Dickinson State University’s campus echoes with the memories of many champions, few more inspiring than Brad Gjermundson.
Gjermundson, a North Dakota and national rodeo legend, grew up in tiny Marshall, North Dakota, where his mother was the postmaster, and his father is currently the sole resident. He and his siblings spent their childhood riding horses. “As kids, we played rodeo all the time.”
Gjermundson recalls. “My brothers and I spent hours pretending to be the rodeo legends we admired, like Larry Mahan and Jim Shoulders.”
Gjermundson’s rodeo journey continued at Dickinson State University, where he competed on the university’s rodeo team, claiming the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Great Plains Region titles and the national championship in 1980. That same year, after joining the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), he earned the title of "Rookie of the Year," which launched him into an impressive eight-year streak of National Finals Rodeo qualifications, including his first world title in 1981. From 1983 to 1985, he dominated saddle bronc riding, securing three consecutive PRCA world titles. He earned six Badlands Circuit Finals wins and 21 invitations to the Home On The Range Champions Ride.
Today, Gjermundson and his wife live on a ranch north of Richardton, surrounded by family, including their six grandchildren, all of whom ride. Four of his grandchildren are under three, while the two oldest (a 9-year-old and a 6-year-old) live on their grandparent’s ranch. The Gjermundsons are proudly passing down the values and skills of rodeo.
New DSU Rodeo Arena to Honor a Tradition of Excellence
Dickinson State University’s campus will soon include an expanded agriculture building with a state-of-the-art indoor rodeo arena, designed to inspire future rodeo champions. Reflecting on the new facility, Gjermundson shared his excitement: “A facility like this will benefit many. It will be able to host lots of ag events, providing a versatile space for students and the community.” Not only will it serve as a venue for competitions, but it will offer year-round training for rodeo athletes. “It will be good to have a facility that will allow rodeo athletes to be indoors and out of the elements no matter the season,” he noted after touring the current facilities and reviewing the plans for the new arena.
For information on giving opportunities contact DSU Heritage Foundation Development Officer for Athletics & Rodeo Kyle Smith at 701-456-9957 or Kyle.Smith@dickinsonstate.edu.
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Debora Dragseth, Baker Boy Professor of Leadership | School of Business and Entrepreneurship Dickinson State University