South Dakota State University alumnus Vernon Brown is enhancing existing partnerships and developing new ones in the Sioux Falls region as SDSU’s new associate vice president for external affairs.
Brown started Sept. 30 and leads SDSU Connect and the university’s work with key stakeholders, collaborations and strategic initiatives in the Sioux Falls area.
An initiative launched by President Barry Dunn along with a 40-member task force, SDSU Connect was created following a year of discovery and connecting with Sioux Falls leaders, educators and community members.
Brown is working to foster the city’s unprecedented growth by aligning SDSU’s expertise and resources to have the highest impact for the Sioux Falls area.
“Vernon has deep and unique experience in marketing and public relations that produces positive results for government, schools and nonprofits,” Dunn said. “That experience, combined with the resources SDSU has to offer, will provide significant opportunities for the Sioux Falls business communities, educational systems and many other organizations.”
Brown has 20 years of business leadership experience at SDN Communications. He also served eight years on the Sioux Falls City Council and before that worked as a television reporter. He and his wife, Tami ’94, own and operate The Spice & Tea Exchange of Sioux Falls.
“The jobs I earned and the ways I’ve been able to give back to my community wouldn’t have happened if not for the education I received from SDSU,” Brown said. “This role allows me to use my experience to help other citizens, governments, businesses and nonprofits benefit from all SDSU offers, so they can recognize their full potential. I am very honored for this opportunity and look forward to building on the early success of SDSU Connect.”
