Dakota State University Invests in Forward Sioux Falls
June 22, 2021
Strengthening our connections. The 2026 FSF campaign focuses on five strategic initiatives – talent development, business retention and attraction, innovation, advocacy, and program management.
Dakota State University has invested in the Forward Sioux Falls (FSF) 2026 campaign. Forward Sioux Falls, a joint venture of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and Sioux Falls Development Foundation, convenes investors from both the private and public sectors with an objective to expand the economy and enhance the quality of life in Sioux Falls and the surrounding region.
As DSU expands its reach through partnerships like the CyberHealth Alliance with Sanford Health in the Sioux Falls region, supporting FSF is another way for Dakota State to invest in the future of South Dakota.
“Dakota State faculty and staff work tirelessly to provide cutting-edge educational opportunities for our students and graduates. Through this investment in Forward Sioux Falls, Dakota State will help provide career opportunities for our students, opportunities that will benefit them, as well as the region and the state,” said José-Marie Griffiths, president of Dakota State.
The 2026 FSF campaign focuses on five strategic initiatives – talent development, business retention and attraction, innovation, advocacy, and program management.
DSU alumni Matt Paulson and Tony Nour were part of a conversation involving the Sioux Falls region and DSU and the strategic alignment that ties the two together, Nour shared. This connection paved the way for DSU to become an investor in the 2026 campaign.
“It was an honor to have Dr. Griffiths and the DSU leadership team engage in open dialog regarding the future of both DSU and Sioux Falls. We agreed there is a shared commitment to advancing our region’s economy through intentional collaboration,” Nour said.
Paulson, an entrepreneur, private equity investor, and author who lives in Sioux Falls, became involved with FSF in 2016. Paulson’s interest was based on the group’s impact on new business formation and start-up community efforts. He is thrilled that Dakota State has chosen to invest in Forward Sioux Falls.
“It made a lot of sense for DSU to participate in Forward Sioux Falls to assist with the expansion of the Cyber/IT opportunities for students and graduates in the Sioux Falls region,” Paulson said. “DSU needs a seat at that table.”
Dakota State continues to be dedicated to the community of Madison and the region – including Sioux Falls – as well as the state.
“We believe in investing in Sioux Falls and the state of South Dakota,” said Jon Schemmel, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and CEO of the DSU Foundation and Alumni Association. “We believe that DSU will be a big part of the growth of Sioux Falls in the future. We are proud to invest in Forward Sioux Falls.”