Forget Governor; Stephanie Herseth Sandlin wants to be President… and she will be… at Augustana!
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, soon to be 24th President of Augustana University
Augustana University will introduce former congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin as its 24th president at a news conference at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, in the Edith Mortenson Center Theatre.
The appointment, made by the Augustana Board of Trustees following an extensive national search, marks the first time in Augustana’s 157-year history that a woman will serve as president.
Herseth Sandlin is currently serving as general counsel and vice president of corporate development for Raven Industries in Sioux Falls. She 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.
Herseth Sandlin will assume office this summer and will succeed President Rob Oliver, who announced his plans to retire last fall after more than 25 years of service to Augustana [Augustana University, press release, 2017.02.22].
Stephanie, that’s great! Congratulations! Running Augie is a great job in a great town, with great opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of lots of bright young people. I’m thrilled for you and your family.
* * *
Now, that said, Democrats, what are we going to do about candidates to run for Governor and U.S. House?
I could be completely wrong. There could be plots grander than my fervent imagination and limited intel can conjure up. But as I read it, President of Augustana University is no larkish interim job. Stephanie is taking this job, she intends to do it and relish it, and Augie expects her to stick around and do it well.
Taking the Augustana presidency sends a 95%-certain signal that Stephanie Herseth Sandlin is not running for Governor in 2018.
Good for her! I have tired of the long faces hoping she would be coming back into the political game. Now, what about that Joe Lowe? Guy seemed up to the job last time, looks to me like he is up for it this time.
grudznick
2017-02-22 19:18
That is wonderful for the Auggies. grudznick approves greatly.
scott
2017-02-22 20:36
Johnson should run for the AG position. We need somebody who is willing to dig into what has gone on with programs like EB5 and Gear-up.
MC
2017-02-22 20:50
This is great news! This is a win-win for everyone.
96Tears
2017-02-22 21:32
SDDP Chair Ann Tornberg confided to the Davison County Democrats last night that Stephanie was running for Governor. What a difference 12 hours makes.
Augustana has held a status in higher education that has often been an embarrassment to the state system as it floundered in schemes such as the International Business Institute and its resultant EB-5 affair. The political situation in South Dakota is so corrupted that nobody reasonably thinks it can be reformed under current circumstances to serve the higher aspirations of that minority in the state that has them. Being president of an independent university which can deliver an untarnished education to its students and serve as a beacon of knowledge and critical dialogue for the state is potentially the highest and most powerful office one can hold. That beacon can illuminate many options for the aspirants.
the lowly independent
2017-02-22 22:59
good for her, I always liked Stephanie
grudznick
2017-02-22 23:06
She is very pretty. She will make a great president of a Lutheran outfit. I bet they pay a ton too, for Lutherans, and that’s a 25 year gig. Ms. Sandlin is set.
Curt
2017-02-23 01:53
Anyone who knew anything knew Stephanie was not going to be a candidate for any political office – at least until young Zachary Lars is old enough to vote for her.
I have no idea what Tornberg said to the Dems in Mitchell, but I’m not surprised she is one of the last to know.
Troy
2017-02-23 05:38
Anyone know the following:
1). Date her Raven resignation is effective?
2). She is adjunct prof at SDSU. She have any classes this semester? Will she finish the class (can’t have no Viking working for the bunnies)
Darin Larson
2017-02-23 08:21
Troy, the bunnies should strive to hire all the Vikings they can. Then, maybe the bunnies can close their achievement gap with the Vikings! :-)
Heckifino
2017-02-23 08:43
Don’t think Brendon is interested in AG right now. The only chance the dems have for AG is Mike Moore out of Huron. SF Mike really hurt himself by leaving the Dem party and registering as an Indy. He effectively removed all chance of gaining the governors chair.
