Central ND News

Dickinson State University (DSU) is celebrating its founding today, marking over a century since it began as Dickinson State Normal School on June 24, 1918. Initially operating out of Dickinson High School with Superintendent Peter S. Berg at the helm, the school aimed to address the shortage of certified teachers in rural North Dakota. Students initially attended classes without campus buildings and later moved to the Elks Building until May Hall was completed in 1924.

In the recent academic year, DSU announced several developments reflecting its growth. A new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is set to launch in Fall 2026 to bolster nursing education and workforce readiness. The university also hosted its first home playoff football game in two decades during the NAIA Football Championship Series, where the Blue Hawks secured a victory against Kansas Wesleyan.

A partnership formed with Williston State College allows students to pursue bachelor's degrees locally or online without relocating. This agreement supports local workforce demands by expanding access to education.

DSU's Educator Preparation Program received perfect scores from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), affirming its quality and effectiveness. In athletics, Jumoke Adekoye made history by becoming DSU’s first National Champion in Women's Wrestling and earned the Most Outstanding Wrestler Award at the National Tournament.

The State Board of Higher Education appointed Scott Molander as DSU's fourteenth president. Molander, an alumnus and co-founder of Hat World Inc., takes on this leadership role as DSU looks toward future advancements while honoring its rich history.