northern today 16 spring 2014 The approximately 960-square-foot greenhouse will be located next to the MeWaldt-Jensen Building. The facility, which was approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents in December, received approval from the South Dakota Legislature this spring. Since 2008, NSU’s biology and environmental science majors have increased by 66 percent. The greenhouse will allow year-round, hands-on plant study, laboratory instruction and research. Currently at NSU, the research situation involving plants is very limiting, with plants sitting on window sills or light carts, said Dr. Jodie Ramsay, chairwoman of the NSU biology department. While the greenhouse will certainly enhance research, Ramsay said, it will also enhance teaching capabilities as students will be able to grow more plants. In addition to becoming an important resource for NSU students, Ramsay said elementary school tours and high school classes can all take advantage of the capabilities of the greenhouse. Though there is no set timeline, officials hope to start construction this summer and possibly have the greenhouse ready by summer 2015. The estimated $750,000 cost of the project is being funded through South Dakota’s Higher Education Facilities Fund, money that’s set aside as a percentage of certain tuition and fees for facilities. NSU received an additional allocation of HEFF funds to be used specifically for this greenhouse project. Greenhouse will enhance research, teaching at NSU northern news A greenhouse planned for the Northern State University campus will significantly benefit NSU biology and biotechnology students, as well as students of all ages throughout the Aberdeen community. NSU campus was home to a greenhouse decades ago. Construction will soon begin on a new greenhouse, which will open in 2015. NSU is the only NASAD-approved college or university in South Dakota with bachelor’s degree programs in art and design, said Peter Kilian, art professor and chair of NSU’s art and theater departments. Key to maintaining that accreditation is a renovation project for Dacotah Hall, Kilian said. Parts of the building will be reconfigured into classrooms for graphic design and photography, and other spaces will be renovated and upgraded. Kilian, who has worked at NSU for 19 years, said the art department hasn’t had a major upgrade in decades. “We’re well-prepared to have a very robust facility,” he said. Construction began in July 2013. The estimated $1.4 million project includes a $200,000 anonymous gift received in January 2013 and earmarked for photography and digital design equipment upgrades. The first phase was completed in April and involved these areas. Photography will be centralized in Dacotah Hall, with areas dedicated to photo and video shoots and processing; ventila- tion and air exchange and water system upgrades to mitigate the entry of photo chemicals into the water supply; and the addition of a secure chemical and supply room. A 450-square-foot light studio for photo and video shoots will offer track lighting, a mechanized backdrop wall and green screen, Kilian said. “This is huge – for a college this size to provide a workspace like this is pretty cool,” he said. Kilian said the next step will address improvements to the ceramics and sculpture studio classrooms. A centralized printmaking area will allow safer storage and handling for the acids, solvents and other hazardous materials print- making requires, he said. Architectural plans and a construction schedule for these improvements are expected to be ready in July. NSU renovation helps art department gain accreditation The Northern State University art department earned full accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) in October 2013. “This is huge – for a college this size to provide a workspace like this is pretty cool,” Kilian said.
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