The South Dakotan Health is the story hub of the USD School of Health Sciences. Here you’ll find stories and news highlighting the meaningful contributions of our students, faculty and staff, and alumni.
Medicine & Health
USD Department of Social Work to Host Third Annual Mental Health Conference
The Latest
Mar 26, 2026
New Student Organization at USD School of Health Sciences Works to Boost Stem Cell Donor Sign-Ups
A new student organization at the University of South Dakota is already making a big impact just eight weeks after its launch.
Mar 20, 2026
Becca Jordre Honored with National Physical Therapy Award
A professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of South Dakota has been honored with an American Physical Therapy Association award.
Mar 18, 2026
USD School of Health Sciences, Southeast South Dakota AHEC Host Disaster Response Training
On Feb. 19, 319 students from the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University gathered at the Andrew E. Lee Memorial Medicine and Science Building on the USD campus in Vermillion for Disaster Training Day, an annual event that provides hands-on disaster preparedness training.
Mar 17, 2026
University of South Dakota Names Betsy Becker, Ph.D., DPT, as Dean of the School of Health Sciences
The University of South Dakota has announced the appointment of Betsy Becker, Ph.D., DPT, as the next dean of the School of Health Sciences. A distinguished clinician, educator and administrator, Becker returns to her alma mater to lead the school as its fourth dean since its establishment in 2008.
Alumni
Brock Rops Receives South Dakota Office of Rural Health Award
The South Dakota Office of Rural Health has announced that Brock Rops has been named recipient of the South Dakota Office of Rural Health Community Star award.
The Magic of Starting Over: Alumnus Dave Hobler Creates Scholarship Reflective of His Experiences
"When you’re handed lemons, you need to figure out how to make lemonade."
Students Advance Education in State’s Largest City at USD – Sioux Falls
University of South Dakota – Sioux Falls students are taking advantage of the high-quality, affordable education and small class sizes offered at the university’s Sioux Falls campus.
More Headlines
-
New Public Health Policy Champions Program Launches in South Dakota
Summary: A new statewide leadership initiative is launching to strengthen public health advocacy and community engagement across South Dakota. The Public Health Policy Champions program will bring together a select cohort of public health leaders to build practical policy, leadership and advocacy skills through immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
-
Dental Hygiene Implements PerioView Endoscope into Student Learning
Summary: The University of South Dakota Department of Dental Hygiene is the recipient of a new state-of-the-art piece of dental equipment that will heighten students’ understanding of periodontal anatomy and disease.
-
USD Faculty Recognized as Distinguished Fellows of the American Academy of Audiology
Summary: Two University of South Dakota audiology faculty members, Lindsey Jorgensen, Ph.D., Au.D., and Jessica Messersmith, Ph.D., have been named Distinguished Fellows of the American Academy of Audiology.
-
USD to Offer Radiologic Technology Specialization Starting January 2026
Summary: Students who want to be part of the growing field of radiologic technology (rad tech)—to perform imaging procedures like X-rays, CT scans and MRIs to help physicians diagnose medical conditions and injuries—have an opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with a specialization in radiologic technology.
Guest Column
I chose family medicine because I love the idea of being 'everyone's doctor.' I also love making sure my patients are up to date with their immunizations and health care screenings. It's so important.
Guest Column | Lizz & Robbie Nicholas
Elizabeth (Hoffman) Nicholas, a Eureka, South Dakota native, and Robert Nicholas, a Huron, South Dakota native, met at the University of South Dakota when they were both in the Alumni Student Scholars Program, each with the dream of becoming a doctor.
