Dakota State University Embarks on Historic Capital Campaign

The Dakota State University Foundation Board of Trustees has voted to accept the findings of a feasibility study that recommends a working goal of $32 million for a capital campaign that will enable the University to achieve goals set in its strategic plan.

The working goal is based on an extensive study by Braren, Mulder, German Associates, Inc.  This is the first capital campaign in the University’s history.  The Foundation and University will now move into a leadership phase that could last up to two years before a final goal is determined.

DSU President Dr. Doug Knowlton is pleased with the goal and the work in progress. “This is an exciting and important moment in the history of Dakota State. The leadership shown by the DSU Board of Trustees underscores their commitment to this University and to our mission.” 

The campaign is in response to a campus-wide strategic plan that was developed by DSU faculty, administrators, students and staff. The plan developed a vision for the future of DSU, including recruitment goals, infrastructure, research and academic goals. 

“The vote established the working goal,” stated DSU Foundation Director Chris Giles.  “Now we have further work to do to determine the final goal as well as the timing of the campaign.”

About DSU

Dakota State was founded in 1881 as the first teacher training institute in what was then Dakota Territory. 

In 1987, the South Dakota Legislature mandated a mission change at DSU, which established the school as the technology leader in the state.  Dakota State was named the #1 Public Baccalaureate College in the Midwest by U.S.News & World Report in 2007 and again in 2008.  Dakota State has 34 undergraduate majors, 3 masters degrees and doctor of science degree.

About the DSU Foundation

The DSU Foundation was created in 1970, inspired by a group of area supporters.  The Foundation partners with the University to raise annual and endowed contributions. 

The Foundation’s mission is fostering relationships with alumni and friends of DSU; advocating charitable giving to DSU; soliciting contributions for academic purposes as part of DSU’s overall advancement effort; investing and disbursing funds to meet current and future needs of DSU; and strengthening relationships with donors to DSU .

 About the Study

The DSU Foundation hired Braren, Mulder, German Associates, Inc. based in Davenport, IA in the fall of 2006 to conduct the feasibility study.   They sought guidance from focus groups and through personal interviews with alumni and supporters both in the region and across the country.  The results of the feasibility study were shared with the DSU Foundation and the University leadership upon completion, and the formal vote to accept the findings and set a working goal was held at the regular meeting of the DSU Foundation Board of Trustees in May.