USD Announces 2026-27 President’s Executive Leadership Institute Cohort
The program, which is entering its eighth year, is designed to develop university leaders by providing USD employees with a meaningful professional development experience spanning an academic year. Programming is focused on deepening participants’ understanding of higher education and USD’s context, strengthening leadership skills and promoting connections across the campus community.
“I am excited to welcome this cohort of leaders to the President’s Executive Leadership Institute,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “This group includes faculty and staff from across our university community who share a commitment to USD’s mission and their own professional development. I am continually impressed by the dedication and talent of our program fellows, and I look forward to seeing the growth and connection that will take place in the months ahead.”
The 2026-27 President’s Executive Leadership Institute fellows include:
- Lindsey Peterson — Digital Humanities Assistant Professor of Practice and Librarian, University Libraries
- Michelle Knuppe — Clinical Experiences Director and Sioux Falls Site Director, Nursing/School of Health Sciences
- Tristan Beck — Director of University Housing, Student Services
- BreAnne Danzi — Associate Professor, Psychology/College of Arts & Sciences
- Niki Smidt — Executive Assistant to the President, Office of the President
- Kyle Schoenfelder — Senior Academic Advisor, Beacom School of Business
- Marni Johnson Martin — Interdisciplinary Training and Clinic Director, Center for Disabilities
- Hannah Haksgaard — Professor, Knudson School of Law
- Kelsey Grady — Director of Development for the Beacom School of Business, USD Foundation & Alumni Association
- Scott Pottorff — Director of Environmental Health & Safety, Office of Research & Sponsored Programs
- Maggie Kaltsulas — Director of Public Relations, Marketing & University Relations
- Andrea Jahn — Director of Grants Accounting, Budget & Finance
- Mandy Williams — Professor and Coordinator of Graduate Programs, Communication Sciences & Disorders/College of Arts & Sciences
- Kelly Bass — Department Chair, Social Work/Addiction Counseling and Prevention, School of Health Sciences
- Amber Cunningham — Academic Skills Coordinator/Advisor, TRIO - Student Support Services
- Joshua LaRoche — Custodial Supervisor I, Facilities Management - Custodial Services
- Tracy Cleveland — Professor, Physician Assistant Studies/School of Health Sciences
- Sarah Taylor — Associate Director of the Wellness Center, Student Services
- Alex Haberer — Software Developer, ITS
- Nathan Probasco — Online Program Manager, Center for Teaching & Learning
- Daniel DeCino — Associate Professor and Program Coordinator, Division of Counseling & Psychology in Education/School of Education
- Jean Caraway — Professor, Psychology/College of Arts & Sciences
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