Troy
2017-02-23 10:14
Darin,
I need to remove myself from the Viking/Bunny conversation. While I and one daughter went to Augie, I also have a daughter and son who went to SDSU. I’m already fearing repercussions. I’ve never been more wishful to have used a pseudonym than I am right now.
mike from iowa
2017-02-23 10:52
Here you go, Troy. Now don’t say I never did nothing for you.
Great for Stephanie. There is more to life than politics, although she did good there as well. Great fit for a great person.
Roger Cornelius
2017-02-23 14:09
You gotta love it.
republicans over on the Powers Dump Site are tripping over themselves with speculation about what this means for Stephanie’s political future.
Speculation is always somewhat fun, but when republicans do it, it turns into a circus.
John Kennedy Claussen, Sr.
2017-02-23 15:25
I would love to see a rematch between Stephanie and Noem, but it probably won’t happen. It will most likely be Stephanie versus Rounds, if Stephanie ever runs again, that is…..
But in the meantime, since the 2010 battle royale between Stephanie and Noem, Noem finally got her degree from SDSU, while Stephanie has taught at SDSU during that time frame and will now be president of an university….. Your Honor, I rest my case…….
moses6
2017-02-23 15:27
Grud she was set before she took that job.
Greg Deplorable
2017-02-23 15:59
There went the only viable candidate the Dems had.
Jana
2017-02-23 17:08
Roger, I noticed that Lee Schoenbeck and Troy are grousing about the new Augie president and Augie as well. As an alum, is Lee going to continue to push his affirmative action for Republican faculty where ideology is more important than academic quality? The fact that students might admire her accomplishments must scare them.
My very conservative friends and family that are alums are thrilled with the choice.
Ben Cerwinske
2017-02-23 17:09
I’d be interested in seeing Hunhoff run. You could even reuse some of those Bernie Sanders signs!
Troy
2017-02-23 17:39
Jana,
Please point out one thing I groused about Augie or its new President unless of acknowledging Augie (like every other small private college in the US) is going to be navigating some very difficult times because of changes in the higher education industry and hoping the Trustees selected its new President because of her experience at Raven and her vision going forward because those two criteria are going to mean alot more to Augie’s future than her being a lawyer or having been a Member of Congress.
A couple of other responses to your comments:
1) I don’t speak for Lee but any college which picks its President based on ideology (right or left) is a college I would deem a college not worth attending because its priorities are screwed up. At the end of the day, all that matters is one’s vision that will result in Augie gaining enrollment up to what it was 35 years ago. The current trend is unsustainable long-term.
2) The number of students who select a college because of admiration of its President is not going to turn around its declining enrollment. In fact, any student who has that as a criteria for their college is probably one that Augie probably isn’t looking for. Augie is a bit deeper than that.
3) For the life of me, I have no idea why an alum’s political philosophy (right or left) should be a factor in judging the merits of SHS becoming President. My parochial interest is for Augie to prosper as a premier small private college and all I want is a President who will be successful. I couldn’t care less if the person to deliver the goods was Bernie Sanders or Ted Cruz.
Troy
2017-02-23 17:59
MFI,
Just looked at your link. I wear a lot of clothes that don’t match (Augie shirt/SDSU hat). Good thing colors are kinda close so most don’t notice. Those who do just get confirmation I have a split personality. There is freedom in the honesty because I have college gear from five colleges so I have a lot of divided loyalties. Fortunately, they never play each other so I don’t have to put the personalities in direct conflict.
owen reitzel
2017-02-23 18:13
I was at the Davison meeting 96 and Tornberg never said that. I’m not trying to defend her. She said that she was hoping that Herseth-Sanlin would run for Governor.
jerry
2017-02-23 18:38
How would you use those signs Mr. Cerwinske? They all have Bernie for president 2016. Could you be suggesting Bernie Hunhoff for President? You are indeed a visionary sir.
Spike
2017-02-23 19:42
Ms. Herseth-Sandlin is a very very smart person. I’m sure when she puts her energy into Augustana and works with staff and board great things will happen. Augustana made a great choice.
