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Zabka receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar award for 2026-2027

Dr. Matthew Zabka, associate professor of Mathematics at Southwest Minnesota State University, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award in applied algebraic topology to Georgia for the 2026-2027 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Dr. Matthew Zabka grew up in St. Paul and earned undergraduate degrees in mathematics, German and economics at St. Cloud State University. He completed his master’s degree in statistics at the University of Michigan and his doctorate in mathematics at Wayne State University under the ...

SMSU Chorale presents concerts in Marshall and St. Paul

Submitted photo Dr. Stephen Kingsbury, professor of Music and director of Choral Activities at Southwest Minnesota State University conducted the SMSU Chorale in a concert entitled “Be Still My Soul: The Music of Morten Lauridsen" on Saturday, April 25, at First Lutheran Church in ...

2026 Seed Coalition award winners announced

Seed Coalition has announced the winners of the 2026 President’s and Engaged Campus Awards. This year, Seed Coalition received nominations from member colleges and universities across Iowa and Minnesota. This year, Dr. David Jones, SMSU president, nominated the following members of the SMSU community: Sheridyn Runs After, Amanda Sieling, Willmar Public Schools, and Shanda Walker.  “These honorees reflect the very best of SMSU’s commitment to civic engagement, showing up for their communities with leadership, partnership, and purpose,” said SMSU President David Jones. ...

SMSU Briefs

Schubert Festival event today at SMSU Campus Religious Center Lecture-Recital examining the “Reliquie” piano sonata and the Grand Duo with Dr. Jean King, which is part of the Schubert Festival, will be at 7:30 p.m. today at the SMSU Campus Religious Center. The event is free and open to the public. SMSU Chorale concert Saturday The SMSU Chorale will present a concert entitled “Be Still My Soul: the Music of Morten Lauridsen” at 2 p.m. Saturday at the First Lutheran Church of Marshall (100 Church Street). Known for his profound ability to connect music and poetry, Lauridsen ...

Finding Community: JJ Ostenson finds his place in Marshall

JJ Ostenson’s path to Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) began with curiosity and a desire to broaden his horizons. Hailing from Edgemont, South Dakota — a tiny town of about 750 residents and a K–12 school with just 126 students — Ostenson was used to tight-knit communities ...

Southwest Minnesota Orchestra to host Schubert Festival 2026

The Southwest Minnesota Orchestra, with musical director Dr. Daniel Rieppel, will host events for the Schubert Festival 2026, featuring the music and life of Franz Schubert. The public is invited to attend the festival events at the SMSU Campus Religious Center Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25 leading up to the grand finale festival concert on Sunday, April 26 in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Guests include Victoria Erickson, Dr. Jean King, and SMSU alumnus Dr. Paul Schell.  The schedule includes: Thursday, April 23 Schubert Liederabend with Minnesota vocalist Victoria ...