South Dakota State University Professor Rosie Nold Wins National Fellow Award
By: Lydia Hill
SDSU professor Dr. Rosie Nold won the American Society of Animal Science Fellow Award in the teaching category in July, marking the third time in two years an SDSU faculty member in her department has won this award.
Dr. Rosie Nold, a respected educator at South Dakota State University, recently earned a prestigious recognition from the American Society of Animal Science. As the Assistant Department Head of the SDSU Animal Science Department, she has dedicated over 25 years to educating and advancing students in agriculture.
Expressing her surprise and gratitude for receiving the award, Dr. Nold shared her appreciation for her colleagues who nominated her. Looking back on her students’ success in the industry, she finds it rewarding to know that she played a role in their education.
Dr. Nold’s award is a personal achievement and a reflection of the broader excellence within SDSU’s Animal Science Department. Back in 2023, two SDSU faculty members received this award. Dr. Robert Thaler in the extension category and Dr. Joseph Cassidy in the administrative category accepted this honor, which shows the program’s depth and the dedication of its educators.
Dr. John Jaeger, head of the Animal Science Department, praised Dr. Nold’s dedication: “Dr. Nold’s commitment to educational excellence is evident in her Introduction to Animal Science class, which impacts nearly 200 students each semester. This award recognizes her outstanding accomplishments as a professor, Assistant Department Head, and undergraduate curriculum coordinator.”
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Nold admits she could not have predicted her success. “I didn’t have an exact plan when I started,” she said, “but it is okay not to have everything figured out. Opportunities arise if you work hard and keep moving forward.”
Dr. Nold’s commitment to promoting agriculture has been steadfast. “Sticking with it,” she said, “being committed to the ag industry and continuing to promote it among students and young people—that’s what got me here.”
Before becoming a full-time educator, Dr. Nold worked in extension services, interacting with youth and leading educational initiatives. Though she enjoyed the administrative side, she eventually missed the classroom. That desire to engage with students eventually brought her back to pushing her focus towards teaching.
With hundreds of students passing through her classes each year, Dr. Nold takes great pride in watching them grow over the years. “I’m teaching a senior-level class this semester, which is something new for me, and seeing the changes in students from their freshman year to now is really cool,” she said.
Dr. Nold is particularly excited about the future of animal science, especially with the rise of precision agriculture and the advancement in technology that is now offered. “There are so many opportunities for students to explore and create their own paths,” she noted.
Her main message to students is simple yet profound: “You have to be there. You have to be engaged. The decisions are made by the people who show up.” For Dr. Nold, showing up is not just about attending class but about being present, active, and ready to make a difference.
More than just a teacher, Dr. Nold’s impact goes beyond her lectures in the classroom. Her teaching philosophy focuses on preparing students to thrive in the real world and become the next generation of agricultural leaders. Each day, Nold comes prepared to help shape her students by being a testament to dedication, willingness to learn, and readiness for innovation.