I will never forget when I watched then Ms. Herseth in a congressional committee hearing. She was well prepared, super articulate, direct and classy. We can’t have that representing us in Washington.
I wish her great success and support.
96Tears
2017-02-23 20:08
Mr. R – I double-checked today and found out you’re right. The half-hour meeting featured brief remarks from Tornberg in which she floated names she hoped would run. Stephanie for Governor and Billy Sutton for Lt. Governor. Brendan Johnson for Congress. Do you think Dan Lederman has that approach when he talks to donors and activists?
Of course, it’s clueless happy talk. And speaking of clueless, I should have found a second source who attended the meeting, but having known Tornberg it wouldn’t surprise me her wish list would be announced as gospel. I apologize for my error in not double-checking. I spouted off because I am so disappointed that Democrats won’t take back their state party from someone who just doesn’t get it and will never get it.
I am very, very happy for Stephanie and her new challenge. She will make Augie proud, even some of the cranky alumni named earlier in this thread.
Jana
2017-02-23 20:29
Troy,
Your words. a) “If the Trustees/Regents (can’t remember what they call the governing board) gave any weight to her political experience…b) If Augie is still in existence in 15 years…c) SHS’s prior experience which is most relevant to Augie’s survival and prosperity is her experience at Raven”
a) Seriously…serving and respected across the aisle in Congress is not a consideration? National and global contacts for furthering Augie mean nothing? She was definitely not an empty suit that we have now.
b) If Augie is still in existence. Augie has endured for how many years, through how many economic/social cycles? Maybe I read to much sarcasm and celebratory doubt in your statement.
c) You give accolades to what Rob Oliver has accomplished, but fail to mention that he was Southeast District President for a bank? That’s better than being in Congress, Georgetown Law vs. USD MBA?…yep, I often get those confused.
As to Lee. You state that I’ll let him interpret your statement “hiring…based on ideology (right or left) is a college I would deem a college not worth attending because its priorities are screwed up,” to his intentions of making sure that University hiring selection needs affirmative action to make sure that the GOP has a chance.
Troy
2017-02-23 20:51
Jana,
A). Times and environment demand different skills. I think her Raven experience is more critical than the other because of what I think Augie will be facing in the future.
B). I think there is a shakeout coming in higher education which is going to be hard on small private colleges. I am celebrating nothing as I and half my kids went to small private colleges. Because I desire their survival, I am not going to put my head in the sand and pretend the industry isn’t changing.
C). Rob Oliver dealt with the challenges facing Augie when he got there (insufficient endowments and aged infrastructure). He deserves credit for it. He however also was at the helm during enrollment declines and some other acute issues which must be addressed and deserves the blame for that. Net-net, he did a good job and I expect the same from SHS.
Bottom line, I don’t give a rip about her politics. I am not going to react positive or negative to her selection based on her politics. I just expect her to deliver because Augie makes this town, state and region better. Since I have no idea (and neither do you) about her vision for dealing with Augie’s challenges or whether she has the skills to actually execute the vision, I am not judging whether she is the right person but I hope so. But I am asserting, I think her 6 years of Raven experience will be more critical to her success than her six years in Congrss.
Sad news
Good for her! I have tired of the long faces hoping she would be coming back into the political game. Now, what about that Joe Lowe? Guy seemed up to the job last time, looks to me like he is up for it this time.
That is wonderful for the Auggies. grudznick approves greatly.
Johnson should run for the AG position. We need somebody who is willing to dig into what has gone on with programs like EB5 and Gear-up.
This is great news! This is a win-win for everyone.
SDDP Chair Ann Tornberg confided to the Davison County Democrats last night that Stephanie was running for Governor. What a difference 12 hours makes.
96—what? Whose wires got crossed on that one?
