Institutional Advancement
Advancing Vision. Empowering Champions. Transforming Futures.Our Mission
Dakota State University’s Institutional Advancement Unit is driven by a dual mission:
- To propel DSU’s bold vision and strategic initiatives forward through meaningful engagement with DSU Champions.
- To steward the mission and assets of the DSU Foundation Corporation with integrity, transparency, and long-term impact.
Every day, the Advancement Team works to bring DSU’s mission to life by cultivating relationships that strengthen the University and expand opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader DSU community.
DSU Foundation Corporation
The DSU Foundation Corporation manages the philanthropic assets entrusted to Dakota State University—including cash, stock, real property, and other strategic gifts—ensuring these resources directly support institutional priorities.
Governance & Leadership
The Foundation is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees that partners closely with the Advancement Team. This structure provides multiple pathways for purposeful engagement through Foundation committees such as:
- Executive Committee
- Investment Committee
- Audit Committee
- Alumni Committee
- Athletic Committee
These committees create “on-ramps” and “off-ramps” for DSU Champions to invest their time, expertise, and resources in ways that best align with their passions and DSU’s strategic needs.
Advancement’s Impact
Through strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven work, the Advancement Team:
- Enhances alumni engagement
- Deepens faculty–student relationships
- Strengthens enrollment pipelines
- Expands internship and career pathways
- Supports DSU’s nationally recognized applied research enterprise
- Drives economic development throughout South Dakota
- Amplifies Athletics, Student Clubs, academic programs, and community partnerships
Advancement empowers DSU Champions to discover their unique pathway of engagement—creating a ripple effect that transforms the student experience, accelerates innovation, and shapes DSU’s future.
Your engagement truly makes a difference.
DSU Alumni Committee
The Alumni Committee plays a vital leadership role in:
- Creating intentional engagement pathways
- Supporting enrollment and recruitment efforts
- Expanding internship and career networks
- Encouraging alumni participation in research and academic initiatives
- Strengthening Athletics and campus traditions
- Mentoring tomorrow’s DSU leaders
This committee ensures that DSU alumni remain connected with purpose and pride throughout their lives.
Who Are DSU Champions?
Champions are alumni, parents, partners, and friends who believe in DSU’s bold vision.
They demonstrate their commitment through:
- Purposeful engagement
- Leadership and volunteer service
- Philanthropic investment
Champions fuel DSU’s rise and ensure a legacy of excellence for generations to come.
Become a DSU Champion
Whether through mentorship, engagement, or philanthropy, every Champion plays a vital role in shaping DSU’s future.