Posts for 2026

Five Additional WDTC Students Earn Top National Finishes

Anton Allen, a recent Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) Plumbing Technology graduate, earned a gold medal in the Plumbing competition at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference and Competition.  The event took place June 1-5 in Atlanta, Ga.

The Collegiate Advertising Awards (CAA) is a prestigious competition that honors excellence in higher education communications, marketing, advertising, and promotional efforts across the United States and Canada. This year’s program received entries from a wide range of colleges and universities, from small community colleges to large institutions and university systems. Submissions were evaluated by a national panel of industry professionals and scored on a 100-point scale.

Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) competed against institutions of similar size within designated categories and divisions. The college earned a Gold Award for its College Viewbook in the brochure, folded-panel category. Gold Awards earn a score of 95 to 99 (top 5% in the nation).

Gov. Larry Rhoden Selected Commencement Speaker

Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) will celebrate its 2026 graduates with a series of events recognizing their achievements and readiness to enter high-demand careers. These celebrations reflect the college’s commitment to hands-on education and student success across a wide range of career programs.

Events will include WDTC’s 58th Commencement Ceremony, the Outstanding Graduates Banquet, Registered Nurse and Practical Nurse Pinning Ceremonies, and a Law Enforcement Graduation Recognition Ceremony. Each occasion will highlight the dedication, skill, and accomplishments of this year’s graduating class.

Shared with permission 
News.SD.gov

Today, Gov. Larry Rhoden announced the addition of a new gunsmithing curriculum to Western Dakota Technical College, advancing South Dakota’s pro-2nd Amendment values and expanding the workforce for South Dakota’s defense and firearms industries.

“South Dakota is the most Second Amendment-friendly state in America, and our firearms industry is thriving,” said Gov. Larry Rhoden. “As other states infringe on the 2nd Amendment rights of their citizens and chase away firearms producers, South Dakota is welcoming them with open arms. This new gunsmithing program will support our growing firearms industry and attract even more guns and ammunition manufacturers to South Dakota!”