Alta-Aurelia Senior Nora Peterson Chooses South Dakota for Collegiate Athletics

Last Thursday marked a significant milestone for Alta-Aurelia senior Nora Peterson, who signed her letter of intent to join the cross country and track and field teams at South Dakota State University (SDSU) in Brookings. This decision not only reflects Peterson’s athletic talents but also highlights the growing allure of SDSU for students across the nation.

Established in 1881, South Dakota State University stands as the largest and most comprehensive higher education institution in the state. With a fall 2024 enrollment of 12,065 students hailing from 47 states and 77 countries, SDSU offers an expansive educational experience that includes 88 majors, 37 specializations, 106 minors, 38 master’s degree programs, 16 Ph.D. programs, and two professional doctorates.

South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University

Located in the peaceful and vibrant city of Brookings, South Dakota, SDSU provides a unique environment conducive to academic and personal growth. Named the 33rd safest college town by SafeWise in 2022, Brookings is nestled in East Central South Dakota, just minutes from the Minnesota border and less than an hour from Sioux Falls, the largest city in the state.

The city of Brookings, with a population of 22,056 residents, is known for its tree-lined streets, leisurely pace, and minimal congestion, offering an extraordinary quality of life. Additionally, Brookings boasts a booming job market, an outstanding school system, and excellent healthcare resources, all contributing to one of the nation’s lowest crime rates.

Nora Peterson’s decision to attend SDSU is also influenced by the university’s strong reputation in athletics. As a member of the NCAA Division I, the SDSU Jackrabbits compete in various sports, including the Football Championship Subdivision. The institution is on a dynamic trajectory with its Division of Research and Economic Development aiming to achieve R1 status by 2031, enhancing its focus on comprehensive research and innovation.

A dynamic individual beyond the track, Nora Peterson has an impressive background in business operations. She specializes in developing and executing Go-To-Market (GTM) plans and has experience in hiring, team development, and fundraising strategies. Her career highlights include founding Halo Incubator, which supports pre-seed women-founded startups, and holding VP roles at prominent organizations like Dow Jones and DXC Technology.

Not only an accomplished professional, Nora extends her expertise as an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at NYU and engages with companies in consulting and fractional CXO capacities. For those interested in collaboration, Nora can be reached via her LinkedIn profile or through her email [email protected].

Brookings South Dakota

Brookings South Dakota

As Nora Peterson embarks on this new chapter at SDSU, she joins a vibrant community committed to academic excellence and athletic prowess. Her story is yet another testament to the appeal of South Dakota State University and the thriving environment it offers to students from diverse backgrounds.

For more information on SDSU and its comprehensive offerings, visit their official website. Brookings, South Dakota, truly stands out as a jewel of the Midwest, providing an ideal setting for education, career, and lifestyle.