In a celebration melding history with innovation, the University of South Dakota marked the grand reopening of the iconic South Dakota Union building during the much-anticipated 2024 Dakota Days. This event brought together state legislators, members of the South Dakota Board of Regents, and the USD community, thus underscoring the union of tradition and progress that defines both USD and the state of South Dakota.
“The South Dakota Union building is an important piece of USD history, and it demonstrates the juxtaposition of historic and modern that characterizes the university campus,” stated USD President Sheila K. Gestring.
Originally constructed in 1930, the South Dakota Union building has been a significant landmark on the USD campus, hosting a variety of facilities such as the University Cooperative Store, a soda shop, a ballroom, and even radio studios. In the mid-1960s, the building found new purpose as the home of USD’s Department of Psychology, signifying a shift towards academic focus.
By 2023, it was clear that the building required a transformation to continue supporting education effectively in the modern era.
Sheila K. Gestring[/caption] Thanks to a collaborative financial effort, the Joint Committee on Appropriations awarded USD $3.4 million in funds, and the university matched this, culminating in a $7.82 million budget to renovate the historic structure.
- Modern classroom, office, student, and circulation spaces
- New clinic space with a separate entrance and client parking
- Enhanced research laboratory space to support clinical, behavioral, and neuroscience research
- Various upgrades for security, accessibility, and building maintenance
Under the leadership of Psychology Chair and Associate Professor Doug Peterson, Ph.D., the updated facilities are set to enhance learning and research capabilities. “The renovation benefits current students because they are now learning in a setting that is reflective of where they will work and practice in the future,” said Peterson.
Doug Peterson Ph.D.[/caption]The psychology department has made significant contributions to the mental health landscape of South Dakota and beyond. As one of the largest and most comprehensive programs at USD, it prepares students with research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that drive them towards impactful careers. A noteworthy addition to its offerings was the introduction of an undergraduate degree in neuroscience in 2019. This interdisciplinary program, in collaboration with the Department of Biology and the Sanford School of Medicine, allows students to explore complex topics such as memory, perception, and decision-making.
In the realm of human factors and applied cognition, USD proudly hosts one of the nation’s pioneering programs, established in 1964. Graduates from this program have found opportunities across sectors, including employment with the U.S. military, the Federal Aviation Administration, and global technology leaders like Meta and Google.
Equally commendable is the psychological department’s leading role in disaster psychology, exemplified by the Disaster Mental Health Institute. This institute emerged from the aftermath of the 1989 Sioux City Flight 232 crash, forming a curriculum that equips students to respond to disaster situations effectively.
“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Kristi Noem, the South Dakota Legislature, the Board of Regents, and all others who contributed to modernizing the South Dakota Union building,” emphasized President Gestring. “By investing in this building, we are investing in the mental health and well-being of South Dakotans.”
Shelby Deschepper[/caption]Shelby Deschepper is an undergraduate psychology student whose passion for mental health led her to USD. Engaged in hands-on learning at the Child and Adolescent Stress and Trauma Lab, she reflects on the school’s commitment to practical education. “I want to make a difference in people’s lives, especially for children and families. USD has given me the avenue to turn my passion into purpose through extensive learning and research,” Deschepper shares.
Clinical psychology training at USD is enhanced by real-world experiences at the Psychological Services Center, where students like Ellen Knowles and Barbara Bailey gain invaluable clinical practice. These students cite their experiences as crucial steps in preparing them for their future roles as mental health professionals.
Beyond the academic sphere, USD’s Department of Psychology actively partners with South Dakota’s educational institutions and healthcare providers to advance trauma-informed care and safety strategies. Such collaborations reinforce the department’s integral role in the state’s mental health infrastructure.
With the new and improved South Dakota Union building, USD is poised to continue serving as a hub for education and mental health in South Dakota. The upgrades reflect not only an investment in infrastructure but also a commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders dedicated to enhancing community well-being.
For more information, contact Hanna DeLange at [email protected].