About DSU

Accreditation

Dakota State University or specific programs offered are accredited by the following agencies:

• The Higher Learning Commission
  230 S. LaSalle St. - Suite 7-500
  Chicago, IL 60604-1413 • (312) 263-0456 • 1-800-621-7440
• Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Division of Education of the South Dakota Department of Education and Cultural Affairs
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• National Security Agency (NSA)
• State Approving Agency as programs eligible for veterans benefits
• Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education

Mission Statement

The Legislature established Dakota State University as an institution specializing in programs in computer management, computer information systems, and other related undergraduate and graduate programs as outlined in SDCL 13-59-2.2. A special emphasis is the preparation of the elementary and secondary teachers with expertise in the use of computer technology and information processing in the teaching and learning process.

The Board implemented SDCL 13-59-2.2 by authorizing undergraduate and graduate programs that are technology-infused and promote excellence in teaching and learning. These programs support research, scholarly and creative activities and provide service to the State of South Dakota and the region. Dakota State University is a member of the South Dakota System of Higher Education.

Curriculum

Degrees are authorized at the associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctorate levels.

The following curriculum is approved for the university:

1. Undergraduate Programs
   • Associate degree programs are approved in business analytics, digital accounting, health informatics and information management, business management, network and security administration, project management, software development, web development and general studies.
   • Baccalaureate programs are approved in health informatics and information management, business, computer game design, digital arts and design, education, English, computer information systems, artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence in organizations, computer science, network and security administration, cyber operations, mathematics, exercise science, elementary education, elementary education/special education, special education, secondary education, individualized studies, professional accountancy, and general studies.
2. Graduate Programs

• Master’s degree programs are approved in technology education, information systems, cyber operations, cyber defense, health informatics and information management, analytics, computer science and business administration.
• Doctorate of Philosophy degree programs are approved in information systems, cyber defense, cyber operations and computer science.

Strategic Plan

Dakota State University’s strategic plan begins with our mission, vision, and values.  These build a framework for our university goals.  It builds on our strengths and focuses our attention and commitment on the most pressing issues we are distinctively positioned to address. As an important initiative, DSU continuously seeks to advance student success through highly engaged, high-impact educational practices.

The ADVANCE strategic plan began in 2022 and will continue to evolve through 2027 and beyond. We will consider our strengths and challenges as we bring stakeholders together to move our University forward. Our strategy focuses on quality, research, engagement, athletics, and student success.

https://dsu.edu/about-dsu/strategic-plan.html

Dakota State University’s History

Dakota State University was founded in 1881 as Dakota State Normal School, the first teacher education institution in Dakota Territory. Its mission was to recruit and educate young adults to become teachers for the growing communities in the region.

Over the decades, the university’s programs of study have evolved. In 1888, commercial studies were added, the forerunner to today’s majors in the College of Business and Information Systems. Humanities courses were added throughout the years as well, now gathered under the College of Arts & Sciences. Future elementary, secondary, and special education teachers continue to study in the College of Education.

Along with these program additions, there were several name changes, including Dakota Normal School, Eastern State Teachers College, General Beadle State College, and Dakota State College.

The biggest change for the university came in 1984, when the South Dakota Legislature and the South Dakota Board of Regents changed the mission of Dakota State to include and emphasize computer technology and information systems. The purpose of this legislative action was two-fold: it addressed economic development in the state, particularly in reference to the growing banking and financial services industry; it also added a technology focus to all program offerings.

To fulfill this mission, DSU faculty developed leading-edge computer technology and information systems degree programs. Several program developments led to new graduate degree programs, so on July 1, 1989, the South Dakota Legislature changed the name to Dakota State University, to reflect the expansion of the university’s degree options.

Dakota State University’s innovative curriculum led to national recognition. In 2004, DSU was one of ten colleges in the country named a National Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency. The university now has CAE distinctions in cyber defense education, cyber defense research, cyber operations, and is a CAE regional resource center.

Additionally, DSU is one of a few universities in the country that partners with the NSA National Cryptologic School, through which NSA military and civilian employees are able to finish undergraduate and graduate degrees in cyber operations. Dakota State also has articulation agreements with the Community College of the Air Force; students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree on their way to a Bachelor of Science degree in Cyber Leadership and Intelligence, or take general education courses.