Augustana has held a status in higher education that has often been an embarrassment to the state system as it floundered in schemes such as the International Business Institute and its resultant EB-5 affair. The political situation in South Dakota is so corrupted that nobody reasonably thinks it can be reformed under current circumstances to serve the higher aspirations of that minority in the state that has them. Being president of an independent university which can deliver an untarnished education to its students and serve as a beacon of knowledge and critical dialogue for the state is potentially the highest and most powerful office one can hold. That beacon can illuminate many options for the aspirants.
good for her, I always liked Stephanie
She is very pretty. She will make a great president of a Lutheran outfit. I bet they pay a ton too, for Lutherans, and that’s a 25 year gig. Ms. Sandlin is set.
Anyone who knew anything knew Stephanie was not going to be a candidate for any political office – at least until young Zachary Lars is old enough to vote for her.
I have no idea what Tornberg said to the Dems in Mitchell, but I’m not surprised she is one of the last to know.
Anyone know the following:
1). Date her Raven resignation is effective?
2). She is adjunct prof at SDSU. She have any classes this semester? Will she finish the class (can’t have no Viking working for the bunnies)
Troy, the bunnies should strive to hire all the Vikings they can. Then, maybe the bunnies can close their achievement gap with the Vikings! :-)
Don’t think Brendon is interested in AG right now. The only chance the dems have for AG is Mike Moore out of Huron. SF Mike really hurt himself by leaving the Dem party and registering as an Indy. He effectively removed all chance of gaining the governors chair.
Darin,
I need to remove myself from the Viking/Bunny conversation. While I and one daughter went to Augie, I also have a daughter and son who went to SDSU. I’m already fearing repercussions. I’ve never been more wishful to have used a pseudonym than I am right now.
Here you go, Troy. Now don’t say I never did nothing for you.
http://www.eclectech.co.uk/b3ta/vikingbunny.jpg
Great for Stephanie. There is more to life than politics, although she did good there as well. Great fit for a great person.
You gotta love it.
republicans over on the Powers Dump Site are tripping over themselves with speculation about what this means for Stephanie’s political future.
Speculation is always somewhat fun, but when republicans do it, it turns into a circus.
I would love to see a rematch between Stephanie and Noem, but it probably won’t happen. It will most likely be Stephanie versus Rounds, if Stephanie ever runs again, that is…..
But in the meantime, since the 2010 battle royale between Stephanie and Noem, Noem finally got her degree from SDSU, while Stephanie has taught at SDSU during that time frame and will now be president of an university….. Your Honor, I rest my case…….
Grud she was set before she took that job.
There went the only viable candidate the Dems had.
Roger, I noticed that Lee Schoenbeck and Troy are grousing about the new Augie president and Augie as well. As an alum, is Lee going to continue to push his affirmative action for Republican faculty where ideology is more important than academic quality? The fact that students might admire her accomplishments must scare them.
My very conservative friends and family that are alums are thrilled with the choice.
I’d be interested in seeing Hunhoff run. You could even reuse some of those Bernie Sanders signs!
Jana,
Please point out one thing I groused about Augie or its new President unless of acknowledging Augie (like every other small private college in the US) is going to be navigating some very difficult times because of changes in the higher education industry and hoping the Trustees selected its new President because of her experience at Raven and her vision going forward because those two criteria are going to mean alot more to Augie’s future than her being a lawyer or having been a Member of Congress.
A couple of other responses to your comments:
1) I don’t speak for Lee but any college which picks its President based on ideology (right or left) is a college I would deem a college not worth attending because its priorities are screwed up. At the end of the day, all that matters is one’s vision that will result in Augie gaining enrollment up to what it was 35 years ago. The current trend is unsustainable long-term.
2) The number of students who select a college because of admiration of its President is not going to turn around its declining enrollment. In fact, any student who has that as a criteria for their college is probably one that Augie probably isn’t looking for. Augie is a bit deeper than that.
3) For the life of me, I have no idea why an alum’s political philosophy (right or left) should be a factor in judging the merits of SHS becoming President. My parochial interest is for Augie to prosper as a premier small private college and all I want is a President who will be successful. I couldn’t care less if the person to deliver the goods was Bernie Sanders or Ted Cruz.
