Lacey Ellsworth named DSU’s vice president for human resources

August 18, 2026

MADISON, SD. - Dakota State University has named Lacey Ellsworth as its new vice president for human resources following a highly-competitive national search.

Ellsworth will serve as a member of President John Ballard's Cabinet and lead DSU's human resources operations, including talent acquisition and retention, workforce planning, employee relations and engagement, regulatory compliance, and policy development. She will also represent the University on the South Dakota Board of Regents Human Resources Council.

"Lacey brings to Dakota State the rare strategic perspective, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to team development that we want as the University continues to grow," Ballard said. "As DSU's 'Chief People Officer,' she will be a strong advocate for our superb workforce. She understands that an institution's success begins with its people. Her experience strengthening workplace culture, improving organizational systems, and using data to guide decision-making will ensure DSU continues to attract, develop, and retain an exceptional workforce."

Ellsworth joins DSU from Brookings Health System, where she has served as human resources director since January 2023. In that role, she has led initiatives to strengthen workplace culture, employee engagement, and retention for a workforce of approximately 550 employees.

Her work at Brookings Health System has included implementing the Workday human resources information system, overseeing compensation planning and market benchmarking, and developing a comprehensive approach to employee benefits, compensation, and recognition. She has also partnered with organizational leaders to align human resources programs with strategic priorities and use workforce data to improve recruitment, retention, and employee morale.

"I am honored to join Dakota State University and become part of a community with such a strong commitment to innovation, learning, and student success. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about helping organizations achieve their goals through their employees, leaders, and culture," Ellsworth said. "I look forward to building relationships across campus and partnering with faculty, staff, and university leadership to build on DSU's strengths and create an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work."

Before joining Brookings Health System, Ellsworth served in human resources roles with Larson Manufacturing and Interim HealthCare. Her earlier professional experience includes positions in patient relations and quality improvement at Sanford Health and in case management at Southeastern Behavioral HealthCare.

Throughout her career, Ellsworth has worked closely with executive leaders and employees to navigate organizational change, improve performance, resolve workplace challenges, and build environments grounded in trust, accountability, and collaboration. She is also a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and holds the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional designation.

As vice president, Ellsworth will serve as a strategic adviser to other University leaders on workforce and organizational matters. She will lead efforts to modernize DSU's human resources practices, support leadership development and succession planning, and foster a culture of engagement and continuous improvement across the University.

Ellsworth earned a Master of Science in organizational leadership from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelor of Applied Science in psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Ellsworth and her husband, Tyrel, have three daughters, Brooklyn (10), Eliza (7), and Adeline (2). They have been part of the Colton community for the past 12 years. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time on their hobby homestead, caring for animals, and enjoying the outdoors together.

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