Business

NSU Accounting Professor Publishes Research in International Academic Journal

Chad Hatzenbuhler — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:52:02 +0000

NSU Accounting Professor Publishes Research in International Academic Journal

Chad Hatzenbuhler Tue, 04/21/2026 - 08:52

ABERDEEN, S.D. — 91��Ƭ�� State University assistant professor of accounting Dr. Eman Momeni has published a peer-reviewed article in the Asian Accounting Review, a journal published by Emerald Publishing and indexed in Scopus, one of the world’s largest abstract and citation databases. The journal is ranked Q2 in finance and Q3 in accounting within the Scopus index.

The article, “Audit Report Lag and Its Contemporary Issues: A Comparative Review of Literature,” examines the factors that influence the time between a company’s fiscal year-end and the release of its audited financial statements — a gap with significant implications for investors, regulators and financial markets. The research provides a comprehensive review of existing literature and identifies emerging issues shaping the field.

“As financial markets become increasingly complex and fast-moving, understanding audit report lag is essential for improving transparency and efficiency in financial reporting,” Dr. Momeni said. “This research highlights how reporting timeliness influences market transparency and decision-making, contributing to the broader accounting literature. Given that auditing firms are one of the primary career paths for many of our accounting graduates, this topic is especially relevant and informative for their professional development.”

Dr. Momeni joined 91��Ƭ�� State University in 2020 and brings more than six years of professional accounting experience in public accounting, auditing and financial advisory roles. His research interests include international financial reporting standards, forensic accounting education and emerging markets. This publication adds to a growing body of scholarly work he has produced since joining 91��Ƭ��’s School of Business, now housed in the Business and Health Innovation Center.

The article is available online. To read the full publication, visit:
https://www.emerald.com/ara/article-abstract/doi/10.1108/ARA-06-2024-0191/1323239/Audit-report-lag-and-its-contemporary-issues-a?redirectedFrom=fulltext

91��Ƭ�� State University to Celebrate Opening of Business and Health Innovation Center

Chad Hatzenbuhler — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:32:53 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University to Celebrate Opening of Business and Health Innovation Center

Chad Hatzenbuhler Mon, 03/30/2026 - 16:32

ABERDEEN, SD — 91��Ƭ�� State University invites the public to celebrate the opening of its new Business and Health Innovation Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., with the ribbon cutting ceremony taking place at 4 p.m. The event will conclude at 5 p.m.

The Business and Health Innovation Center is the new home for NSU's School of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences' new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Inside, the building features advanced collaborative classrooms, the Avera Nursing Simulation Center, and dedicated spaces designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world professional experience.

The building also houses the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center, a dedicated resource for entrepreneurship and regional economic development, supported by Dacotah Bank.

The facility was made possible in part through $29.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds and a $1.5 million state appropriation, reflecting a significant investment from federal and state partners in the region's workforce and economic future.

"This new facility significantly enhances student success by providing the latest in technology, simulation labs, creative innovation spaces and adaptable classroom environments that prepare our business and nursing students to move seamlessly and successfully into the workforce," said Dr. Alan LaFave, president of 91��Ƭ�� State University. "The large, welcoming foyer and student study spaces have already proven to be gathering places for campus events and meaningful student and faculty interaction."

The ribbon cutting and open house are free and open to the public. The Business and Health Innovation Center is located at the corner of 12th Avenue SE and South Washington Street on the 91��Ƭ�� State University campus in Aberdeen.

91��Ƭ�� State University Announces Dacotah Bank 4-Year Scholarship Recipients for Fall 2026

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:39:51 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Announces Dacotah Bank 4-Year Scholarship Recipients for Fall 2026

Desiree Kolb Fri, 03/20/2026 - 12:39

ABERDEEN, SD – 91��Ƭ�� State University is pleased to announce the incoming freshmen who have been selected to receive the Dacotah Bank 4-year scholarship for Fall 2026.

