Northern State University students have formed a new organization, Collegiate South Dakota Farmers Union, to provide hands-on opportunities to engage in agricultural policy, leadership development and community advocacy. The club was founded by student Patrick E. Olson, with Dr. Aaron Scholl serving as the organization’s advisor. As an affiliate of both the state and national Farmers Union, the Collegiate South Dakota Farmers Union offers members opportunities to participate in conferences, explore careers in agriculture and build professional networks. Open to students of all majors, the organization promotes agricultural education, grassroots engagement and the development of future leaders committed to rural vitality and public service. Olson, an Aberdeen native majoring in accounting with a pre-law focus, said he hopes the club helps students connect and learn more about opportunities available through Farmers Union. “I’m hoping a Farmers Union club on campus will bring students together and introduce more of them to the many opportunities available through Farmers Union,” Olson said. The Collegiate South Dakota Farmers Union plans to host speakers to discuss farming issues and related topics and encourage members to participate in Farmers Union events. Potential opportunities include a fly-in to Washington, D.C., a visit to the state capital to meet with representatives and supporting Northern State University students interested in pursuing leadership roles such as the National Farmers Union Youth Advisory Council. “The Collegiate South Dakota Farmers Union provides a valuable space for students of all majors to develop leadership skills and engage with others on important agricultural issues,” Scholl said. “I’m pleased to support their efforts and see the interest they’re generating on campus.” 5 New Collegiate South Dakota Farmers Union Club Formed at Northern State University Scholl Walters Olson School of Business marketing professor Dr. Hannah Walters is part of a multidisciplinary team of faculty and staff participating in the American Association of Colleges and Universities’ 2025-26 Institute on AI, Pedagogy and the Curriculum, a national program designed to help institutions engage thoughtfully with the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence in higher education. The institute brings together teams from colleges and universities across the country to explore how artificial intelligence can be integrated into teaching, learning, curriculum design and institutional strategy. Northern’s other team member include Professor Jason Knowles of the School of Fine Arts, Dr. Nicole Schutter of the Millicent Atkins School of Education, Professor Tanya White of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Jason Henslee of Technology Services. The cross-campus team reflects a broad range of perspectives and will focus on strengthening the university’s ability to prepare students for a future increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence while upholding the values of equity, ethics and academic integrity. As part of its participation in the institute, the Northern State University team will conduct research examining how students, faculty and staff understand and interact with artificial intelligence tools. Findings from that work will help inform future policy development, curriculum updates and campus support resources. Participation in the institute reinforces Northern State University’s commitment to instructional excellence and to preparing graduates for a changing workforce. By engaging faculty and staff from across academic areas, the university is taking a collaborative approach to artificial intelligence that supports student learning, ethical implementation and long-term institutional readiness. Walters Participates in AAC&U Institute on AI, Pedagogy and the Curriculum
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzkyNTY=