University of Sioux Falls

Founded in 1883, the University of Sioux Falls (USF) is a Christian liberal arts university located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. USF's mission is to foster academic excellence and the development of mature Christian persons for service to God and humankind in the world. In fall 2014, the University enrolled a total of 1,142 undergraduate students and 311 graduate students.

On June 5, 1872, pastors and delegates of nine Baptist churches in the Dakota Territory gathered in Vermillion, South Dakota, at the first meeting of the Baptist Association. They adopted the following resolution: "Be it resolved that we take immediate steps for the establishment of an institution among us and that we devote a suitable portion of time at each annual meeting of the consideration of this important subject and give our individual associated influence to encourage a more general and complete education of our youth under distinctly Christian influence."

Under the name of Dakota Collegiate Institute, secondary and collegiate programs began on September 8, 1883. The institution's name changed to Sioux Falls University in 1885, with the secondary program called the Academy and the collegiate department branded Sioux Falls College. Although the college grew, the Academy's enrollment declined, forcing it to close in 1925.

USF offers more than 100 clubs, organizations and activities to join, 16 NCAA Division II Varsity sports and a wide variety of service opportunities. In addition, USF has weekly activities on campus such as Winter and Summer Olympics, monster golf, Pac Man competitions, speed dating and more. Campus growth has been paramount since 1997, with the addition of new programs, the increase in enrollment and the expansion of USF's physical footprint.