On January 5, 2004 I became the 21st president of Dakota State University. Since that time I have had the honor of being a part of the leadership team that is moving DSU along a journey of increasing excellence and increasing recognition. For two years in a row we have been the highest ranked public baccalaureate college in a group of 95 colleges in the Midwest (U.S. News). This is a very exciting time of changes and expansions. In addition to our leadership in the use of technology to facilitate learning, we have a beautiful campus, cutting edge academic programs and newly renovated and designed facilities. Because of these advantages increasing numbers of students are recognizing us as the campus of choice. Yes, DSU is the premier information technology university in the region and has integrated this technology into our nationally accredited business and teacher education programs.

I began my journey in higher education at the University of Denver and did my graduate work at the University of North Dakota and Baylor College of Medicine. After serving on the faculty at the University of North Dakota and as the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, I came home to South Dakota (having been raised in Sioux Falls). I understand what a college education can mean with regard to a fulfilling life. My chance to provide leadership to a college on the edge of this information revolution is absolutely exhilarating and I know you will experience this "rush" of energy if you have the opportunity to visit our campus. I live right on the campus so we see every day the impact DSU is having on students.