Office of the President
Dr. John R. Ballard assumed responsibilities as the 24th President of Dakota State University in June of 2026. He previously served as President of the National Intelligence University in Washington, DC, where he led technology integration and leader development efforts across the Intelligence Community. A first-generation college student, President Ballard earned his B.S. at the United States Naval Academy, his M.A. at California State University, Dominquez Hills, and his Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America.
President Ballard began his professional life in the military and later began teaching international security affairs as a professor. He was selected as the founding Chair of Defence Studies at New Zealand’s Massey University and later served as a professor at both the Naval War College and the National War College before being selected as Dean at the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies. He then served as Dean at the National War College, as the founding Dean of the National Defense College in the United Arab Emirates, as Vice President at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and as the first Provost at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
President Ballard has published seven books and numerous journal articles, including: Triumph of Self-Determination, Operation Stabilise and United Nations Peacemaking in East Timor (Praeger Security International, 2008); From Storm to Freedom, The Long American War with Iraq (Naval Institute Press, 2010); and National Security Education: Developing Strategic Leaders for 21st Century Security Challenges, (Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, 2021).
President Ballard has been recognized with the Director of National Intelligence Distinguished Service Award, the Secretary of Transportation Superior Achievement and Innovation Awards, and various military decorations, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star for his service in combat during the Iraq War. He was also the recipient of the Society of the Colonial Daughters of the Seventeenth Century Award and the General Horace Porter Award in History from the U.S. Naval Academy.
With his appointment, President Ballard has reinforced DSU’s rising through a bold agenda focused on campus engagement, public service and continued innovation. His presidency is defined by commitments to enhancing student success, strengthening the university team, and improving the prosperity of all South Dakotans.