Gestring, a South Dakota native who holds a Master of Business Administration degree from USD, succeeds James W. Abbott.

The South Dakota Board of Regents announced its appointment and approval of Gestring on May 1 at a special meeting and announcement held in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Regents officials said Gestring’s experience guiding the overall financial health of the university, as well as her work with the USD Foundation to set major fund-raising goals and priorities, demonstrated her qualifications for the job.

“Her track record at USD speaks for itself,” said Regent Kevin Schieffer, who chaired the presidential search committee. “She has excelled at every challenge given to her over the years. She knows this university and its needs very well. She has clear goals for bringing USD to even greater prominence, and she is ready to lead us there.”

As chief financial officer since 2010 and on the USD finance staff since 2006, Gestring has stabilized the university’s financial position and developed innovative financing plans for new facilities. Serving on the President’s Executive Cabinet involved her in major academic and student topics, institutional problem solving and long-term strategic planning. As the university’s liaison to the USD Foundation, she was closely engaged with the foundation in its Onward–the Campaign for South Dakota fundraising campaign that surpassed a goal of $250 million several months early.

“I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the incredible talent at the University of South Dakota as its 18th president,” Gestring said. “President Abbott’s 21-year legacy has created a strong foundation. I pledge to honor President Abbott’s legacy by sustaining and building upon that foundation.”

Gestring’s spouse, Keith, holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from the School of Mines and Engineering – Montana Tech of the University of Montana and is a long-term employee with the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. They have two children, Dillon, 15, and Wyatt, 13.

What you should know about Gestring

  • Vice president of finance and chief financial officer at USD since 2010
  • Strengthened USD’s financial position and developed innovative financing plans for new facilities
  • Past director of internal audit at South Dakota Board of Regents
  • Second alumni and woman to serve as president
  • President of the Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company Board of Directors
  • Leader in Onward South Dakota’s $250+ million capital campaign
Press Contact
Hanna DeLange
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