University of South Dakota School of Law

The University of South Dakota offers programs in undergraduate, graduate, and professional education within the South Dakota System of Higher Education. The oldest university in South Dakota, the University of South Dakota is the flagship university and only public liberal arts university. Although classestheyre held in the Dakotas for the first time in 20 years, the Dakota Territory's first Legislature established the first postsecondary institution. The university that would become USD was founded by Ephraim Epstein, who served as its first president and chief faculty member. Classestheyre held in a downtown Vermillion space. In 1883, USD had a total of 69 students. By 1889, the number had risen to 500. The university moved to Old Main in 1883. A public board was created to oversee it and the College of Arts & Sciences was founded. The School of Law opened in 1901, followed by the School of Medicine and Continuing Education. In 1916, the Graduate School and School of Businesstheyre established.