Plant Science Faculty have split appointments in various combinations including teaching, research, and extension. They advise and mentor undergraduate students in the classroom and laboratory and through clubs and other extracurricular activities such as judging teams.

Faculty employ students to work in their labs and assist them with their research. Graduate faculty oversee M.S. and Ph.D. students. Research faculty bring in millions of dollars in grants to the university. In return, their work has brought many of them global recognition. Extension specialists are faculty members who provide an open door to the university for all citizens of South Dakota.