University of Sioux Falls - History

History

On June 5, 1872 pastors and delegates of nine Baptist churches in what was then called the Dakota Territory gathered in Vermillion, South Dakota, at the first meeting of the Baptist Association in the territory. They adopted the following resolution: “Resolved, that we take immediate steps for the establishment of an institution among us, and that we devote a suitable portion of time at each annual meeting of the consideration of this important subject, and give an individual associated influence to encourage a more general and complete education of our youth under distinctly Christian influence.”

Under the name of Dakota Collegiate Institute, formal instruction began on September 8, 1883, in the basement of the First Baptist Church of Sioux Falls. In the fall of that year, a campus site was selected along the pioneer Old Yankton Trail, presently marked by a bronze tablet at the edge of the Norman B. Mears Library. The foundation was laid for the first building, Meredith Hall, which was completed in 1885. That same year, the institution was reorganized as Sioux Falls College and graduated its first four-year class.

In 1929, Des Moines University closed and transferred its records to Sioux Falls College. Two years later, Grand Island College of Nebraska merged with Sioux Falls College forming a new corporation, Sioux Falls College. Two years later, the American Baptist State Conventions of North and South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota passed a resolution officially recognizing the college as a denominationally affiliated institution.

During the 1960s, eight major educational buildings were added: Salsbury Student Union, Mears Library, Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Salsbury Science Center, a home for the president and three residence halls: Kroske, Burgess and Grand Island.

Construction continued in the 1970s with the addition of Patterson Hall, an apartment building for students, and the renovation of Glidden Hall, Jorden Hall and Pierce Gymnasium. This decade is also remembered for the establishment of cooperative educational programs with Augustana College and Sioux Falls Seminary.

In the 1980s, enrollment grew to over 900, and the college continued to focus on curricular expansion and innovation. A pioneer in the adult learner market, the college provided valuable new educational resources to the Sioux Falls community by founding the Center for Women and the Center for Management and inaugurating the Degree Completion Program. In 1988, the campus expanded with the addition of the Stewart Center, a wellness and athletic facility, which also serves the local community.

Changes in the last 10 years raised the stature of the college. Seeking to become a regionally recognized institution for higher learning, the college added graduate programs in business and education. Based upon these and other advances and a comprehensive long-range plan for growth, the Board of Trustees voted in 1994 to rename the college the University of Sioux Falls. Although the name of the school changed, the university’s commitment to celebrate its past and pursue its original mission remained intact.

The university completely restored Jorden Hall in 1995. With plans to further expand the campus and enhance the curriculum, the university set forth to find and secure additional resources needed for the future. Subsequently, the Board of Trustees voted to establish the University of Sioux Falls Foundation. Incorporated in 1996, the foundation serves to provide the financial resources needed to grow and secure the University of Sioux Falls through the 21st century.

Currently there are 1200 undergraduate students. There is a total student enrollment of approximately 1600. Recent campus improvements have involved two new residence halls Collier Baker and Sullivan. The business school was built in 2002. The student union was recently renovated along with Pierce Hall. A new football field, soccer field, stadium and field house are being constructed.