The Dacotah Bank scholarship supports students pursuing programs within 91��Ƭ�� State University’s School of Business. According to Recipients must be full-time students majoring in a School of Business program, and the scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters if students continue to meet eligibility requirements, including maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

The Fall 2026 incoming freshman recipients are:

Mikah Barfknecht, Underwood, Minnesota
McKenzie Baruth, Alpena, South Dakota
Elizabeth Boschee, Woonsocket, South Dakota
Esther Burkhalter, Prairie City, South Dakota
Avery Christensen, Willmar, Minnesota
Abigail Cooper, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Anthony Davis, Bismarck, North Dakota
Harrison Dea, Morton, Illinois
Abbigail Dinger, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Ashlyn F. Foss, Lemmon, South Dakota
Holden Gill, Timber Lake, South Dakota
Ethan Hamlin, San Antonio, Texas
Annabelle Hedlund, Moorhead, Minnesota
Jorryn Heilman, Miller, South Dakota
Clay Kahre, Wolsey, South Dakota
Isabelle Kallhoff, Onida, South Dakota
Kane Larson, Preston, Minnesota
William Mansfield, Waseca, Minnesota
Kaeden Mattheis, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Karter Moody, Groton, South Dakota
Brady Moon, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Aubrey Nething, Wood Lake, Minnesota
Henry Oakes, Perham, Minnesota
Anaka Ott, Waverly, Iowa
Addie Ott, Waverly, Iowa
Nataleigh Rendon, Lower Brule, South Dakota
Gracie Beth Rohde, Colome, South Dakota
Colin Ross, Hammond, Wisconsin
Mason Schreiber, North Mankato, Minnesota
Brianna Slattery, Rogers, Minnesota
Sidonia Wattier, Norfolk, Nebraska
Preston Wipf, Tulare, South Dakota
Ava Yeske, Athol, South Dakota

These scholarships reflect 91��Ƭ�� State University’s continued commitment to supporting student success and investing in future business leaders.

For more information about scholarships available through 91��Ƭ�� State University’s School of Business, visit /academics/school-of-business/scholarships or contact Kristi Bockorny at kristi.bockorny@91��Ƭ��.edu.

Registration Now Open for 91��Ƭ�� State University Agriculture Business Symposium

Desiree Kolb — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:33:34 +0000

Registration Now Open for 91��Ƭ�� State University Agriculture Business Symposium

Desiree Kolb Wed, 02/25/2026 - 14:33

ABERDEEN, SD — Registration is now open for Growing the Future: A Student Symposium on Agribusiness, a free event at 91��Ƭ�� State University designed to inspire students to become the next generation of leaders in agriculture. The symposium will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Centennial Rooms in the Student Center at 91��Ƭ�� State University.

The event is open to high school and college students interested in agriculture and agribusiness. The symposium is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to register early. Event is not open to general public.

The symposium will feature a strong lineup of presenters, including Wells Lamont Company, a student panel, an agricultural business partners panel, Dr. Matt Roberts presenting “The Truth About Trade,” greetings from 91��Ƭ�� State University President Alan LaFave, and Brian Hefty of Ag PhD and Hefty Seed Company.

“We are excited to host our first Agricultural Business Symposium on campus,” said Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean and professor of management at 91��Ƭ�� State University. “Our faculty committee has invested significant time and energy into creating a meaningful and engaging program, bringing together speakers who understand firsthand how agriculture and business intersect. This is an opportunity for students to gain insight into agricultural business industries and ask questions. We look forward to welcoming students to campus for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful day.”

“We are thankful for the grant monies that the School of Business was awarded from the Aberdeen Energy Agriculture Fund, an Aberdeen Area Community Fund sub-fund, to help support this year’s symposium,” Bockorny said.

91��Ƭ�� State University also now offers a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business, which prepares students for careers in agricultural finance, commodity marketing, supply chain management, and more. The symposium gives students an opportunity to explore the agricultural business field while connecting with professionals and learning about future career pathways.

High school and college students interested in attending can register at 91��Ƭ��.edu/ag-symposium. For questions, contact Lisa Anderson at lisamarie.anderson@91��Ƭ��.edu or 605-626-2400.

Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition Opens Applications for 2026

Desiree Kolb — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 21:57:05 +0000

Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition Opens Applications for 2026

Desiree Kolb Tue, 02/17/2026 - 15:57

ABERDEEN, SD – The Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC) and the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation & Startup Center are excited to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition. Entrepreneurs and startup businesses from across the region are invited to compete for a $10,000 cash prize while advancing their entrepreneurial ambitions.

Applications will be accepted March 1, 2026 through April 30, 2026. Finalists will be announced by June 1, 2026, with the final competition event scheduled for June 19, 2026.