DSU has also focused on applying computer technology to traditional academic fields, leading to the development of unique, technology-focused degree programs in business, English, and art, to name a few. Traditional majors in the College of Business and Information Systems, such as accounting and finance, are infused with technology; new, technology-focused business programs of study include computer information systems and health information administration. English students major in English for New Media; fine arts students major in three specializations under the Digital Arts and Design degree, computer graphics, digital sound design, or production animation. All of DSU’s education majors receive a technology endorsement upon graduation.

To increase student access to the technology-centric programming, Dakota State University was the first university in the state – and one of the few in the country – to implement a wireless mobile computing initiative by providing all students with computer notebooks in 2004. This Wireless Mobile Computing Initiative continues today: all on-campus students receive a laptop when they begin their studies.

For 18 of the last 21 years, Dakota State University has seen steady increases in enrollment. Many are on-campus students, but to reach broader audiences, including non-traditional, rural, and international students, the institution began offering distance course options in 1989. Several undergraduate programs and all DSU’s graduate programs are now offered online.

Whether on campus or online, graduates of DSU programs enjoy enviable status in the national marketplace with an overall 99% placement rate, and in many programs that number is 100%.

In 2019, Dakota State’s leadership in all things cyber continued to rise with the opening of the Madison Cyber Labs, a research, development, and economic opportunity facility that is the first of its kind in the area. Work that will take place in the 40,000 square foot MadLabs building will drive innovation and ideas from DSU into the South Dakota economy, the Great Plains, and the nation, and draw talent to the state and region.

From its start as a small college on the prairie, Dakota State University is on an inspirational and world-changing trajectory to be a forward-thinking, innovative, technology-fueled organization. In the future, Dakota State will continue to foster true innovation and active engagement in teaching, learning, scholarship, research, and service.

Equal Opportunity

Dakota State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal educational opportunity in all student services and in all staff and faculty employment actions, without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or disability.

Institutional Administration

Governance and Organization of the University

Dakota State University is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents and operates under the policies and regulations of the Regents. The President is the chief executive officer of the University. The principal officers of the University are the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Business & Administrative Services, the Vice President and Dean for Student Affairs, Vice President for Human Relations, Vice President for Research and Economic Development and the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.  The general faculty oversee the policies and regulations governing academic and student affairs of the university. Committees are elected or appointed to address matters of importance to students and the faculty.

Executive Administration

 Academic Administration

Library Staff

Graduate Faculty

KATIE ANDERSON (2014), Assistant Professor of Reading and Language Arts

      B.S., University of South Dakota
      M.S., Black Hills State University
      Ed.D., Walden University
     
RICHARD I. AVERY (1998), Professor of Mathematics

B.S., University of New Hampshire
M.A.T., University of New Hampshire
M.S., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln

KRISTEL BAKKER (1998), Professor of Biology

B.S., South Dakota State University
M.S., South Dakota State University
Ph.D., South Dakota State University

MARY BELL (2023), Associate Professor and Dean of the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences
      BBA, Las Curses
      M.A., St. Mary’s University
      Ph.D., Old Dominion University

WILLIAM BENDIX (2021), Associate Professor of International Relations & Intelligence
       B.A., University of Waterloo
        M.A., University of Waterloo
        Ph.D., University of British Columbia

DORINE BENNETT (1987), Professor and Dean of the College of Business & Information Systems,  RHIA, FAHIMA,

B.S., Dakota State University
M.B.A., University of South Dakota
Ed.D., University of South Dakota

STACEY L. BERRY (2010), Professor and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

B.A., Austin State University
M.S., Northern Illinois University
Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln

JUSTIN BLESSINGER (2003), Professor of English
        B.A., Tabor College
        M.A., Emporia State University
        Ph.D., University of South Dakota

PATTI BROOKS (2021), Associate Professor of Health Information Systems
       A.S., Dakota State University
       B.S., Dakota State University
       M.S., Dakota State University
       D.Sc., Dakota State University

YEN-LING CHANG (2010), Associate Professor of Finance
       B.S., National Cheng Chi University
       M.B.A., National Cheng Chi University
       M.S., Iowa State University
       Ph.D., University of Texas at Arlington

