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Dickinson State University outlines arena, ag facility and TR Center plans; seeks partners for growth
Summary
Dickinson State University told the Dickinson City Commission about completed campus upgrades and planned projects — an indoor rodeo arena and ag building renovations — and said it is pursuing partnerships, fundraising and a search for a new president.
Representatives from Dickinson State University gave the City Commission an update on ongoing campus projects and programs, including construction of an indoor arena, renovation of an agricultural classroom building and planning for the Theodore Roosevelt Center partnership and associated collections storage.
Ty Orton of Dickinson State said the indoor arena will seat just under 900 and is designed to host rodeo events, team roping and other regional competitions; warm‑up areas adjacent to the main arena will accommodate tractor shows and “kids day on the farm” programming. Orton said footings and sitework are in place and that the building is scheduled for erection in March with a 2026 opening targeted for events.
The university is also renovating the agricultural (AG) building with upgraded HVAC, new electrical and classroom improvements; Orton said the AG building is under construction and expected to reopen to students by August 2025. He added that Woods Hall renovations (adding approximately 60 beds) are planned for completion in 2026 and that residence halls were at roughly 95 percent capacity heading into the spring.
Orton described the university’s larger capital planning tied to the TR Center and associated collections: DSU holds stewardship responsibilities for certain collections and storage, and the campus seeks to position itself as a partner and host for exhibitions and archives. He said the TR Center budget planning projects roughly $1 million a year in operating needs and noted an $8 million endowment that will provide $200,000–$225,000 annually toward operations.
Orton reported continued program growth, including a proposed master’s in athletic training intended to supply trainers for area schools, and more than $1.4 million awarded in scholarships benefitting roughly 575 students.
The university also noted an ongoing presidential search managed with AGB Consulting; interviews are planned in March–April with an anticipated start date in July.
Commissioners thanked DSU staff for the update and noted city‑university cooperation on events and longtime institutional ties.
