University of South Dakota website and Wikipedia entry.