University of South Dakota President Sheila K. Gestring announced she will retire June 21, 2027, concluding nine years leading the institution.
Gestring became USD’s 18th president in June 2018 after serving as chief financial officer and vice president for finance. During her presidency, the university navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded opportunities in Sioux Falls and reported record enrollment and fundraising. USD enrolled more than 10,000 students for three consecutive years.
Gestring became USD’s 18th president on June 22, 2018, after serving as vice president of finance and chief financial officer since 2010. She first joined the university’s finance staff in 2006 and became its second alumna and second woman president.
Under her leadership the university reached its highest enrollment on record, reporting three consecutive years of at least 10,000 students. The administration also recorded major fundraising achievements and investments in programs and facilities.
The university expanded its presence in Sioux Falls, responding to educational and workforce needs in the state’s largest metropolitan area. Gestring also oversaw campus operations through the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Serving as USD’s eighteenth president has been the honor of my professional life,” Gestring said. She credited students, faculty, employees, alumni, donors and community partners with the progress during her term.
The president emphasized that the university’s financial position and program investments reflected both public and private support. She said she was confident USD would be well positioned to welcome its next leader.
South Dakota Board of Regents Executive Director Nathan Lukkes praised Gestring’s commitment to students and the state. He cited enrollment records, fundraising and facilities investment as examples of her tenure.
Lukkes also said Gestring had been a trusted colleague among university presidents and state partners, providing continuity during a period of change in higher education.
In a video released October 14, Gestring said she and her husband Keith plan to remain in Vermillion during retirement. She said they look forward to maintaining close ties to the university and its Coyote community.
Her retirement becomes effective June 21, 2027, allowing time for a leadership transition following nine years as president and more than two decades of service at USD.
“Serving as USD’s eighteenth president has been the honor of my professional life,” Gestring said. South Dakota Board of Regents Executive Director Nathan Lukkes credited her leadership and financial management. Gestring and her husband Keith plan to remain in Vermillion during retirement.