4,100+ Students Make Dean's List at South Dakota State

Over 4,100 students at South Dakota State University just proved that hard work and dedication still pay off in a big way.

The university announced its Fall 2025 Dean's List, recognizing 4,147 students from across the globe who achieved outstanding academic performance. To earn this distinction, students had to complete at least 12 credits while maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale.

The achievement is especially impressive given the diversity of the Dean's List honorees. Students hailed from 40 different states and 31 foreign nations, showing that academic excellence knows no borders.

Among the local achievers were Guy Duray of De Witt, Iowa, who excels in SDSU's College of Nursing, and Rhett Schaefer of Walcott, Iowa, who studies in the Jerome J Lohr College of Engineering. Both students balanced demanding coursework in fields that require intense dedication and precision.

The Ripple Effect

These academic achievements represent far more than individual accomplishments. Each Dean's List student is preparing to enter fields where their knowledge and work ethic will serve communities for decades to come.

Engineering students like Rhett will design the infrastructure of tomorrow. Nursing students like Guy will care for patients during their most vulnerable moments. Across all seven colleges at SDSU, these 4,100+ scholars are building the foundation for careers that will make a real difference.

South Dakota State University, founded in 1881 as a land-grant institution, continues to fulfill its mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. With research expenditures exceeding $94 million in fiscal year 2025, the university creates an environment where students can thrive academically while contributing to groundbreaking discoveries.

These Dean's List honorees prove that excellence flourishes when students commit to their goals and universities commit to supporting them.