Dakota State had 44 individuals and seven teams recognized for their academic excellence during the prior school year. The announcements were in conjunction with the NAIA National Awards day and are a part of the Daktronics-NAIA scholar athletes. The Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete program recognizes academic excellence in the classroom for those student-athletes who are juniors or seniors with an academic standing of a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average.

For a team to be considered for the NAIA Scholar-Team award, it must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. The team list includes: Women’s Basketball, Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field, Volleyball, Softball and Men’s Cross Country.