“The Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition represents our ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in our community,” said Tim Hanigan, CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation. “This exciting event provides a tangible platform for aspiring business owners to refine their ideas, connect with potential investors, and take meaningful steps toward success.”

The competition welcomes startups and prospective businesses that are less than 5 years in operation with less than $500,000 in cumulative revenue as of the application deadline. Previous participants are welcome to apply again — those who entered in past years may submit the same business (if not previously selected as finalists) or a different business concept.

The competition is designed to inspire and support a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, assist prospective and startup businesses in fine-tuning ideas and plans to secure investment and financing, and advance businesses from concept to launch toward success and profitability.

"Each year, the Aberdeen Business Pitch Competition continues to grow — not only in the number of applicants, but also in the energy and attendance at the finalist pitch event," said Bea Smith, director of the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation & Startup Center. "That growth speaks to our region's excitement to celebrate innovation and support the ideas taking shape here. This competition is about giving innovations from across our region access to capital, whether it's an idea someone has been refining for years or something they've only recently started. It's an opportunity to step forward, share your vision and be part of a community that wants to see those ideas succeed."

Important dates for the 2026 competition are:

Application Period: March 1 – April 30, 2026
Finalists Announced: June 1, 2026
Final Competition Event: June 19, 2026

The final competition event will bring together finalists, community leaders, industry experts and potential investors for an evening of compelling pitches, networking and celebration of entrepreneurial vision.

For more information, to apply and to submit questions, visit adcsd.com/aberdeen-business-pitch-competition/.

91��Ƭ�� State University renames Management Information Systems degree to Information Systems

Desiree Kolb — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:54:25 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University renames Management Information Systems degree to Information Systems

Desiree Kolb Thu, 01/22/2026 - 10:54

ABERDEEN, S.D. – 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems has been renamed to a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems.

The degree’s new title reflects how the field and 91��Ƭ�� State University’s curriculum have evolved. Information systems work today extends beyond managing systems and includes creating, innovating and leading with technology.

Students in the program develop skills in data analytics, cybersecurity principles, database concepts and coding. The program is designed to prepare graduates to analyze problems, design solutions and lead technology initiatives in modern organizations, connecting business strategy with effective technology solutions. The updated name aligns with industry language and is expected to reduce confusion for prospective students and employers.

“This name change reflects strategic updates to curriculum and courses that provide students with relevant knowledge and hands-on experiences that prepare them for careers in technology-driven industries,” said Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean of the School of Business. “Knowledge of information systems is broadly applicable across sectors, including for-profit organizations, nonprofit entities, government agencies, healthcare, and education.”

For more information about 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Information Systems program, contact Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean of the School of Business, at kristi.bockorny@91��Ƭ��.edu or (605) 626-2402.

Winners announced for the 2025 BIG Idea Competition

Desiree Kolb — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:37:10 +0000

Winners announced for the 2025 BIG Idea Competition

Desiree Kolb Tue, 01/20/2026 - 15:37

ABERDEEN, S.D. – High school innovators from South Dakota and across the country were recognized through the 2025 BIG Idea Competition, with winners announced during an awards ceremony held Dec. 18 at 91��Ƭ�� State University.

The competition was split into two finalist tracks. Out-of-state finalists presented on Dec. 9, while South Dakota finalists presented Dec. 18. In total, nearly $55,000 in cash and scholarships was awarded.

South Dakota winners

1st place: Dakota Detailing – Dean Castellano and Bennett Woolverton (Warner High School; advisor Pam Lane). $1,000 cash and $2,500 scholarships to 91��Ƭ�� State University, Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota.
2nd place: Bloom – Brynn Kindelspire (Tri-Valley High School; advisor Tracy Vogt). $500 cash and $2,000scholarships to 91��Ƭ�� State University, Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota.
3rd place: Sizzle Shakk – Max Lauseng, Chris McCormick and Kolbe Mohling (Watertown High School; advisor Tom Lenox). $250 cash and $1,500 scholarships to 91��Ƭ�� State University, Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota.

Out-of-state winners

1st place: Naturista – Planet and Health Friendly Coffee Pods – Aditya Herekar and Karan Verma (John P. Stevens High School, New Jersey, and Liberty High School, Texas).
2nd place: WheyMaker – Ayush Dadgale and Hasini Manne (Brookfield East High School, Wisconsin).
3rd place: EcoGrid – Taylen Li, Mason Hu and Hugo Ho (Winston Churchill High School, Maryland).

