ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University is proud to announce that Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank dean of the School of Business, has been selected as a participant in the Leadership South Dakota Class of 2027.

Leadership South Dakota is a statewide leadership development program that immerses participants in six regional sessions across South Dakota over the course of a year. Each session takes participants into a different region of the state for 48 hours, where they tour local operations, hear from community and industry leaders and experience each place firsthand. The program is built around the core values of Discover, Connect and Do.

"I am truly honored to be part of the Leadership South Dakota Class of 2027," said Dr. Kristi Bockorny, Dacotah Bank dean of the School of Business. "I'm looking forward to learning from this experience and getting to know such an incredible group of people from across the state."

Dr. Bockorny joined Northern's faculty in spring 2010 and has served as Dacotah Bank dean of the School of Business since June 2024. She holds a doctorate in human capital management from Bellevue University and two bachelor's degrees — in finance and business education — from Northern State University, making her a proud NSU alumna. Her research focuses on psychological capital, leadership, employee motivation and gratitude.

"Kristi is exactly the kind of leader we want representing Northern State University," said Dr. Alan LaFave, president of Northern State University. "We believe in giving our faculty and staff opportunities to grow, connect and lead beyond our campus — and Leadership South Dakota is a great example of that. We are proud of her and excited to see what she brings back to Northern and the School of Business."

Founded in 2014, Leadership South Dakota has more than 550 alumni statewide. The Class of 2027 includes 41 participants representing a wide range of industries and communities across South Dakota. Sessions begin this fall in Pierre.

For more information about Leadership South Dakota, visit leadershipsouthdakota.com.