Augustana University Leadership

Augustana University promises that students will find an environment that is intellectually challenging. This is also a place where academic rigor is accompanied by generous levels of support from faculty and staff who are committed to student success.

Augustana promises to integrate faith in the learning environment. This is a place where it is okay to talk about God and ask questions about faith, and where students will come to their own understanding of their faith and the values in which they believe.

Augustana promises to engage in community. This is a place where people seek to get to know one another and where relationships are built that are valid and personal.

When Augustana students, in turn, promise to challenge themselves intellectually, integrate faith discussions and engage in our community, the result is a covenant relationship that creates an educational experience of enduring value.

That's Augustana.

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves as the 24th president of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota — the first woman to lead the university since it was established 162 years ago. As a result of her leadership, the university developed and is implementing its transformational Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 strategic plan — supported by the largest and most comprehensive campaign in Augustana’s history.

Prior to joining Augustana University, Herseth Sandlin served as general counsel and vice president of corporate development for Raven Industries, Inc., a publicly-traded company headquartered in Sioux Falls. She also served as South Dakota’s lone U.S. Representative from 2004-11. When elected in 2004, she was the first woman from South Dakota to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the youngest woman serving in the House during that time. She attended college in Washington, D.C., earning her B.A., M.A. and J.D. degrees from Georgetown University. During this time, she was a teaching fellow for university students and an instructor on the faculty of the law school.