MFI,
Just looked at your link. I wear a lot of clothes that don’t match (Augie shirt/SDSU hat). Good thing colors are kinda close so most don’t notice. Those who do just get confirmation I have a split personality. There is freedom in the honesty because I have college gear from five colleges so I have a lot of divided loyalties. Fortunately, they never play each other so I don’t have to put the personalities in direct conflict.
I was at the Davison meeting 96 and Tornberg never said that. I’m not trying to defend her. She said that she was hoping that Herseth-Sanlin would run for Governor.
How would you use those signs Mr. Cerwinske? They all have Bernie for president 2016. Could you be suggesting Bernie Hunhoff for President? You are indeed a visionary sir.
Ms. Herseth-Sandlin is a very very smart person. I’m sure when she puts her energy into Augustana and works with staff and board great things will happen. Augustana made a great choice.
I will never forget when I watched then Ms. Herseth in a congressional committee hearing. She was well prepared, super articulate, direct and classy. We can’t have that representing us in Washington.
I wish her great success and support.
Mr. R – I double-checked today and found out you’re right. The half-hour meeting featured brief remarks from Tornberg in which she floated names she hoped would run. Stephanie for Governor and Billy Sutton for Lt. Governor. Brendan Johnson for Congress. Do you think Dan Lederman has that approach when he talks to donors and activists?
Of course, it’s clueless happy talk. And speaking of clueless, I should have found a second source who attended the meeting, but having known Tornberg it wouldn’t surprise me her wish list would be announced as gospel. I apologize for my error in not double-checking. I spouted off because I am so disappointed that Democrats won’t take back their state party from someone who just doesn’t get it and will never get it.
I am very, very happy for Stephanie and her new challenge. She will make Augie proud, even some of the cranky alumni named earlier in this thread.
Troy,
Your words. a) “If the Trustees/Regents (can’t remember what they call the governing board) gave any weight to her political experience…b) If Augie is still in existence in 15 years…c) SHS’s prior experience which is most relevant to Augie’s survival and prosperity is her experience at Raven”
a) Seriously…serving and respected across the aisle in Congress is not a consideration? National and global contacts for furthering Augie mean nothing? She was definitely not an empty suit that we have now.
b) If Augie is still in existence. Augie has endured for how many years, through how many economic/social cycles? Maybe I read to much sarcasm and celebratory doubt in your statement.
c) You give accolades to what Rob Oliver has accomplished, but fail to mention that he was Southeast District President for a bank? That’s better than being in Congress, Georgetown Law vs. USD MBA?…yep, I often get those confused.
As to Lee. You state that I’ll let him interpret your statement “hiring…based on ideology (right or left) is a college I would deem a college not worth attending because its priorities are screwed up,” to his intentions of making sure that University hiring selection needs affirmative action to make sure that the GOP has a chance.
Jana,
A). Times and environment demand different skills. I think her Raven experience is more critical than the other because of what I think Augie will be facing in the future.
B). I think there is a shakeout coming in higher education which is going to be hard on small private colleges. I am celebrating nothing as I and half my kids went to small private colleges. Because I desire their survival, I am not going to put my head in the sand and pretend the industry isn’t changing.
C). Rob Oliver dealt with the challenges facing Augie when he got there (insufficient endowments and aged infrastructure). He deserves credit for it. He however also was at the helm during enrollment declines and some other acute issues which must be addressed and deserves the blame for that. Net-net, he did a good job and I expect the same from SHS.
Bottom line, I don’t give a rip about her politics. I am not going to react positive or negative to her selection based on her politics. I just expect her to deliver because Augie makes this town, state and region better. Since I have no idea (and neither do you) about her vision for dealing with Augie’s challenges or whether she has the skills to actually execute the vision, I am not judging whether she is the right person but I hope so. But I am asserting, I think her 6 years of Raven experience will be more critical to her success than her six years in Congrss.