For Release February 12
Abbott Tapped for USD Presidency
VERMILLION-The Board of Regents today named James Abbott, a Yankton businessman and former legislator, as President of the University of South Dakota. The Board made the announcement following three days of interviews with finalists in Vermillion.
Abbott, 48, currently serves as President and CEO of Zylstra Communications in Yankton, which owns and operates cable television systems in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. In addition, Abbott has taught at the secondary and collegiate levels and practiced law for eight years. He served one term in the South Dakota House of Representatives and was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1994 and for the state's lone U.S. House seat in 1996. Abbott has also served a number of state and community organizations, including the South Dakota Community Foundation, the South Dakota Lottery Commission, Dakota Wesleyan University's Business Affairs Committee, and Mount Marty College's Academic Affairs Committee.
A native of Yankton, Abbott holds a B.A. in Political Science and a J.D., both from the University of South Dakota. He and his wife Colette have three daughters-Sara, Lyndsey, and Nancy.
As the first USD alumnus appointed to lead that institution, Abbott enthusiastically accepted the appointment, stating, "I am humbled and honored at this opportunity to serve the University and the state. As one of eight siblings, seven of whom attended USD, I am fully aware of the impact a quality education has on the lives of students. I pledge to work with the constituencies within the University and with the people of South Dakota to ensure that future generations of USD students are afforded the same opportunities for education and achievement that were available to me."
Regent David Gienapp of Madison, chair of the Board's selection panel, remarked in praise of Abbott, "Different periods in an institution's history call for different types of leadership, and the committee and the Board as a whole feel strongly that Jim Abbott is the right person for USD at this point in its history. Jim's leadership ability, enthusiasm, and experience in both higher education and policy-making will serve him well as he guides the University through the exciting and trying times ahead."
Board of Regents President Karl Wegner of Sioux Falls also offered congratulations, commenting, "Jim Abbott brings a unique blend of experience to this position, one that will serve the University and the entire Unified System well as we begin our second century."
Other finalists for the position included John Hilpert, Executive Vice-President for University Relations at USD; R. Barbara Gitenstein, Provost at Drake University; Robert Kindrick, Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at the University of Montana; and G. Warren Smith, Professor and former President at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Abbott will assume his duties on July 1. Dr. Paul Olscamp will continue to serve as Interim President until that time.