Special category winners

BIG Idea Elevator Pitch Video Winner (Recorded Pitch + Live Pitch): Dakota Detailing – Dean Castellano and Bennett Woolverton (Warner High School; advisor Pam Lane). Sponsored by Dakota Plains Commercial Real Estate.
Wellness Award: NeuroGrip – Pranav Srinivasan and Nishchal Talugula (Edison High School, New Jersey). Sponsored by Independent Health Solutions.
Agriculture Innovation Award: Boekelheide Airborne Mosquito Spraying – Ty Boekelheide (Northwestern High School; advisor Alexz Peterson-Smith). Sponsored by the South Dakota Agriculture Foundation.
Hometown Business Award: Pretty Paws Staycation – Macee McGregor and Bentley Miotke (Webster High School; advisor Jessica McGregor). Sponsored by the South Dakota Retailers Association.
Makers Award: EV Evolution – Zander Harry (Groton High School; advisor Eric Swenson). Sponsored by Blackout Industries.

The Partners in Business Award recognized educators for bringing networking and mentorship into their classrooms. This year’s recipients were Pam Lane (Warner High School), Jessica McGregor (Webster High School) and Chad Richardt (Ipswich High School). The Partners in Business awards are sponsored by Angelhaus.

For more information, contact 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center at startup@91��Ƭ��.edu or 605-626-2815.

91��Ƭ�� State University Students Pitch Business Ideas in Annual Competition

Desiree Kolb — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:53:15 +0000

91��Ƭ�� State University Students Pitch Business Ideas in Annual Competition

Desiree Kolb Mon, 11/24/2025 - 12:53

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Eight 91��Ƭ�� State University students took to the podium Tuesday evening, turning big ideas into bold pitches during the university’s annual Idea Pitch Competition.

By the end of the night—with a packed room of students, community members and business partners looking on—Madi Jones claimed first place with her business concept, CR8 Soda. Elana Bishop earned second place for her proposal, Liora: Infrared Light Bed Studios. And Blake Clay, Cade Trenhaile and Maggie Kruger earned third with their business idea Behind the Pack.

Jones’ idea for a drive-through dirty soda shop housed in a shipping crate began with a summer trip to New Orleans, where she noticed the potential of shipping containers to serve as an affordable storefront. Originally considering a coffee shop, she shifted directions after realizing she wanted something that reflected a growing current trend like dirty soda, a mixture of fountain soda, flavored syrups, and creamer.

“I thought, what does Aberdeen need? And what’s trending? The perfect thing was soda,” Jones said.

The name CR8 Soda came to her during softball practice, and she said the concept has already gained support among her teammates.

Jones said she hopes to pursue opening the business as early as June, depending on funding and scheduling. She said feedback from judges on revenue projections will help refine her plan.

“The biggest thing is looking at the numbers—what profit looks like, what I charge, what I pay workers,” she said.

Second-place finisher Bishop presented a wellness concept centered on infrared light therapy.

She said she has researched the topic for several years, drawing from psychology, biology and medical studies, and sees potential for the technology to support athletic recovery and mental clarity among students.

Bishop has applied for the competition for the last two years but had not previously advanced to the finalist round.

“You’d think I’d be done, but I gave it one last try because I’m passionate about it,” she said.

She described presenting as both exciting and nerve-wracking.

“I think I blacked out for the 10 minutes I was up there,” she joked, adding that she felt more confident when answering judges’ questions.

Bishop said she hopes to continue developing the idea after graduation but would need mentorship to determine startup costs and next steps.

“If I had a mentor or an investor, I would 100 percent follow through with it,” she said.

In addition to the $250 second-place prize, Bishop also received $50 for a greatest need people’s choice award. Other $50 people’s choice awards went to the students pitching Behind the Pack—a student-produced podcast focusing on athletics and the athlete experience—for Best Entrepreneurial Spirit and Jones with CR8 Soda for Industry Disruptor.

The annual Idea Pitch Competition was organized by the 91��Ƭ�� State University School of Business and the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center. The Aberdeen Development Corporation sponsored the event’s prize money.

"The ADC is always happy and proud to sponsor this event," said judge Tim Hanigan, chief executive officer of the Aberdeen Development Corporation. “The competition was fierce. There were a lot of great ideas, and as a judge it was really tough to pick them out.”

Hanigan noted the strong turnout with a large crowd filling seats in the Black Box Theatre.
“I think this was the biggest crowd we’ve seen. Students did a great job recruiting their friends, and it brought so much energy to the room,” he said. “It was also great to see business partners and community members here supporting them.”

The Idea Pitch Competition is held annually to encourage entrepreneurship among 91��Ƭ�� State University students. Five finalists presented their ideas in a Shark Tank-style competition. In addition to CR8 Soda, Liora and Behind the Pack, Blake Stoks presented his business idea Craving Compost, and Trista Henderson and Angela Rowse presented their business idea EveryDrop.

“The students did a really good job,” Hanigan said, summing up the event. “I hope to continue seeing them do great every year.”

For more information, contact the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center at startup@91��Ƭ��.edu.

Finalists Announced for 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Annual Idea Pitch Competition

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:18:29 +0000

Finalists Announced for 91��Ƭ�� State University’s Annual Idea Pitch Competition

Desiree Kolb Fri, 11/07/2025 - 10:18

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Five students and student groups will compete for cash prizes as they pitch their business ideas Shark Tank-style at 91��Ƭ�� State University’s annual Idea Pitch Competition, taking place Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater.

The event, which is free and open to the public, showcases innovative ideas from 91��Ƭ�� students and provides an opportunity for the audience to help select the winners of the People’s Choice Award, worth $150.

The finalists and their ideas are:

Blake Clay, Cade Trenhaile, Maggie Kruger, with their business idea Behind the Pack
Blake Stoks, with his business idea Craving Compost
Elana Bishop, with her business idea Liora: Infrared Light Bed Studios
Madi Jones, with her business idea CR8 Soda
Trista Henderson & Angela Rowse, with their business idea EveryDrop

Each finalist will have five minutes to present their pitch to a panel of judges, followed by four minutes of Q&A. The judging panel includes Tim Hanigan, Ryan Patnoe, Travis Schaunaman, and Kelly Weaver.

Sponsored by the Aberdeen Development Corporation, the competition offers $1,000 in total prize money, with $500 for first place, $250 for second, $100 for third, and $150 for the People’s Choice Award.

“The Idea Pitch Competition continues to inspire students across campus to think creatively and develop innovative solutions that could shape their communities and industries,” said Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank Dean of the School of Business.

Organized by the 91��Ƭ�� State University School of Business and the 91��Ƭ�� Innovation and Startup Center. The Idea Pitch Competition has become a campus-wide celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation, encouraging students to explore their ideas and gain real-world experience through public pitching and feedback.

For more information and to learn about past winners, visit 91��Ƭ��.edu/idea-pitch-competition.

School of Business Receives Grant to Help Fund Student Symposium on Agricultural Business

Desiree Kolb — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:21:32 +0000

School of Business Receives Grant to Help Fund Student Symposium on Agricultural Business

Desiree Kolb Fri, 10/31/2025 - 10:21

ABERDEEN, S.D. – The 91��Ƭ�� State University School of Business has received a grant from the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation (AACF) to support “Growing the Future: A Student Symposium on Agribusiness,” which will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The grant was awarded through the AACF’s Aberdeen Energy-Agriculture Sub-Fund, created with funding from Advanced BioEnergy following the sale of its Aberdeen ethanol plant several years ago. The company established the charitable sub-fund to support agriculture in the Aberdeen area.

Dr. Dan Shannahan, Dr. Josh VanLaecken, Professor Candi Olson, Professor Lindsey Huber, and Dacotah Bank Dean Dr. Kristi Bockorny collaborated to apply for the grant, which will help fund the symposium and provide valuable experiential learning opportunities for students in 91��Ƭ��’s new agricultural business major.

“We are thankful for the financial support to help fund a student symposium for agricultural business,” said Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank dean of the School of Business. “This is the first year of our agricultural business bachelor’s degree, and having the ability to promote agricultural business to high school and 91��Ƭ�� students is a privilege the School of Business is looking forward to.”

For more information, contact Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank dean of the School of Business, at kristi.bockorny@91��Ƭ��.edu.