Jill Ruhd has been named chief executive officer of the Dakota State University Foundation and vice president for Institutional Advancement at Dakota State University, effective immediately.

Ruhd currently serves as DSU’s senior director of philanthropy and brings extensive fundraising experience and longstanding ties to Dakota State and the Madison community.

DSU President John Ballard says Ruhd is well prepared to lead the Foundation and understands the relationships that support the university’s growth.

In her new role, Ruhd will oversee fundraising, donor engagement, alumni relations and stewardship efforts, supporting DSU students, programs, facilities and long-term priorities.

Ruhd is a 2007 Dakota State graduate. She joined the DSU Foundation in 2010 as annual   fund manager and later moved into development and major-gift fundraising before becoming senior director of philanthropy.

Foundation Board Chair Dave Geiver says Ruhd’s experience with the university and foundation, along with her relationships with alumni and supporters, were important factors in her selection.

Ruhd and her husband, Tyler, live in Madison with their three sons.