ABERDEEN, S.D. –?Northern State University and Huron Community Campus have signed a new memorandum of understanding, approved by the Huron City Commission, that builds on their partnership and outlines the next chapter of higher education in Huron.
The agreement creates more options for students in the region — whether they are in high school looking for early college credit, adults seeking to complete a degree, or teachers ready to begin graduate study.
“This is an exciting day for Huron!” said Doug Pietz, executive director of Huron Community Campus. “Our partnership with Northern State University is transforming what’s possible for students in our community. From high schoolers getting a head start to adults earning degrees close to home — the opportunities are bigger and better than ever. Together we are building pathways to brighter futures. Northern’s commitment to our students, our educators and our local workforce is unmatched, and we’re excited for what comes next.”
The new memorandum highlights student success services available to Northern students in Huron, including advising, tutoring, career development and success workshops. At the Huron location, Northern offers:
– Associate degrees in general studies, business administration, early childhood education, criminal justice, digital media and digital entrepreneurship.
– Undergraduate gateway certificates in teacher education, business, health sciences, architecture and construction, digital technology and STEM.
– Graduate-level options, including the Master of Science in Education in Teaching and Learning and much of the coursework for a graduate certificate in principal and building leadership.
– Dual-credit courses that allow high school students to earn both high school and college credit during the school day.
Northern State University’s presence in Huron includes a full-time instructor in English and communication studies who, in addition to teaching several courses, supports the Northern students who take courses at HCC.
“Northern State University is proud to collaborate with the City of Huron and the Huron University Foundation to expand access to higher education for Huron-area residents,” said Erin Fouberg, associate vice president for academic affairs. “Northern students in Huron can start on a pathway to college by taking dual credit, earn an associate degree that they can also stack into a bachelor’s degree, or advance their professional career by earning a master’s degree. Northern is creating clear, affordable pathways to college while strengthening workforce development for the Huron community and region.”
Student perspective:
“I found it very helpful to take the first year of Northern courses at the Huron Community Campus. This allowed me to live at home and still work during the day so that I could afford to eventually move to Aberdeen and finish my degree on the Northern campus. Starting my degree in Huron gave me a lot of opportunities to really get to know Professor Meirose and the other faculty in Huron. We had a lot of one-on-one time in our small classes, and the affordable tuition in Huron made it easier for me to move to Aberdeen to earn my Northern degrees. I live on campus in Aberdeen, and that makes it easier for me to get involved and take on leadership roles in student organizations like the Honors Program and the Student Government Association.”
—Bree Ann Friesen, majoring in Special Education and Criminal Justice
In fall 2026, Northern will begin its ninth cohort of the master’s in teaching and learning, giving up to 30 teachers in the Huron area the chance to earn their graduate degree without leaving the community. Teachers interested in joining the next Huron cohort should contact gradstudies@northern.edu.
The memorandum took effect July 1, 2025, and runs through June 30, 2028. Northern offers all the courses a student needs to earn an associate degree in general studies in two years by taking Northern courses taught in person by Northern faculty at HCC. Northern students in Huron can also work with a professional adviser to create an individual plan of study to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree through a blend of Northern courses taught face to face in Huron and courses taught online.
For questions, contact Douglas Pietz, Huron Community Campus executive director, at dpietz@huronsd.com or 605-353-8518.