Mount Marty University | Yankton

Perched on a gentle bluff overlooking the Missouri River, Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota, combines academic excellence with a sense of quiet reflection that fits perfectly with its Benedictine heritage. Founded more than a century ago, the university has evolved from a small women’s college into a thriving coeducational campus known for its strong community spirit, liberal arts foundation, and the peaceful rhythm of life along the river.

A Legacy of Benedictine Education

Established in 1936 by the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty began as a place of learning rooted in faith, service, and scholarship. Its mission continues to reflect those values today, emphasizing intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and compassion in action. While the university has grown significantly-now offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs-it still carries the contemplative calm of its monastic roots. The Sacred Heart Monastery, located adjacent to campus, remains an active part of daily life, offering visitors a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural origins of the institution.

Campus and Setting

The campus sits amid landscaped lawns, shaded courtyards, and quiet walking paths that slope gently toward the Missouri River. Benedictine Hall, with its classic brick façade and bell tower, anchors the main campus and serves as a recognizable landmark. Modern facilities like the Ruth Donohoe First Dakota Fieldhouse and Avera Science and Nursing Center stand beside older academic buildings, blending tradition with innovation. From many spots on campus, you can glimpse the river glinting in the distance-a reminder of both the school’s history and its connection to the natural world.

Academic and Community Life

Mount Marty University is known for programs in nursing, education, business, and the liberal arts, with an emphasis on personalized learning and small class sizes. Professors often know students by name, and the atmosphere encourages discussion and mentorship. The fine arts also have a strong presence, from theater performances in Marian Auditorium to choral concerts that fill the campus chapel with sound. Outside the classroom, students participate in athletics as Mount Marty Lancers, community outreach projects, and leadership initiatives that connect them with the broader Yankton community.

A Place of Reflection and Growth

What stands out most about Mount Marty is its sense of balance. The hum of campus activity never overshadows the tranquility that defines the place. It’s common to see students studying under old shade trees, or taking quiet walks along the nearby river trails at dusk. The Benedictine values of stability, hospitality, and stewardship are woven naturally into the university’s culture-less as rules and more as a shared way of life.

In a Few Words

Mount Marty University embodies a rare blend of scholarship, faith, and natural beauty. Its small scale fosters close connections, while its riverside setting offers room to think, grow, and simply breathe. For visitors and students alike, it’s a place where history and heart meet-where the timeless rhythm of the Missouri flows quietly alongside the rhythm of campus life.