MADISON, S.D. – Dakota State University Athletics is joining the Frontier Conference effective in the 2025-2026 academic year.
The Trojans have been part of the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) since 2013, but are making the move to the Montana-based conference because the NSAA is disbanding after the 2024-2025 season.
Fellow NSAA member Dickinson State (N.D.) was the first to be approved to join Frontier in December. On May 21, it was announced that other former NSAA schools were joining as well, including Bellevue University (Neb.), Dakota State, Mayville State University (N.D.) and Valley City State University (N.D.).
“This is an exciting time for Dakota State Athletics as we become part of one of the best NAIA conferences in the country,” said Bud Postma, interim Athletics Director at Dakota State. “The Frontier Conference promotes academic and athletic excellence, and we look forward to the opportunity to compete in this league,” he stated.
Dakota State had anticipated this change, and in the early fall 2023 created a seven-member task force to explore conference possibilities. The group studied foundational plans, gathered the necessary documentation, and collected feedback from students, athletes, coaches, alumni, and the fan base. With this information, they created a comprehensive athletic strategic plan that aligns with the values and goals of DSU, developed a financial support strategy, and outlined a communications plan to inform all stakeholders.
This spring, the invitation from Frontier was timely and welcome.
“This is a distinctive time for Dakota State University athletics. Not only are we opening brand new facilities that will expand the opportunities for our teams, but moving to the Frontier Conference will provide our student-athletes with the chance to reach new heights in the competition arena as well as in the classroom,” said José-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University.