USD athletic director David Herbster leaving post for Sanford Health community relations job

Morgan Matzen, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·3 min read

Longtime University of South Dakota athletic director David Herbster announced Monday he's leaving his post.

Herbster has taken a new job with Sanford Health's community relations team, according to a press release from USD.

His last day at USD will be Aug. 30, after a decade as the athletic director. His long career with the USD Coyotes followed USD's transition to Division 1 athletics. He was making $195,470.43 annually at USD, according to open.sd.gov.

“This is the right time for me and my family, and I know Coyote Athletics is in a position of strength moving forward," Herbster said in a statement. "I want to thank President Abbott for first allowing me to lead Coyote Athletics, and to President Gestring for her ongoing support, guidance and leadership. I also want to thank all the student-athletes, coaches, staff and all of Coyote Nation for making this such a rewarding and memorable experience.”

South Dakota athletic director David Herbster
South Dakota athletic director David Herbster

Before he became the athletic director, he served as interim athletic director for a year and was an associate athletic director and deputy athletic director since 2007. Seeing where USD was when Herbster arrived on campus, to where it is now, is "truly amazing," he said in a statement.

"For the past 16 years, I have been blessed to work alongside so many outstanding student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, fans and members of the campus community,” he said. “The progress we have made athletically and institutionally is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of this campus.”

USD thanks Herbster for his "exceptional service and dedication to our athletic program,” USD President Sheila Gestring said in a statement.

“As an integral part of the Coyote community for the last decade, David’s leadership has left a lasting impact on the lives of our student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers and staff," Gestring added. "USD's athletic program has flourished over the past decade under his leadership, and we appreciate all his efforts in building a strong foundation for USD’s future athletic success.”

A national search for a new athletic director is set to launch in January, according to a press release from USD, with a goal to name a new AD ahead of the 2024 Summit League Tournament.

“Our focus is bringing a proven, high-integrity individual who puts student-athletes first and wins the right way,” Gestring said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing a legacy of excellence in Coyote Athletics now and into the future.”

Corey Jenkins, USD's senior associate athletic director for operations and facility management, will serve as interim athletic director.

USD Senior Associate AD for Facilities & Operations Corey Jenkins discuss with Rotarian Joel Dykstra on topics about the changing landscape in college athletics at the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre on Monday, July 31, 2023.
USD Senior Associate AD for Facilities & Operations Corey Jenkins discuss with Rotarian Joel Dykstra on topics about the changing landscape in college athletics at the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre on Monday, July 31, 2023.

Mike Alden, former University of Missouri athletic director and CEO of MRJ Advisors, will serve as special assistant to the president during the transition, according to a press release from USD.

As USD's AD, Herbster saw the Coyotes in a historic NCAA Sweet 16 appearance by the women's basketball team, an Olympic silver medal, and national recognition for "Play of the Year" by Sports Illustrated.

More: South Dakota football's Hail Mary vs. SDSU earns The Sports Illustrated Awards nomination

Herbster also played a "pivotal role" in advancing the university's athletic priorities, including construction of the Sanford Coyote Sports Center, a DakotaDome renovation and an expansion to USD's Wellness Center, according to a press release from USD.

Attendance at athletic events increased significantly under Herbster's leadership, as USD estimates ticket sales grew by more than 510%.

Herbster also reorganized the USD Howling Pack annual fundraising program. He was named FCS Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics in 2020-2021.

Herbster's new position at Sanford Health will see him building collaborative relationships with local business leaders and nonprofits, and finding new opportunities for business development and strategic partnerships at Sanford Health.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: David Herbster, USD athletic director, resigns