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.
The Latest
Jan 14, 2026
New Public Health Policy Champions Program Launches in South Dakota
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.
Nov 05, 2025
Dental Hygiene Implements PerioView Endoscope into Student Learning
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.
Nov 04, 2025
USD Faculty Recognized as Distinguished Fellows of the American Academy of Audiology
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.
Oct 15, 2025
USD to Offer Radiologic Technology Specialization Starting January 2026
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.
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
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Nursing Alumna Selected for 2025 Dole Caregiver Fellow Leadership Program
Summary: At just 23 years old, Kylie Briest has spent nearly her entire life as a caregiver. In 2005, her father, U.S. Army Sgt. Corey Briest, was severely injured by an IED explosion in Iraq. The blast left him with a traumatic brain injury, resulting in limited mobility, vision and speech. Kylie Briest was only three years old at the time.
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Students in USD’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program Benefit from $2.25 Million HRSA Grant
Summary: A $2.25 million grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration to grow and broaden the certified registered nurse anesthetist workforce in South Dakota has provided expanded opportunities for students who want to increase their career skills.
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Coming Full Circle: Physical Therapy Grad Trains at Institute that Saved Her Limb
Summary: When Haley Grudzinski was just six weeks old, her family was faced with a difficult choice. Grudzinski had been born with congenital femoral deficiency, or CFD: a condition in which the femur is underdeveloped, leaving her right leg a few inches shorter than her left.
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USD Professor Receives Lucy Blair Physical Therapy Award
Summary: University of South Dakota’s Kory Zimney, DPT, Ph.D., has received a Lucy Blair Service Award from the American Physical Therapy Association, the country’s professional membership entity for physical therapists.
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.
