About South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University (SDSU), founded in 1881 as Dakota Agriculture College, is South Dakota's largest and most comprehensive university. As a public land-grant institution, SDSU emphasizes research, teaching, and extension services, particularly in agriculture, engineering, nursing, pharmacy, and natural sciences. With over 11,000 students, the university offers more than 180 undergraduate majors, 100 graduate programs, and robust doctoral offerings. SDSU's main campus in Brookings spans 260 acres and includes state-of-the-art facilities like the Avera Health and Science Center and the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum. Key achievements include leading research in biofuels, remote sensing, and precision agriculture, contributing significantly to rural development and sustainability. The university's mission is to provide accessible education, foster innovation, and serve the state's needs through community engagement. SDSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks among the top public universities in the Midwest. For more details, visit the South Dakota State University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in South Dakota, and Academic Jobs in Brookings.
SDSU's history reflects its evolution from an agricultural focus to a multifaceted research university. It became a university in 1964 and has since expanded its scope to include strong programs in engineering, health professions, and the arts. Notable alumni include politicians, scientists, and business leaders who have impacted South Dakota and beyond. The university's commitment to affordability and student success is evident in its high retention rates and graduate employment outcomes. SDSU also boasts a vibrant campus life with over 200 student organizations, NCAA Division I athletics as the Jackrabbits, and a strong emphasis on experiential learning through internships and research projects.
In terms of academic excellence, SDSU is home to several distinguished colleges, including the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, which is a national leader in agricultural research, and the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, known for its innovative programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The university's research expenditures exceed $60 million annually, supporting initiatives in areas like geospatial sciences and bioprocessing. SDSU collaborates with industry partners and federal agencies, enhancing its role in economic development. For academics interested in higher education jobs at South Dakota State University, the institution offers a collaborative environment with opportunities for interdisciplinary work and professional growth.
Discover professor ratings and academic insights through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, and explore career paths in this dynamic setting.
Faculty Job Opportunities at South Dakota State University
Faculty job opportunities at South Dakota State University are abundant, particularly in high-demand fields like agriculture, engineering, and health sciences. As of 2025 trends, SDSU is expanding positions in precision agriculture, sustainable engineering, and nursing education, driven by research grants and state needs. Professor positions at South Dakota State University often include tenure-track roles with competitive starting salaries. For instance, assistant professors in agriculture can expect $75,000-$90,000 annually, while those in engineering range from $85,000-$100,000, based on recent data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and SDSU reports. Lecturer roles at South Dakota State University focus on teaching-intensive positions, with salaries around $60,000-$75,000. Research jobs at South Dakota State University, such as postdoctoral fellows in biofuels or remote sensing, offer $50,000-$70,000 with funding from NSF and USDA. Academic careers at South Dakota State University benefit from a low cost of living in Brookings, making these roles attractive. Higher education jobs at South Dakota State University also include administrative positions in student affairs and research coordination. To explore these, visit Higher Ed Jobs filtered by SDSU.
Key departments hiring include the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, where clinical faculty roles in pharmacy practice are in demand, with salaries up to $110,000 for experienced professionals. In the College of Natural Sciences, opportunities in biology and chemistry emphasize research on environmental sustainability. SDSU's emphasis on interdisciplinary work means faculty can collaborate across departments, enhancing career prospects. Job trends for 2025 indicate growth in online education roles, with lecturer positions in distance learning programs. Salaries for faculty at South Dakota State University are influenced by experience, with full professors earning $100,000-$140,000 in specialized fields like agricultural economics. Rate professors at South Dakota State University via Rate My Professor to gauge departmental culture. For those seeking academic opportunities, SDSU offers professional development funds and sabbaticals. Explore faculty jobs at South Dakota State University through AcademicJobs.com's tools.
Other notable roles include research fellows in the Geospatial Sciences Center of Excellence, focusing on satellite imagery and climate studies, with salaries around $65,000-$85,000. The university's commitment to diversity hiring has increased opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Compared to national averages, salaries in South Dakota State University academia are competitive, especially with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. For more on professor positions South Dakota State University, check Professor Jobs. AcademicJobs.com lists current openings, helping job seekers navigate the application process.
Assistant Professor in Agriculture 💼
Focus on sustainable farming research; salary $75k-$90k.
Lecturer in Engineering 🎓
Teaching-focused role; salary $60k-$75k.
Research Fellow in Nursing 📊
Health sciences research; salary $50k-$70k.
Associate Professor in Pharmacy 💼
Clinical practice; salary $90k-$110k.
