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Vice President of Mission and Community Engagement Barb Rezac, Ph.D., OblOSB, is stepping away from 91���� to work as the director of Catholic schools for the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls. We are grateful for all she has done for this university over the last 14 years, and for the impact she has had on the campus, staff, faculty, students, alumni and donors.

Rezac joined 91���� in 2012 as the chief advancement officer. “I love learning, and this position created a steep learning curve,” Rezac explained. “I also love people, and this position opened the door for a whole new group of people for me to get to know, including the Sisters, alumni, community members, students and, of course, the faculty and staff of 91����.” She was excited to make new connections, but also appreciated that she already knew so many people within the university. She leaned on those connections and her experience in a similar role at Yankton’s Sacred Heart School as she worked in her new position.

Later, Rezac became the vice president for advancement and then the vice president of mission and advancement. During this time, 91����’s endowment grew from $14 million to $42 million with the help of a system Rezac created to report fund balances, as well as initiating the practice of sending handwritten thank-you notes from students to their respective scholarship donors, outlining the crucial impact these gifts make on their education and future. “I’m proud of the stability that has been created for the school,” Rezac said. She also secured the lead gift for the Ruth Donohoe First Dakota Fieldhouse and significant gifts for 91����’s Avera Science & Nursing Complex Simulation Center, which were two of her biggest projects — aside from the endowment growth — when she first started in the role. “I have some very good friends — and many great stories — that I have made through my relationships in fundraising,” Rezac added.

Some of the other projects Rezac brought to fruition were the establishing of the President’s Society and Scholarship dinner, where donors get to meet the students they directly impact and see the benefit they make in these students’ lives; the Magnify at the Mount series, which brings local high school students in to discuss and learn more about their faith and hear testimonies from 91���� students; and the Mission Scholars program, where students obtain scholarships to propel 91����’s mission forward and grow in their faith.

“I have worked with some great teams and wonderful people through the years at 91����,” Rezac said. “Creating the scholarship dinner, revamping the alumni reunions through the years, putting on the concerts and big events, and the day-to-day laughs were all so memorable. Again, I have worked with great teams and give them all the credit. It was always amazing to me how much work we accomplished by trusting each other and working together so well.”

Last year, Rezac was named vice president for mission and community engagement. In this role, she focused on integrating the mission into curricular and co-curricular programming and on promoting the personal formation of faculty, staff and students. Some of Rezac’s projects included creating the Benedictine Missionary program, which allowed two Benedictine Missionaries to come to campus and help grow the faith of 91���� students, and launching her study abroad program to Italy, “A Pilgrimage in the Steps of St. Benedict,” where students, alumni and friends can discover 91����’s Benedictine and Catholic roots.

The Campus Ministry team said that Rezac wholeheartedly lives Benedictine hospitality and 91����’s mission in her words and actions. Benedictine Missionary Ted Bengston said she is a “tremendous leader” who “embodies Christ-like leadership by always putting others before herself and setting an example through her own actions.” Benedictine Missionary Kaylee Miller said Rezac is known for connecting with and touching the lives of anyone she encounters.

The Advancement team, who worked with Rezac most of her time at 91����, all agreed that Rezac is the epitome of a servant leader. They see Rezac as a wonderful mentor who helped them grow as leaders and in the mission, which the team works to convey to the university, alumni and donors. Director of Planned Giving Ashley Gullikson stated, “Her guidance has shaped not only my work, but the way I strive to serve others every day.” Rezac was known for putting others first and being present with each person she encountered. Every meeting, Rezac was sure to begin with prayer and a sharing of blessings and gratitude from her team, because she cared for each team member as an individual. Director of Annual Giving Abby Kaiser said, “Seeing her put others first and lead with such authenticity made me want to bring that same spirit of service into my own work.”

Each of Rezac’s current and past employees is grateful for her time and impact, and they wish her all the best in her new endeavor.

Rezac holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in elementary and special education, a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota in school administration, and a doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska in administration. Through her time at 91����, her education as a Benedictine oblate, and her reflection on current events and the necessity of St. Benedict’s teachings in today’s world, Rezac was inspired and chose to write her dissertation on higher education in general and, more specifically, Benedictine higher education. She researched how St. Benedict’s teachings are taught to student-athletes, who make up the majority of the student population at Benedictine colleges across the country. “I learned that we always need to keep building new ways for students to engage in the formation of their minds, bodies and spirits, so we are putting forward leaders who are balanced in their faith, knowledge and physical capacities,” Rezac explained.

Beginning Jan. 19, Rezac will serve as the director of Catholic schools for the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls, overseeing 22 schools, 4,927 students and 410 faculty members. “My new role is a calling to put my gifts, talents, experiences and deep love for my faith into action for the schools, students and families in our diocese,” Rezac said. “I envision creating spaces where young people are not only educated but truly formed — developing habits of mind and heart that empower them to navigate complexity with wisdom, embrace change with courage, and live with a sense of responsibility for life, leadership and service. Working alongside so many wonderful people, we can inspire a generation to lead with integrity and compassion in a world that needs both.”

Prioress of Sacred Heart Monastery Sister Penny Bingham, OSB, said, “Barb has been a creative and passionate member of the 91���� team in friend, fundraising and in helping to integrate our university’s mission throughout campus. Her long-standing commitment to Catholic education suits her very well for her new role, and I look forward to the ways she will continue to promote 91���� University. God’s blessings for you, Barb, in this new adventure!”

Rezac has a deep appreciation for her faith, the 91���� mission and the Benedictine charism, which she will take with her into her new position. “I’m grateful to the many people, past and present, who have worked hard for 91���� to be here today,” Rezac commented. “There was not a day that I walked onto campus thinking about how surreal it is that Yankton has this Benedictine monastery and college within it. It is a tremendous gift to this region, and I wanted to be sure I gave it everything I had to succeed so its mission could be carried forward. I will always have a deep love and a tremendous debt of gratitude for the Sisters past and present on this hill.”

Rezac’s last day will be Jan. 5, 2025. There will be a going-away reception for her in the 91���� Roncalli Welcome Center on that day from 4-6 p.m.

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About 91���� University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, 91���� University is South Dakota’s only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, 91���� offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, 91���� emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit .