Northern State University (NSU) is a promise to the students of South Dakota. Located in Aberdeen, the state’s third-largest city, Northern is known for its close connection with the Aberdeen community. This mutually beneficial relationship between the town and university has yielded a rich array of benefits for the residents of Aberdeen and the state. The relationship has grown even stronger over the past 10 years as the community has donated $150 million for new buildings, a football stadium, an updated fine arts center, scholarships and academic programming. This is an incredibly outsized gift for a town of about 28,000 people. And it speaks to the conviction among Aberdeen residents that the town’s success is tied to the success of the university that calls Aberdeen home. Northern’s mission is to support students from the time they enter the university through graduation. The university’s relatively small size and devoted faculty facilitate the close connections and guidance that make students feel like they’re part of a community — and that their success is Northern’s success. Virtually all courses are taught by faculty, class size is small, and faculty spend significant time mentoring and advising students. As a result, students feel that personal dedication from the classroom through career guidance. This support is critical: 35% of Northern students are the first in their families to attend college. Northern gives them the tools to succeed. “So many people have supported the university. They're buying tickets to athletic and fine arts events…these people are committed because they've invested in NSU.” Zach Flakus NSU Foundation President and CEO Introduction 3
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