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College of Engineering

Our College of Engineering has a rich tradition, producing more than 9,000 graduates over the last century. Our graduates have been — and continue to be — innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders of industry.

Transformation of the College of Engineering
Yet, nearly 20 years ago, the college was faced with the potential loss of accreditation in some programs due to antiquated facilities. A study, funded personally by then-Dean Duane Sander, confirmed the severity of the situation. The college’s history of one new building every 50 years was not sufficient to support a growing college. The study’s findings were used to rally alumni and industry supporters to invest in the college.

The result has been the renovation of Crothers Hall, the renovation and expansion of Solberg Engineering Hall and construction of the east wing and west wing of Daktronics Engineering Hall. Alumni and industry partners responded to make that possible.

The College of Engineering has been transformed in the last 10 years by the completion of four major building projects, and a fifth project is now in the final planning stages. This last project, the Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering (AME) Building, is likely the last major building project in the foreseeable future. We are currently $1.2 million away from the $7 million needed in private funds to ensure that construction begins on this 60,000-square foot building next spring.
We need you to help us reach that goal.

 

Architecture, Mathematics & Engineering Building rendering

When the AME Building is completed in 2015, the College of Engineering Facilities will consist of four major buildings on the southwest corner of campus:

ARCHITECTURE, MATHEMATICS & ENGINEERING BUILDING (to be completed in 2015)

  • Architecture Department – BS Architectural Studies, Master of Architecture
  • Mathematics & Statistics Department – BS and MS Mathematics, MS Statistics, Ph.D. Computational Science & Statistics
  • Multi-Use Shared Department Fabrication and Assembly Labs – Mechanical Engineering, Construction and Industrial Management, Architecture Department

 

DAKTRONICS ENGINEERING HALL (completed in 2012)

  • Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Department – BS, MS, Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, Ph.D. Geospatial Science & Engineering, BS and MS Computer Science
  • Physics Department (College of Arts & Sciences) – BS Physics

 

CROTHERS ENGINEERING HALL (completed in 1956, addition/renovation in 2002)

  • Civil & Environmental Engineering Department – BS, MS Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering Department – BS, MS Mechanical Engineering
  • Other College of Engineering units – College of Engineering Administration/Dean’s Office, IT Office, Engineering Extension, Local Transportation Assistance Program

 

SOLBERG HALL (completed in 1901, renovations in 1938, 2003)

  • Engineering Technology & Management Department – BS Construction Management program, BS Electronics Technology, BS, MS Operations Management programs

 

The Impact of the Transformation
The transformation of the College of Engineering facilities has allowed us to compete with our strongest peer institutions and successfully recruit the highest performing students and faculty. A result of this is that we have had unprecedented growth in both undergraduate and graduate enrollments and research funding in the last ten years. We have strengthened our relationships with regional industry and place nearly two-thirds of our graduates in South Dakota. The College is now planning for the start-up of new Ph.D. programs in Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering in the next 5-10 years.

John M. Hanson Professorship in Structural and Construction Engineering
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at South Dakota State University is pleased to announce a new program in support of Structural and Construction Engineering research and teaching. Read more.

Fatigue loading of circular concrete manholes in the Jerry Lohr Structures Lab

 

Scholarships
An education from South Dakota State University is still remarkably affordable when compared nationally. However, for many South Dakota students who may be first-generation college students, cost is still a barrier. Attracting the top students in South Dakota and nationally is not often a problem. The challenge lies in successfully recruiting them and providing them with scholarships. Sponsoring a scholarship is way to have a direct impact on a student. Options include:

 

For more information about giving opportunities in the College of Engineering, please contact:
Tim Reed
Development Director
Tim.Reed@sdsufoundation.org
Toll-free: (888) 747-SDSU
Local: (605) 697-7475
Mobile: (605) 691-0452

South Dakota State University Foundation | 815 Medary Ave., Box 525, Brookings, SD 57007 | Toll-free: (888) 747-SDSU | Local: (605) 697-7475