Stephanie Herseth Sandlin to Serve as Augustana University’s President Into 2032

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin will continue serving Augustana University as president into 2032. With her second 6-year contract set to expire on July 31, 2029, Herseth Sandlin agreed to a 3-year extension ending on July 31, 2032 - approved by the Augustana Board of Trustees (BOT) on Friday, April 24.

The extension is a result of the Augustana BOT's commitment to build on Augustana's momentum and support the university as it begins Phase III of its Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 strategic plan.

"I am humbled by the board's continued confidence and trust. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as president of Augustana University, working alongside faculty and staff who are deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students and the university's enduring mission," said Herseth Sandlin. "With the incredible support of alumni, donors, strategic partners and friends, we have achieved many of the goals set forth in Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, but we're not done. I look forward to stewarding Augustana's strong momentum through 2030 and beyond."

Herseth Sandlin was inaugurated as the 24th president of Augustana on Sept. 15, 2017 - the first woman to lead the university. As a result of her thoughtful and dedicated leadership, the university developed and has made significant progress on the goals outlined in its Viking Bold strategic plan - supported by the largest and most comprehensive campaign in Augustana's history.

"We are deeply grateful for her exceptional leadership and the wisdom and resilience she has demonstrated in guiding Augustana through a complex and evolving higher education landscape. Her willingness to continue serving Augustana into 2032 reflects her tremendous commitment to this special place, and we are incredibly thankful for her decision," said Chair of the Augustana BOT Pat McAdaragh '81.

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, Sharon Lust School of Education, as well as Schools of Health Professions and Music;
• the creation of 18 new undergraduate programs, such as the Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program and Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™, in addition to seven new graduate programs, including the Doctor of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Doctorate programs;
• the largest incoming class and student body in 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, Bergsaker, Solberg and Tuve Halls, the Elmen Center and Bowden Field;
• the addition of new athletics and club sports programs - most notably men's ice hockey, which competes at the NCAA Division I level; and
• the university's capital campaign achieved its aggressive $175 million goal two years ahead of schedule as fundraising remains strong and the endowment continues to grow.

To learn more about Herseth Sandlin and her service to AU, visit augie.edu/president.