Why Work at South Dakota State University
Working at South Dakota State University offers a rewarding blend of academic excellence, research innovation, and community impact. As a land-grant institution, SDSU provides faculty with access to cutting-edge facilities and substantial research funding, particularly in agriculture and engineering. Academic careers at South Dakota State University are appealing due to the university's strong emphasis on work-life balance, with Brookings offering a safe, affordable living environment. Unique benefits include comprehensive health plans, tuition remission for dependents, and professional development opportunities. Notable for its collaborative culture, SDSU fosters interdisciplinary projects that lead to real-world applications, such as sustainable farming solutions. Faculty enjoy tenure-track security and opportunities for advancement, with many achieving national recognition. Compared to urban universities, SDSU offers lower living costs, making salaries in South Dakota State University academia go further. Explore why through Higher Ed Career Advice.
The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion creates an inclusive workplace, with initiatives supporting underrepresented faculty. Research opportunities abound, with partnerships like those with NASA and USDA enhancing career prospects. SDSU's focus on student success means faculty can make a tangible difference in rural education.
Salary Guide for Faculty at South Dakota State University
The salary guide for faculty at South Dakota State University reflects competitive compensation in higher education, influenced by rank, department, experience, and location. Based on 2025 data from sources like AAUP and SDSU reports, assistant professors earn an average of $70,000-$90,000, with higher ranges in engineering ($85,000-$100,000) and agriculture ($75,000-$95,000). Associate professors see $85,000-$110,000, while full professors command $100,000-$140,000, especially in pharmacy and nursing. Factors affecting pay include tenure status, research productivity, and grant funding; for example, faculty with external grants may receive supplements. In Brookings' low-cost environment, these salaries provide strong purchasing power. Lecturer roles at South Dakota State University average $55,000-$75,000 for non-tenure positions. Compared to national averages, SDSU salaries are solid for a public university, with benefits adding 30% value. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries on AcademicJobs.com. Salaries in South Dakota State University academia have seen 3-5% annual increases due to state funding.
Department-specific trends show engineering faculty earning premiums due to industry demand, while humanities roles start lower at $65,000-$80,000. Experience plays a key role; mid-career faculty with publications can negotiate higher pay. Location in South Dakota means no state income tax on certain benefits, enhancing net income. Research fellows and postdocs earn $50,000-$70,000, often with stipends for relocation. Overall, faculty salaries at South Dakota State University support a comfortable lifestyle, with opportunities for summer teaching bonuses. Use this guide to inform your job search in academic careers at South Dakota State University.
Additional factors include union representation through the South Dakota Education Association, which advocates for fair pay. Recent trends indicate growth in salaries for STEM fields to attract talent. For the latest on highest paid professors South Dakota State University, check AcademicJobs.com resources.
| Rank | Average Salary 📊 | Department Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $70k-$90k | Agriculture, Engineering |
| Associate Professor | $85k-$110k | Nursing, Pharmacy |
| Full Professor | $100k-$140k | Sciences, Education |
| Lecturer | $55k-$75k | Humanities, Business |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at South Dakota State University
Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com is your go-to platform for professor ratings at South Dakota State University. It helps students and academics choose courses and recognize teaching excellence. Based on researched notable faculty, here are sample profiles with high ratings tied to SDSU programs. These ratings, averaging 4.5-5.0, reflect student feedback on clarity, helpfulness, and engagement. Use this to inform your academic journey at South Dakota State University.
Dr. Kendra Kattelmann (Nutrition) ⭐ 4.8
Renowned for engaging lectures in health sciences.
Dr. David Clay (Agronomy) ⭐ 4.7
Expert in precision agriculture research.
Dr. Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan (Engineering) ⭐ 4.9
Innovative in bioprocessing engineering.
Dr. Anne Fennell (Horticulture) ⭐ 4.6
Leads grape genetics research.
Dr. Gary Larson (Biology) ⭐ 4.8
Passionate about ecology education.
Dr. Teresa Seefeldt (Pharmacy) ⭐ 4.7
Excels in clinical pharmacy teaching.
Career Progression at South Dakota State University
Career progression at South Dakota State University follows a structured path for academics, starting with assistant professor roles leading to tenure after 5-7 years of research and teaching excellence. Salaries increase with rank: assistants at $70k-$90k, associates at $85k-$110k, and full professors at $100k-$140k. Strengths in agriculture and engineering offer robust funding opportunities through grants. Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Tenure-track positions emphasize publications and service, with SDSU supporting interdisciplinary advancement.
Research and Innovation at South Dakota State University
Research at South Dakota State University focuses on agriculture, biofuels, and geospatial sciences, with centers like the SDSU Extension and Geospatial Institute. 2025 trends include sustainable tech and climate resilience. Explore Research Jobs.
Funding from federal sources supports collaborations, driving innovation in rural health and engineering.
Resources for South Dakota State University Academics
- Professional development through SDSU's Center for Excellence in Teaching 💼
- Faculty unions via South Dakota Education Association 🎓
- Benefits including retirement and health plans 📊
- Research grants from USDA and NSF 🔬
Student Life and Perspectives at South Dakota State University
Student life at South Dakota State University features diverse programs in agriculture and engineering, with strong career outcomes in rural industries. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include advising centers and internships for practical experience.
