March 20, 2026

Three finalists are being considered as the next president of Dakota State University.

A new president will succeed Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, who will take on a new role as chancellor after this academic year.

The South Dakota Board of Regents announced today that the following candidates will be interviewed March 26:

Dr. John R. Ballard

Dr. John R. Ballard is president of the National Intelligence University, leading a multi-campus institution that offers workforce-ready certificates and technology-focused degrees. He serves as the university’s chief ambassador to federal and state officials, industry representatives and the security sector, enhancing NIU’s reputation through strategic initiatives and securing national laboratory designation. His career spans three continents, with founding roles in New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates and senior positions in Virginia, Rhode Island, New York and Washington, D.C. He was the first provost of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, leading successful efforts to recover accreditation and modernize the curriculum. As vice president of the American Association of State Colleges, he promoted student success nationwide and helped establish the National Defense College of the UAE.

Dr. Ashley Podhradsky

Dr. Ashley Podhradsky is vice president for research and economic development at Dakota State University, where she has played a central role in advancing the university’s research growth, external partnerships and national visibility in cybersecurity and applied technology. A nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity and innovation, Podhradsky has helped position Dakota State as a destination for applied research, workforce development and industry collaboration. Under her leadership, her teams have secured more than $26.5 million in competitive grants and contracts from organizations such as the National Security Agency, National Science Foundation, U.S. Small Business Administration and Google.

Dr. Gillian Wilson

Dr. Gillian Wilson serves as vice chancellor for research, innovation and economic development and professor of physics at the University of California, Merced, where she leads the university’s research enterprise; strengthens partnerships with industry, federal agencies and national laboratories; and advances the translation of innovation into economic opportunity. Her administrative portfolio includes research administration, shared core research facilities, Organized Research Units, the Agricultural Experiment Station enterprise, the UC Merced Natural Reserve System and the 14-county Central California Small Business Development Center network. She previously served as senior associate vice chancellor for research and economic development and professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California, Riverside.

Find full candidate details here.

Candidates will visit DSU March 25-26 and meet with area leaders, faculty, staff and students to share their vision and leadership style. They will be interviewed by the Board of Regents as well as representatives from the search committee who represent the campus constituencies.