President's Senior Leadership Institute

USD is committed to the success of its students and to facilitating programs that encourage the development of leadership skills and connections across South Dakota. The President's Senior Leadership Institute is an initiative that supports our goals of preparing students for life after graduation. This targeted cohort participates in a variety of pre-professional preparation activities throughout the academic year that develop essential skills and non-academic knowledge necessary to be a young professional and leader in the state of South Dakota. Students who participate focus on the areas of group dynamics, personal strengths, personal values, financial literacy, responsible citizenship, professional etiquette and the building of a greater understanding of the economic, political and geographic impacts of our state.


The program will include:

  • PSLI Kickoff Event Freedom Forum, September 25th at 5:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m.
  • Strengths Session in MUC Ballroom, October 23rd 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 
  • Trip Across State, November 2nd - November 4th.
  • Etiquette Dinner Location TBD, November 13th or November 20th. 
  • Financial Literacy in MUC Ballroom, January 22nd.
  • Trip to Pierre - USD Day at the Capitol, February 9th - February 10th 2026.
  • Conversation on Leadership with President Gestring, Before spring break - Location TBD.
  • Community Involvement as a Young Professional, After spring break - Location TBD.
  • Celebration Dinner, April 2026 - Location TBD. 

Application Process

You must be a senior level USD student to apply. There is no cost to participants.

  • Please fill out and submit the application here.
  • If you have questions regarding your application or the application process, please email [email protected].

Applications close September 13th at 11:59 p.m.