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, September 26 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Clifton Strengths Review, October 17 at 5:00 p.m.
  • PSLI Trip across South Dakota, October 27, returning to Vermillion on the evening of October 29. Transportation, lodging and food will be provided. More information on the trip will be discussed at the kickoff event on September 26.
  • Etiquette Dinner, November 20 or 21 at 6:00 p.m.
  • USD Day at the Capitol, Pierre, SD. January 26-28, transportation, lodging and food will be provided.
  • Financial Literacy, February 2025
  • Community Involvement as a Young Professional,  March 2025
  • University Leadership, Ethics & Values, late March 2025
  • Celebration Dinner with President Gestring, April 2025

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.