Dr. Darrel Sandall named Dean of College of Business & Information Systems

March 19, 2026

Dakota State University has announced Dr. Darrel Sandall as its next Dean of the College of Business & Information Systems. Sandall will begin his duties June 22, 2026.

"Dr. Sandall is everything we were looking for in the next leader of our College of Business & Information Systems," Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Rebecca Hoey, said. "His experience in industry and higher education, his passion for student success, his interest in AI and entrepreneurship, his proven track record in program and partnership development, and his collaborative mindset will benefit students, the university and the state of South Dakota."

Currently serving as Dean of the School of Business at Morningside University, Sandall is a life-long entrepreneur and experienced corporate executive with 25-plus years in C-suite roles, including CEO, COO, and Chief Skills Officer. He is a United States delegate for the ISO 56000 (Innovation Management) standards and a former member of the Board of Directors for the International Association of Innovation Professionals. He is also a Management and Innovation Consultant with over 25 years' experience helping organizations solve some of their most challenging problems.

"I'm honored and excited to join the College of Business and Information Systems at this important time in Dakota State University's upward trajectory," said Sandall. "I'm passionate about increasing student success, continuing the excellent career-focused teaching, and fostering increased collaborations with South Dakota and federal agencies and employers to benefit students and employers, and to grow DSU's impact and reputation nationally."

Sandall's higher education credentials include stops at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), Purdue University, and Texas A&M University, serving in various research and faculty roles before earning tenure at FIT. He has been with Morningside University since 2021.

Sandall graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science, earned his master's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and his Ph.D. in human resource development at Texas A&M University.

Hired following a nationwide search, Sandall will replace Dean Dorine Bennett, who will retire from DSU after nearly 40 years in service to the university.

"Dakota State University is well known for preparing students for their future careers, for exceptional teaching and research faculty, and for forward-thinking leaders," said Sandall. "I look forward to what we will accomplish, together."

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