The University of Sioux Falls: A Legacy of Faith, Learning, and Transformation

The University of Sioux Falls (USF) stands as a beacon of Christian liberal arts education in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, USF offers a rich history and a diverse array of programs designed to equip students for success in their chosen fields and to become informed, responsible citizens. Immersing yourself is the best way to learn about anything. Entering college is a good time to jump headlong into life and all that you can be. USF will give you the tools you need to reach your full potential and land your dream job.

A Historical Overview

The story of USF begins on June 5, 1872, when pastors and delegates from nine Baptist churches in the Dakota Territory convened in Vermillion, South Dakota, for the first meeting of the Baptist Association. The vision was to establish an institution dedicated to the education of youth under distinctively Christian influence. This vision became a reality on September 8, 1883, with the establishment of Dakota Collegiate Institute. Secondary and collegiate programs began in the basement of the Sioux Falls First Baptist Church. A campus site was selected along the Old Yankton Trail.

In 1885, the institution's name changed to Sioux Falls University. Evan B. Meredith became the 1st president. Dakota Hall was built for $16,000. The secondary program was called the academy and the collegiate department branded Sioux Falls College. The student newspaper, The Stylus, reported, "The football team will be ready to begin work as soon as they get a ball."

Growth and Adaptation

The early years of the 20th century saw further development of the university. By 1900, tuition was $9.00 per semester. In 1904, Pearl Irene Odell became the first four-year college graduate, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. The university celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1908, a year that also saw the construction of Jorden Hall and the establishment of the first glee clubs for men and women. The First Student Association was formed and included: athletics, debate, oratory and student newspaper.

Between 1929 and 1931, Sioux Falls College acquired four Baptist schools that had ceased to operate: Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa; Grand Island College, Grand Island, Nebraska; Cedar Valley Seminary, Osage, Iowa; and Parker College, Winnebago, Minnesota. In 1931 Grand Island College of Nebraska merges with Sioux Falls University and forms a new corporation, Sioux Falls College. SFC receives North Central Association of Colleges (NCAC) accreditation as a two-year college. The American Baptist State Conventions of North and South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota pass a resolution officially recognizing the college as a denominational institution. SFC receives full, four-year college-status accreditation by the NCAC.

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Overcoming Challenges

The mid-20th century presented significant challenges. During the Second World War, the college lost its accreditation and offered two-year degrees to approximately 200 students, mainly women. Enrollment surged when veterans returned home, only to decline again. Reuben P. Jeschke helped regain full, regional accreditation in 1958, and under his leadership enrollment grew from 378 in 1958 to 1,006 in 1968 - a 166 percent increase.

The most-visible change during this time was the campus. Jeschke oversaw the building of Mears Library, Salsbury Student Union, Salsbury Science Center, Jeschke Fine Arts Center and three residence halls. Time magazine featured Sioux Falls College in 1967 with the caption "Seven Buildings in Seven Years" and the subtitle "But our stature comes from people". The value of the campus increases from $580,000 in 1953 to $5.5 million by 1970.

Expansion and Modernization

The 1980s brought new academic initiatives, including a Degree Completion Program and graduate studies. Today, USF offers four graduate programs: Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Education Specialist (Ed.S.), and a joint doctoral degree in leadership with the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minn.

In 2008, USF received a $2 million Title III grant from the Department of Education to start a nursing program. This grant provided funds for two simulation labs and the renovation of existing science lab facilities.

Key Historical Moments

1872: First resolution of Baptist Association is adopted, providing for "…more general and complete education of our youth under distinctively Christian influence."
1883: Under the name Dakota Collegiate Institute, secondary and collegiate programs begin in the basement of the Sioux Falls First Baptist Church.
1885: Name changes to Sioux Falls University.
1923: Purple Feather Award tradition begins.
1931: Grand Island College of Nebraska merges with Sioux Falls University.
1958: Full, four-year accreditation is regained.
1967: Sioux Falls College is featured in Time magazine.
1995: Sioux Falls College becomes the University of Sioux Falls.
2012: USF became an official member of the NCAA D-II.

Academic Programs and Opportunities

USF offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its programs in education, business, nursing, and the humanities.

History & Political Science

The value of a history & political science degree is not just about career prospects. History teaches us about our past, about who we are as a society, and provides the thinking skills necessary to become an informed and responsible citizen in a democracy.

A degree in history & political science offers graduates numerous career paths. Graduates can work as historians, researching and interpreting historical events. Others become policy analysts, examining government policies and suggesting improvements. Some work in government positions or as legislative aides, while others advocate for causes in nonprofit organizations. Graduates can also pursue careers as lawyers, educators, journalists, researchers, archivists or public relations specialists.

Studying history prepares students for graduate work in a variety of professions, including law, business, history, education, seminary and library science.

Accreditation

The University of Sioux Falls is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs in the Fredrikson School of Education are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation and approved by the South Dakota Division of Education. The university's social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and the university's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education.

Study Abroad

USF's study-abroad partner institutions include: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa; The American University of Greece, DEREE in Athens, Greece; Handong Global University in Pohang, Korea; and Universidad del Este in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Campus Life and Athletics

USF provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Student Activities

USF offers more than 100 clubs, organizations and activities to join, 16 NCAA Division II varsity sports and a wide variety of service opportunities. In addition, USF has weekly activities on campus such as Winter and Summer Olympics, monster golf, Pac Man competitions, speed dating and more. In Campus Ministries, we focus on loving Christ and serving Him.

Athletics

The Sioux Falls (USF) athletic teams are called the Cougars. USF competes in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor & outdoor track & field, and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, indoor & outdoor track & field, volleyball & wrestling. Former sports included wrestling and men's tennis, as both were dropped once USF moved to NCAA Division II in 2011. In the spring of 2013, USF dropped Men's Soccer after one year in DII. The tennis team had made five trips to the NAIA Championships in 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2010.

On April 28, 2009, the university board of trustees voted to leave the NAIA and apply to join the NCAA Division II ranks.

Traditions

Homecoming tradition of Teepee Day begins. Professors Max Martini and Laurence Nelson want to preserve the history of the campus' land that was once inhabited by the Sioux and other Native American tribes. The Teepee Day tradition will continue for 53 years.

Affordability and Accessibility

USF is among the most affordable institutions in the region.

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