April 27, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Augustana University.

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin’s term as president of Augustana University has been extended to 2032.

The university’s board of trustees approved the agreement last week. Herseth Sandlin was inaugurated as the 24th president of Augustana in 2017 and began a second term in 2023, which would have ended in 2029.

“The university is in very good hands,” board chair Pat McAdaragh said. “There’s unanimous support for all that’s been accomplished. The track record speaks for itself, and we’re just very happy.”

For Herseth Sandlin, the decision to extend her term was multifold – a desire to see the current Viking Bold strategic plan through to completion, while helping position the university for its next long-range plan and strengthening all the elements it takes to be successful along the way.

“I’m surrounded by brilliant and talented people who believe in the vision,” Herseth Sandlin said. “They are passionate about teaching and collaborating to steward Augustana’s mission and adapt to change, and it continues to inspire me.”

As she considered extending her service, multiple moments added up to a clear decision.

It starts with the students, she said – observing their growth, celebrating their achievements and having one-on-one coffee conversations about their campus experiences and dreams for the future. It’s also the faculty and staff, she added. Herseth Sandlin points out that in her 20s, she wanted to be a professor. She admires how her teaching colleagues create exceptional learning environments for students and how everyone collaborates creatively. And then there are the recent graduates, alumni, parents and friends of Augustana with whom she has developed powerful relationships. 

“I love working in higher education,” Herseth Sandlin said. “The students inspire us and keep us hopeful. I have amazing colleagues who are innovative, caring and humble. And where else does every year in your workplace begin with the energy, emotion and excitement of move-in day and end with the energy, emotion and joy of commencement?”

At age 55, “I still feel young,” she added.

“My son will be going to college soon, and that journey and experience as a parent will lead to additional perspective and insight that I know will be helpful. The time has gone so fast, and I am very grateful to the board of trustees for their support of the 2030 vision and ongoing trust and confidence. I think people are excited about our momentum. There’s a lot of disruption in higher education today, and continuity of leadership can be a stabilizing factor for everyone.”

The university’s Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 strategic plan was developed as a three-phase initiative following comprehensive input from across the university and its many strategic partners.

“As 2030 draws closer, we’ll blend our desire and efforts to finish strong with the energizing focus around an inclusive process for sharing ideas and planning for what comes next,” Herseth Sandlin said.

Key accomplishments to date under the current Viking Bold plan include:

• The implementation of a new governance model for the change in academic structure, which includes the Augustana College of Arts & Sciences, Rydell School of Business and Sharon Lust School of Education, as well as School of Health Professions and School of Music.
• The creation of 18 undergraduate programs, such as the Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program and Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward,™ in addition to seven graduate programs, including the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Doctorate programs.
• The largest incoming class and student body in the university’s 165-year history – enrollment growth supported with Impact Scholarships, which provide annual scholarship support to students with financial need.
• Multiple new facilities on campus, including Midco Arena, Ralph H. Wagoner Hall, the Jerstad-Limburg Gathering Space and Foundation Heights apartments, plus multiple renovated facilities such as the Chapel of Reconciliation, Morrison Commons, Elmen Center, Bowden Field and the Bergsaker, Solberg and Tuve halls. 
• The addition of athletics and club sports programs — most notably men’s ice hockey, which competes at the NCAA Division I level.
• The university’s capital campaign, which achieved its aggressive $175 million goal two years ahead of schedule as fundraising remains strong and the endowment continues to grow.

“There’s a distinct and positive vibe on campus today,” Herseth Sandlin said. “I see it in our faculty and admissions team, in our campus pastors and coaches, in our student leaders and ambassadors. When they’re organizing and hosting events, meeting with prospective students and families, engaging alumni and each other – there’s a buzz of special energy.”

Much of it comes “because we were bold,” she continued. “We were aspirational. And now, we’re achieving these goals. And I think it inspires and deepens belief about our vision for Augustana, our potential and the value that we collectively bring to each other and the broader community.”

Herseth Sandlin “does not look at challenges as barriers,” McAdaragh said. “She immediately starts thinking about how to overcome them. She’s built a really strong team around her. She’s very resilient, very resourceful, and she’s just the right person at the right time.”

Augustana has grown to more than 2,500 students, largely based in Sioux Falls, and includes graduate students in the accelerated and hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy programs based in Minneapolis and Denver — allowing greater access for adult learners via online coursework and in-person lab immersions.

“We’ve elevated our profile regionally and nationally,” Herseth Sandlin said. “It’s a competitive environment, and we’re committed to determining what we can offer — for both the academic and student life experience — that is differentiated and lowers the barrier to quality higher education.”

The university’s positive enrollment trend, new programs and committed faculty represent additional successes, McAdaragh added.

“Augustana is bucking the trends among smaller liberal arts universities,” he said. “We’re adapting to what the student of today needs to thrive into the future. That’s what I’m most proud of witnessing.”

Herseth Sandlin also anticipates beginning work toward the next long-range plan.

“Given the success of Viking Bold, we may follow a similar approach, beginning with a semester of ideation followed by additional research and planning within steering committees,” she said.

“If so, that process would likely begin in 2028. It’s important to value input from colleagues closest to the different kinds of work across the university, so we want to ensure an excellent planning process with sufficient time for people to share and evaluate different ideas related to Augustana’s future. We’ll no doubt continue to be bold and aspirational.” 

Augustana alumni and generous donors have been a critical support too, she added. 

“They have shared a lot of love and gratitude in ways that are really meaningful, and I want to keep contributing what I can for this very special place,” Herseth Sandlin said. “This is home for me. South Dakota is home. This is such rewarding work, and it’s such a blessing to advance the institution alongside great students and colleagues who feel called to Augustana.”