Job description
The South Dakota Board of Regents is inviting nominations and applications for the position of President at Dakota State University. The Board is seeking a visionary and collaborative leader who can further the university’s mission as a leading institution in cyber education, technology-driven innovation, and student success. Located in Madison, South Dakota, Dakota State University is a rapidly growing public university that has gained national recognition for its excellence in cybersecurity, information technology, and applied research.
Subject to the oversight and governance of the Executive Director and Board, the President is responsible for all university operations and for upholding and advancing the university’s mission.
The successful candidate will have the following qualities and experience:
Visionary and Strategic Leader
A visionary leader with the strategic insight to align resources, anticipate challenges, promote interdisciplinary learning, applied research, and global engagement across DSU’s academic programs while continuously evaluating and reinvigorating academic offerings to ensure relevance, innovation, and alignment with workforce and societal needs.
Student-Centered Advocate
A leader dedicated to enhancing the student experience and achieving lasting excellence in student success, support, access, and outcomes-especially in high-demand fields and through hands-on, experiential learning.
Lead with Presence, Visibility, and Engagement
An active, energetic, and visible presence on campus, accessible to students, faculty, and staff, while also serving as DSU’s chief ambassador across the state, region, and nation. The President will balance an engaged on-campus presence with strategic relationship-building, representing DSU with alumni, donors, legislators, business leaders, and government partners to elevate the university’s visibility and impact.
Higher Education Expertise
Knowledge about key issues affecting public universities, including enrollment trends, demographic shifts, retention strategies, and innovations in education, and will be willing to lead with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit to ensure long‐term sustainability and alignment with state priorities.
Team Builder
A transparent leader who sets clear expectations and empowers faculty, staff, and a talented leadership team to implement the strategic goals of the university effectively.
Expand Research & Partnerships
Understanding and experience in growing a university’s research enterprise and building and maintaining strategic partnerships with federal agencies, industry, and peer institutions – leveraging MadLabs®, DARC, and other innovation platforms to strengthen and enhance institutional reputation and create transformative opportunities that enrich the student experience.
Elevate Philanthropy & External Relations
A proven ability to cultivate and strengthen donor relationships and foster a culture of philanthropy and engagement, including collaborations with industry, government, and philanthropic partners to support DSU’s mission, research initiatives, and infrastructure.
Results-Oriented Leader
A leader with a proven ability to translate vision into actionable strategies and deliver measurable outcomes. This individual demonstrates strong execution skills-effectively prioritizing initiatives, allocating resources, and driving projects to completion while maintaining accountability and excellence across the university.
Education and Experience Requirements
- An earned doctorate, or advanced terminal degree, and/or significant executive leadership experience that would garner the respect of the campus community is required. A graduate degree combined with extensive relevant leadership experience may be accepted.
- Candidates for the position should demonstrate significant, successful leadership experience in a complex organizational setting.
Must meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance and access to classified or controlled information. U.S. Citizenship is required.
How to apply
Nominations and applications will be accepted until an appointment is made, within the practical limits of the process. For full consideration, candidates should submit materials by February 1, 2026.
All application materials should be combined into a single PDF document and submitted electronically to [email protected] and must include:
- A letter of interest;
- A current résumé or curriculum vitae; and,
- Five or more professional references, please include each person’s full name, position, e-mail address, and telephone numbers.
- If interested parties have questions, please contact Kayla Bastian, Chief HR Officer of the South Dakota Board of Regents, at 605-773-3455 or [email protected].
Applications will remain confidential except for those invited for campus interviews.
More information can be found at: https://dsu.edu/presidential-search/
