Jill Ruhd named CEO of DSU Foundation and vice president for Institutional Advancement

September 15, 2026

MADISON, S.D. - Jill Ruhd has been named chief executive officer of the Dakota State University Foundation and vice president for Institutional Advancement at DSU, effective immediately.

Ruhd, who currently serves as DSU's senior director of philanthropy, brings extensive fundraising experience, strong relationships with the university's supporters, and a lifelong connection to the Madison community to the position.

"Jill is exceptionally well prepared to lead the DSU Foundation and our institutional advancement efforts," said DSU President John Ballard. "Her professional growth has taken place alongside Dakota State's own remarkable rise, giving her a deep understanding of this institution, its people, and the relationships that sustain our progress. She is, in every meaningful sense, a leader built and grown at Dakota State. I have great confidence in her ability to strengthen those relationships, expand support for our mission, and help advance the university in the years ahead."

As CEO and vice president, Ruhd will lead DSU's institutional advancement efforts and oversee the DSU Foundation's work to strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, businesses, and other university partners. She will guide fundraising strategy, donor engagement, alumni relations, and stewardship efforts supporting DSU's students, programs, facilities, research, and long-term priorities.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to lead the Dakota State University Foundation. Dakota State is a special place with an incredibly bright future, and it deserves nothing but our very best. I look forward to leading our Foundation team, strengthening relationships with our alumni and supporters, and creating opportunities that will make a lasting impact on our students and the university," Ruhd said. "The support and encouragement I have received throughout this process have been truly humbling, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me. I am excited about what we can accomplish together for Dakota State."

A 2007 Dakota State graduate, Ruhd began her career with the DSU Foundation in 2010 as annual fund manager. In that role, she worked with the DSU Phonathon, the faculty and staff campaign, direct-mail initiatives, and scholarship fundraising. She later moved into development and major-gift fundraising before becoming senior director of philanthropy.

Throughout her advancement career, Ruhd has helped cultivate meaningful relationships with individuals and organizations whose support creates opportunities for DSU students. Her work has included fundraising for scholarships and endowments, coordinating special events, supporting annual-giving efforts, and advancing broader university initiatives.

Ruhd's appointment follows a competitive search conducted in partnership between the Dakota State University Foundation Board of Trustees and DSU leadership.

"The Dakota State University Foundation Board of Trustees is excited to have Jill Ruhd as our next President & CEO of the Foundation. Jill's decades of university and foundation experience instill confidence and trust within the foundation staff, university, and foundation board," said Dave Geiver, chair of the Dakota State University Foundation. "Jill's commitment to Dakota State University and her extensive knowledge and understanding of our alumni and foundation supporters make her the right choice to lead our foundation."

Ruhd's appointment also reflects her deep ties to Madison and Dakota State. A member of a family rooted in the Madison area, she has built her education, career, and community involvement around the city DSU calls home. She has served the Madison community through the Madison Rotary Club, including in leadership roles, and has dedicated much of her professional career to advancing Dakota State.

That combination of professional experience and personal connection gives Ruhd a firsthand understanding of the relationship between DSU, Madison, and the alumni and supporters who contribute to the university's success.

Ruhd and her husband, Tyler, have made their home in Madison with their three sons, Brock, Colt, and Knox. Tyler works as an Assistant Managing Agent and Risk Advisor at INSight Partners.

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