Sheila K. Gestring
18th President of the University of South Dakota
Welcome to the University of South Dakota
As a proud alumna and a believer in the transformative power of higher education, I am honored to serve as the 18th president of the University of South Dakota.
USD has a strong legacy of building South Dakota’s workforce by preparing tomorrow’s leaders, and that is a mission I am passionate about. Here, our students can gain real-world experiences, learn in innovative facilities and access the support they need to thrive. We are setting our students up to succeed in their careers and make a meaningful impact on their communities.
Beyond the classroom, you will see our Coyote community impacting every corner of the state. From partnerships within our local communities to initiatives that drive economic growth across South Dakota, we are committed to serving the state.
The work we do is possible thanks to our dedicated faculty and staff, as well as the alumni, friends and leaders who support our mission.
When I am not in the office, you’ll likely find me at a Coyote game with my husband, Keith, and our two sons, Dillon and Wyatt. As a family of avid Yotes fans, we see firsthand the spirit and energy that make this institution and this community special.
I invite you to explore this site to see how the University of South Dakota is defining the future of higher education.
Go Yotes!
Sheila K. Gestring
President
Looking Ahead
The university is currently in the final year of our 2020–2026 Strategic Plan; click the button below to explore our previous milestones and current objectives. As we celebrate these achievements, we are also looking toward the future, with development for our 2031 Strategic Plan already well underway.
Ways to Connect
Connecting with students, faculty, and staff is a priority for me, so I set aside regular time for us to meet. While my schedule varies, I also welcome invitations to attend your events whenever possible. If you’d like to stop by during office hours or request an appearance, please reach out to the Office of the President.
For media requests, please contact Marketing Communications & University Relations at [email protected].
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