ABERDEEN, S.D. – Recent construction projects announced for Northern State University are only the beginning of possible improvements to campus.
NSU’s campus master plan lays out numerous other potential projects for the next decade and beyond. University administration worked with CO-OP Architecture to develop a master plan for these proposed facilities, though no projected timeline or cost estimate has been set.
Possible future campus additions include:
Multi-use administration building (to be determined): Located west of the Barnett Center and south of the Johnson Fine Arts Center, this new facility would potentially house the NSU Foundation, Admissions, and Communications and Marketing. The building would maximize student recruitment and community outreach, with a central location ideal for visitors, public access and student use.
Business school expansion (to be determined): An addition to Lincoln Hall – facing west toward Wolves Memorial Suites – would expand the NSU School of Business, adding classrooms to accommodate growing and changing learning needs.
Aquatics expansion (to be determined): A review of the current Barnett Center swimming pool will be conducted to determine the best way to allow for competition swimming on campus, which will require eight lanes, viewing and spectator areas, and enhanced locker room space.
Student wellness expansion (to be determined): This addition, located on the west side of the Barnett Center, would include climbing walls, multi-use gym space, and other exercise and wellness activities.
Campus gateways and edge monuments (to be determined): The original campus monuments, located along 12th Avenue at the north end of the campus green, are historic markers that identity the NSU campus. To further improve campus identity, aesthetics and wayfinding, additional edge monuments or gateway features would be added at pedestrian entries and vehicular intersections, such as the corner of 12th Avenue and South State Street.
President’s residence (to be determined): To follow the national trend of visible, on- or near-campus housing for university presidents, a president’s residence could be added southeast of campus at the current site of the Beckman Building. The residence, funded by the NSU Foundation, would allow privacy as well as the possibility for a public space to celebrate students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Information on these potential future projects can be found on the Campus Master Plan webpage. This webpage also includes up-to-date information on Northern’s current and upcoming campus improvement projects, including new residence halls, the Regional Science Education Center, and collaborative projects with the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
NSU President Dr. Tim Downs said the projects included in the campus master plan all share a common goal: to benefit students.
“All of our projects – whether it’s expansion of our fine arts facility, the addition of suite-style housing, or a brand new academic building – are aimed at enhancing the student experience,” Downs said. “We want to continue to make Northern an excellent campus for students to live and learn for decades to come.”
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions