Lifelong Champions

For more than a century, the Department of Athletics has prided itself on academic achievement and athletic success. The faculty, staff and student-athletes of SDSU have fully embraced this “Tradition of Excellence” and take great pride in what it represents.

As a land-grant institution, the academic mission of South Dakota State University has been to serve through teaching, research and extension activities since its beginnings.

Student quality has been a hallmark of South Dakota State University. Leading the way in the classroom are Jackrabbit student-athletes. Their academic prowess has been highlighted by academic all-American awards and post-graduate scholarships.

Athletically, our teams often have set the standard, winning national championships and conference titles. Individually, our student-athletes have continued their athletic careers in the NFL, CFL, NBA, major league baseball, and the Olympics.

The success and scope of the SDSU Athletic Department has helped shape the landscape of the campus, Brookings, and the state for decades. We expect this “Tradition of Excellence” to continue for generations on our campus.

Vision:

To be a premier student-centered, collegiate athletic program.

Mission:

To passionately and relentlessly create an environment, rooted in sportsmanship and ethical conduct, where motivated student-athletes can develop into lifelong champions.

Values:

Honesty, equity, academic integrity, fiscal integrity and social responsibility with the expectation of competing at the highest level.

The opportunity for scholarship and facility enhancement continues to grow within our department. It is clearly illustrated in our mission and vision statements that we expect to provide Jackrabbit studentathletes with a comprehensive collegiate experience highlighted by personal growth and academic success in a highly competitive environment. We need to expand our base of support so that we can continue to attract and retain the best and brightest young men and women to South Dakota State University.

President’s Message

As a university, we are achieving national distinction. The athletics programs at SDSU are spires of excellence. Our student-athletes earn their degrees, train for elite competition and prepare to be leaders in their chosen professions and home communities. The “Lifelong Champions” campaign provides life-changing opportunities for SDSU student-athletes each and every day. Your support of this dynamic initiative is critically important to fulfill our student-centered mission.