Dickinson State outlines arena, AG building and campus projects; seeks long-term support for TR Center role
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Summary
Dickinson State University presented campus project timelines and program plans to the Dickinson City Commission, including a new indoor arena expected to open in 2026, an AG building reopening in 2025, Woods Hall renovations and a fundraising push tied to the university—s role with the TR Center.
Ty Orton of Dickinson State University (DSU) gave commissioners a campus update covering capital projects, enrollment, program development and fundraising.
Orton said the new indoor arena will seat just under 900 people and is intended to host rodeo and equestrian events, acting as a weather-resilient venue for large regional competitions. He said footings and parking work were already underway and the building shell is expected to arrive in early 2026 with a target opening in 2026 for arena events. The arena plan includes a limited entryway and a "Hall of Fame" room overlooking roping boxes; a warm-up arena on the north end will be used for ancillary events and youth programming.
The AG building renovation will focus on updated HVAC, electrical and classrooms; Orton said the AG building renovation is under construction and DSU expects to move back in by August 1, 2025. Orton said Woods Hall second- and third-floor renovations are planned and would yield about 60 additional beds when complete (target 2026 for completion). He listed current campus statistics (approximately 1,400 enrolled students, residence-hall occupancy near 95% and about 220 total employees including adjuncts) and student-affordability figures (DSU awards roughly $1.4 million in scholarships to about 575 students with an average of $2,000 per student per year).
Orton discussed a planned $48.5 million capital request for a new academic building (options include replacing Selke or renovating May Hall/Stickney) and said the TR Center partnership for 2026 (the Presidential Library/TR Center project) requires staffing, exhibit space and ongoing operating support. Orton said an $8 million endowment tied to the TR Center is expected to produce approximately $200-225k annually for programming. He also described a proposal for a master's in athletic training to expand regional access to athletic trainers for local schools and sports teams.
Orton closed by noting the university will conduct a presidential search with AGB and aims for a hire in spring with a July 1 start date.
Ending
Commissioners thanked DSU staff for the update and asked for future budget and timeline specifics as projects progress; DSU asked the city and community for support on long-term TR Center operations and campus-security funding.