Gestring announces retirement

On the morning of Oct. 14, University of South Dakota President Sheila K. Gestring announced her retirement, effective June 21, 2027.

Gestring became the university’s 18th president in June 2018, succeeding James W. Abbott, who served in the role from 1997 to 2018.

Gestring said she announced her decision now to allow for a smooth transition to her successor, who has not yet been named.

“As a USD alum myself who has spent two decades working here, I am committed to setting our university up well for this next chapter,” Gestring wrote.

Gestring also said the university is in a strong financial position and that the next president will inherit a foundation of continued momentum.

“Thank you for entrusting me with leading our university for the past nine years and for embracing this opportunity to envision what’s next,” Gestring wrote.

Additional information will be posted on volanteonline.com.