KYLE CRONIN (2011), Associate Professor, Graduate Coordinator for Ph.D. in Cyber Defense
      B.S., Dakota State University
      M.S., Dakota State University
      D.Sc., Capitol Technology University

DAVID DeJONG (2022), Professor and Dean of the College of Education & Human Performance

B.S., University of Northern Iowa
M.S., Drake University
Ed.D., University of Northern Iowa

EDWARD DENNIS (2017), Assistant Professor of Computer and Cyber Sciences
       A.A.S., Southeast Technical Institute
       B.A., University of Sioux Falls
       M.S., Dakota State University
       M.S., Colorado Technical University
       D.Cs., Colorado Technical University

PATRICK ENGEBRETSON (2020), Assistant Professor of Computer and Cyber Sciences and Graduate
Program Coordinator for the Ph.D. in Cyber Operations
      B.S., North Dakota State University
      M.S., Dakota State University
      D.Sc., Dakota State University

OMAR EL-GAYAR (2000), Professor of Information Systems

B.S., M.S., University of Alexandria (Egypt)
M.A., University of Hawaii at Manoa
Ph.D., University of Hawaii at Manoa

TYLER FLAAGAN (2019), Assistant Professor of Computer and Cyber Sciences
        B.S., Dakota State University
        M.S., Dakota State University
        Ph.D., Dakota State University

MARY FRANCIS (2007), Professor, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Ombudsman
       B.A., The Franciscan University
       M.A., The University of Iowa

ROBERT GIRTZ (2017), Associate Professor of Business & Economics

       B.S., St. Cloud State University
       M.A., Middle Tennessee State University
       Ph.D., Middle Tennessee State University

TOM HALVERSON (1999), Professor of Computer Science

B.A., University of Minnesota-Morris
M.S., University of Iowa
Ph.D., University of Iowa

MICHAEL HAM (2013) Associate Professor of Cyber Security/Network & Security

       B.S., Dakota State University
       M.S., Dakota State University
       D.Sc., Dakota State University

YOUSSEF HARRATH (2023), Associate Professor of Computer and Cyber Sciences
       B.Sc., Science University
       M.Sc., Polytechnic National Institute
       Ph.D., Franche-Comte’ University

JOHN HASTINGS (2023), Professor of Computer and Cyber Sciences
       B.S., University of Wyoming
       M.S., University of Wyoming
       Ph.D., University of Wyoming

MARK HAWKES (1999), Professor of Instructional Technology, Dean of the Graduate Studies

B.S., Brigham Young University
M.S., Brigham Young University
Ph.D., Syracuse University

FENECIA HOMAN (2023), Assistant Professor and Dean of the Governor’s Cyber Academy
       B.A., Augustana College
       B.A., Minot State University
       M.A., Minot State University
       Ed.D., Sam Houston State University

VIKI JOHNSON (2006), Assistant Professor of Sociology

B.A., Dickinson State University
M.S., North Dakota State University
Ph.D., University of North Dakota

JIHENE KAABI (2023), Associate Professor of Computer and Cyber Sciences
       B., University of Science
       M.Sc., Polytechnic National Institute
       M.Sc., University of Science & Technique
       Ph.D., University of Science & Technique

DAVID KENLEY (2020), Professor and Coordinator of General Studies
       B.A., Brigham Young University
       M.A., University of Utah
       Ph.D., University of Hawai’i

ANDREW KRAMER (2017), Assistant Professor of Computer and Cyber Science
       A.A., College of the Redwoods
       B.S., Dakota State University
       M.S., in Applied Computer Science
       Ph.D., Dakota State University

STEPHEN KREBSBACH (2000), Professor of Computer Science and Graduate Program Coordinator for the Ph.D. CS

B.S., Moorhead State University
M.S., Moorhead State University
Ph.D., North Dakota State University

JUN LIU (2012), Professor of Information Systems and Graduate Program Coordinator for MSAA

         B.A., Nanjing University, China
         M.S., University of Arizona
         Ph.D., University of Arizona

