Campus News 2021

Deeann Griebel still drives to work in the maroon 1975 Chevy Caprice Classic she bought in Pipestone. When purchased, the odometer read 125 miles. Today that number is 368,000. The car has been restored twice, and is on its second engine, third transmission and fourth radiator. It's in immaculate shape. "I smile every time I look at her," said Griebel, a 1980 alumna who recently committed $1.8 million so Southwest Minnesota State University.

Southwest Minnesota State University has been recognized for its commitment to engaged, hands-on education by Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students.

Southwest Minnesota State University has been ranked No. 1 in Minnesota for Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Nursing Program by RNtoMSN.org.

Natasha Boe is no stranger to Southwest Minnesota State University. A 2010 alumna with a double major in Management and Finance, she has made her way home.

The third annual SMSU Agronomy Field Day will be held on Wednesday, July 14 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Jon Knochenmus Center for Innovation and SMSU Agronomy Field Trials Farm site, located on the north edge of Marshall.

Southwest Minnesota State University President Dr. Kumara Jayasuriya has announced Bruce Saugstad, a 1989 graduate of the University, has been named SMSU's interim Director of Athletics.

Cultures on the Prairie, a virtual conference highlighting the many cultures in the workplace, schools and communities of southwest Minnesota, will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Carter McLaughlin, a senior from Eden Prairie, Minn., has been named the SMSU Newman Civic Fellow recipient for 2021.

Southwest Minnesota State University students have been honored for achievement during the 2021 Spring semester of study.

"You need to change in order to grow." So says Ezira Tafa, the Southwest Minnesota State University student body president. Tafa is from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and is the youngest of five children. His parents, Hailu Taku and Sakamyelesh Hailu, strongly encouraged their children to pursue higher education. All but one of his siblings earned degrees from institutions in either Europe or Africa. He is the first to attend college in the United States, and he is pursuing a degree in Healthcare Administration and Human Resources.

Bella Voce and the SMSU Men's Glee Club will soon become Alta Voce and the SMSU Glee Club, respectively. The move comes as part of a broader effort to make it clear that the ensembles are welcoming and supportive of all SMSU students, regardless of gender identity.

High-achieving high school seniors have been awarded full-ride scholarships to Southwest Minnesota State University as part of the President's Regional Scholars Award program.

Jenifer Goblish just likes the vibe at Southwest Minnesota State. "There's an energy here. Everyone is accepting, and they go out of their way to make sure you have a good day. It's like a family," she said.

Southwest Minnesota State University Provost Dr. Ross Wastvedt announced today Dr. Jeffrey Bell has been named SMSU Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Letters and Sciences. He will begin his new duties on July 6.

Five individuals will receive awards from the Alumni Association as part of Homecoming 2021, with a theme of "Brown & Bold: Bringin' It Home."

The SMSU Writing Center alleviates stress of many students during the academic year, especially during finals week.

"Make the time to connect with people." That's the advice Southwest Minnesota State University student body president Esther Oluborode has for her fellow Mustangs as they pursue their college degree during this global pandemic.

The Southwest Minnesota State University Early Childhood Education Program has been ranked No. 1 in Minnesota by PLEXUSS.

Josh Turek, a 2002 SMSU alumnus and the most decorated wheelchair basketball player in program history, is just about ready to leave one phase of his life, and begin another.

Southwest Minnesota State University student Victor Ayemobuwa from Marshall has been appointed to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Directors as a state university student member.

Southwest Minnesota State University will hold its 53rd Commencement on Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m. in the R/A Facility on campus. It is also the 50th anniversary of the 1971 Charter Class Commencement.

Veterans Day on November 11 is the day set aside to honor those who serve our country, and sacrifice so much to defend our freedoms.

SMSU English Professor and Director of Creative Writing Dr. Judy Wilson has been appointed to the national board of the Associated Writing Programs (AWP), and will also serve as the Chair of the Midwest Region Council, which represents all the creative writing programs in the Midwest.

The Southwest Minnesota State University Foundation has received a $500,000 gift from Sanford Health to recognize the legacy of former Mustang baseball coach Dr. Jim Denevan.

Southwest Minnesota State University students have been honored for achievement during the 2020 Fall semester of study.