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DSU is a place where innovation meets opportunity. We are a nationally recognized leader in technology-driven education, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. With hands-on learning experiences, expert faculty, and cutting-edge facilities, we prepare you for modern careers. Choose from a wide range of affordable, forward-thinking programs that allow you to shape your own path. Your future begins today.

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Ashley Podhradsky

Ashley Podhradsky

Ashley Podhradsky

Vice President for Research & Economic Development

Department

Research & Economic Development

Education

D.Sc., Dakota State University
M.S., Dakota State University
B.S., Dakota State University

Biography

Dr. Ashley Podhradsky serves as Vice President for Research and Economic Development at Dakota State University, where she has played a central role in advancing the university’s research growth, external partnerships, and national visibility in cybersecurity and applied technology.

A nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity and innovation, Podhradsky has helped position Dakota State as a destination for applied research, workforce development, and industry collaboration. Under her leadership, her teams have secured more than $26.5 million in competitive grants and contracts from organizations including the National Security Agency, National Science Foundation, U.S. Small Business Administration, Google, and the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, among others. While at DSU, Podhradsky has invested significant effort into making South Dakota and the region safer through the Digital Forensics for Cyber Enforcement Lab, Secure SD, and Project Boundary Fence, supporting both public and private entities in various ways.

Podhradsky has also been a driving force in developing programs that create opportunity for students and strengthen the talent pipeline for the state and region. She co-founded CybHER®, a nationally known outreach initiative that has engaged thousands of young people through hands-on cyber education and career exploration. Her leadership has also helped generate nearly $2 million in philanthropic support for the program.

In addition to her leadership in research and outreach, Podhradsky brings valuable experience in cybersecurity governance and oversight through her service on Board of Directors for First Bank and Trust and SD Biotech. Additionally, Podhradsky was appointed by South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden to the Governor’s Resilience and Infrastructure Task Force (GRIT), supporting statewide resilience priorities across various sectors. She is a sought-after speaker on cybersecurity, innovation, and workforce development. Her work has earned national recognition, including selection as a New America Cybersecurity Fellow and an American Association for the Advancement of Science IF THEN Ambassador. She was also honored at the Smithsonian as one of 120 women recognized for excellence in STEM.

Dr. Podhradsky is a three-time alumna of Dakota State University, most recently as a Doctor of Science in Information Systems graduate of 2010. She also holds an M.S. in Information Systems (2007) and a bachelors (2006) from DSU.

Contact

Office Location: DSU MadLabs
Phone: (605) 256-5100
Email