BRENDA MERKEL (2022), Assistant Professor in Business and Information Systems
       A.S., Dakota State University
       B.S., Dakota State University and Northern State University
       M.S., Northern State University
       D.B.A., Anderson University

JASON MIXON (2021), Assistant Professor of Computer and Cyber Sciences

       B.B.A., West Texas A&M University
       M.B.A., West Texas A&M University    

SCOTT MORSTAD (2017), Associate Professor of Accounting & Business Law
       B.A., Augustana College
       J.D., University of South Dakota

GABE MYDLAND (1998), Associate Professor of Education

B.S., Augustana College
M.S., South Dakota State University
Ph.D., University of South Dakota

JENNIFER NASH (2005), Associate Professor of Science Education

B.S., Minnesota State University, Mankato
Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

CHERIE NOTEBOOM (2009) Professor of Management Information Systems and Graduate Program Coordinator for Ph.D. Info Systems

B.S., South Dakota State University
M.B.A., University of South Dakota
E.D., University of South Dakota
Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Omaha

AUSTIN O’BRIEN (2015), Associate Professor of Computer Science and Graduate Program Coordinator for MS Computer Science

      B.S., South Dakota State University
      M.S., South Dakota State University
      Ph.D., South Dakota State University

CHRIS OLSON (2006), Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems

B.S., Dakota State University
M.S., Dakota State University
Ph.D., Northcentral University

INSU PARK (2014) Associate Professor of Information Systems

         B.C., Hanyang University
         M.S., Hanyang University
         Ph.D., State University of NY, Buffalo

MICHAEL ROACH (2002), Associate Professor of Economics

       B.S., University of South Dakota
       M.B.A., University of Sioux Falls
       Ph.D., Capella University

RONGHUA SHAN (1998), Professor of Information Systems and Graduate Program Coordinator for MS Information Systems

B.E., Zhejiang University of Technology, Zhejiang, China
Post Graduate Diploma - China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, China
M.A., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln

KEVIN SMITH (2013), Associate Professor of Mathematics Education and Program Coordinator for MS Education Technology

       B.S.Ed., Dakota State University
       M.Ed., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
       Ed.D., University of Memphis

MARK SPANIER (2015), Associate Professor of Cryptography and Program Coordinator for MS Artificial Intelligence
       B.S., North Dakota State University
       Ph.D., North Dakota State University

RENAE L. SPOHN (2012), Associate Professor of Health Information Management, RHIA, CPHQ, FAHIMA, FNAHQ, and Program Coordinator for MS Health Informatics and Information Management

         A.S., Colorado Technical University
         A.S., Dakota State University
         B.S., Dakota State University
         M.B.A., City University (Bellevue, WA)
         Additional study, Colorado Technical University

DANIEL TALLEY (1996), Professor of Economics and Graduate Program Coordinator for MBA in General Management

B.S., University of Puget Sound
Ph.D., University of Oregon

DEB TECH (1999), Associate Professor of Marketing

B.A., Concordia Teachers College
M.B.A., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Ph.D., Northcentral University

BRENT TULLOSS (2001), Lecturer of Information Systems

B.S., Dakota State University
M.S., Dakota State University

VARGHESE VAIDYAN (2022), Assistant Professor of Computer and Cyber Science
       B.T., University of Calicut
       M.S., University of Glasgow
       Ph.D., Iowa State University

YONG WANG (2012), Professor of Computer and Cyber Science, Associate Dean of Beacom Graduate Programs, and Graduate Program Coordinator for Ph.D. in Cyber Operations

         B.S., Wuhan University, China
         M.Eng., Wuhan University, China
         Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln

CODY WELU (2017), Associate Professor of Computer Science and Cyber Security
        B.S., Dakota State University
        M.S., Dakota State University
        Ph.D., Dakota State University  

JULIE WULF-PLIMPTON (2016), Associate Professor of Health Information
         B.S., Dakota State University
         M.S., Dakota State University

QIANG (David) ZENG* (2017), Associate Professor/Researcher of Information Systems
        B.S., Dalian Jiaotong University
        M.S., California State University
        M.B.A., University of California
        Ph.D., University of California

SHAWN ZWACH (2019) Assistant Professor of Computer and Cyber Sciences
        B.S., Dakota State University
        M.S., Dakota State University