Saud named director of graduate, international admissions

South Dakota State University has named Daniel Saud as its new director of graduate and international admissions following a national search.

Saud started in his new role on Feb. 23.

“Daniel brings an exceptional depth of experience in graduate and international admissions, along with a strong record of leading innovative, student-centered recruitment and enrollment strategies at major land-grant research universities,” said Shawn Helmbolt, assistant vice president for enrollment management at South Dakota State University.

“His global perspective, leadership in international recruitment, and commitment to student access and success will be instrumental as SDSU continues to grow its graduate and international enrollment in alignment with our university’s land-grant mission and academic priorities. We are thrilled to have Daniel as part of our team.”

Saud earned bachelor’s degrees in international studies and biochemistry from Hawaii Pacific University in 2010, a Master of Education in higher education from Merrimack College in 2013 and a Doctor of Education in higher education policy from Vanderbilt University Peabody College of Education in 2020.

He’s served in director roles for admissions, enrollment, student affairs, international admissions and aid at universities across the United States, from Florida to Washington, since 2016. Most recently, he was assistant dean of international admissions and recruitment at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

“I would like to thank the search committee members, as well as enrollment management and university leadership, for their confidence in my candidacy. I am humbled and honored to join South Dakota State University as director of graduate and international admissions at such a pivotal time in the university’s growth,” Saud said.

SDSU’s director of graduate and international admissions provides strategic leadership for the recruitment, admission and enrollment of graduate and international students at the university.

This role oversees enrollment strategy, policy implementation and outreach efforts to support SDSU’s academic priorities, institutional growth and commitment to access and student success, while partnering closely with SDSU’s academic colleges and campus stakeholders.

“SDSU’s commitment to academic excellence, student success and its land-grant mission creates tremendous opportunity to expand access to high-quality undergraduate and graduate education,” Saud added. “I look forward to collaborating with university partners to develop and implement data-informed enrollment initiatives, enhance the SDSU student experience, and advance our shared enrollment goals, supporting the workforce and economic development needs of South Dakota and beyond.”