Nursing Scholarship Established at South Dakota State
Diane Reese has founded a new behavioral healthcare nursing scholarship to support students at South Dakota State University.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Scholarships
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Former psychiatric nurse Diane Reese has established a behavioral healthcare nursing scholarship at South Dakota State University. The award is designed to support nursing students who are pursuing a psychiatric mental health track.
Why it matters
The scholarship aims to improve access to psychiatric nursing care and support the profession. It reflects the donor's goal of encouraging financial contributions to education during a donor's lifetime rather than through inheritance.
The scholarship provides financial assistance for students in the psychiatric mental health track. The university currently reports 230 distinct majors, minors, and specializations across its academic programs.
The players
Diane Reese
She is a retired psychiatric nurse who worked at the South Dakota Human Services Center for 36 years.
Jordyn VanVickle
She is a student who earned her undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University and is a recipient of the new scholarship.
The details
The scholarship was founded by Diane Reese, who dedicated 36 years to psychiatric nursing at the South Dakota Human Services Center. She was the first female nurse permitted to work with male patients at that facility.
Timeline
1961: Diane Reese graduated from nursing school and started her hospital career.
1961-1997: Diane Reese worked at the South Dakota Human Services Center.
2022: The city of Yankton named Diane Reese Citizen of the Year.
May 2029: Recipient Jordyn VanVickle is projected to earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Culture Shift
This initiative follows the trend of private donors establishing targeted funds to address specific workforce shortages in critical healthcare sectors. Such programs reflect a shift toward active lifetime giving to bridge gaps in specialized medical training.
Students pursuing psychiatric mental health tracks at the university may now apply for this specialized financial support. The scholarship encourages future nurses to commit to the field while providing a blueprint for potential donors looking to contribute to local education.
The takeaway
This scholarship demonstrates the impact of veteran professionals investing directly in the next generation of healthcare workers. Supporting students while they are still in school can help ensure the long-term sustainability of critical nursing specialties.
What happens next
Jordyn VanVickle is scheduled to complete her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in May 2029.
Further reading
For more information on educational funding opportunities, visit the South Dakota Scholarships section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Brookings Radio.
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