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Following a nationwide search, 91���� University has tapped biotechnology professor Mark Brown as the 12th president of the Catholic, Benedictine school, replacing Marc Long, who is retiring at the end of 2025 after 10 years at the 91���� helm. Holding extensive academic, research, and executive experience, Brown currently serves 91���� as executive director of the biotechnology management program at its Sioux Falls campus.

Brown joined the 91���� faculty in 2023 when he arrived to develop the biotechnology management program, which launched that fall. The now fully online graduate program offers options for a Master of Science degree or a graduate certificate in biotechnology management. This year, under Brown’s leadership, the university launched a new regulatory science master’s program. Brown teaches several of the core courses in both programs, along with other pharmaceutical industry professionals. With more than 20 years’ experience in organizational management, drug development and biomanufacturing, Brown draws from a deep well of biotechnology knowledge. He has served in a range of executive roles in the industry and on teams that produced life-saving therapeutics and vaccines.

91���� Board of Trustees Chair Rob Stephenson says he and his fellow trustees are looking forward to Brown’s tenure and the energy and enthusiasm he will bring to continue the university’s strong forward momentum.

“Over the last several months, we interviewed high-quality candidates from across the country," Stephenson said. “Dr. Brown rose to the top of a stellar applicant pool with his breadth of experience in both higher education and private business, his proven success incorporating innovative strategies during challenging times in higher ed, and his firm commitment to the university’s Catholic, Benedictine liberal arts tradition. While he’s got incredible credentials in the science community, his genuine and transparent personality, passion for developing student-focused programs, and relational and collaborative leadership style all make him a strong fit to lead 91����.”

A native of Texas, Brown attended Dallas College as a LeCroy Scholar and then earned his B.S. in resource management at Colorado State University. Brown holds an M.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology from Georgetown University and a Ph.D. in molecular genetics and microbiology from the University of Texas. He completed postdoctoral research related to congenital heart defects at the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Austin and completed the research ethics infusion program at Colorado State. He received additional training in the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps in Washington, D.C.

Brown served Colorado State University as a director in the Institute for Learning and Teaching, as a section head and director of undergraduate education in clinical sciences, and was founding director of the university’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Artistry. He was the lead for Global Health and Health Disparities at Colorado School of Public Health and served as chair of the Graduate Leadership for Public Lands and Cultural Heritage Program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Interior. He has previously taught courses in molecular oncology, epidemiology, cell and molecular biology, chemical and bioengineering, biotechnology and biochemistry. He has held academic appointments at Colorado State, Colorado School of Public Health, South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, the University of South Dakota, and the Sanford Research Center in Sioux Falls.

Before moving to South Dakota, in his spare time, Brown ran a cow-calf operation as a family hobby on their small ranch north of Fort Collins, Colorado. “My wife and I enjoy exposing our boys to the ag-based values that come with that lifestyle,” he said. “We love the culture of South Dakota, and our boys are active in 4-H, scouting, and a range of sports. We do everything together, as a family, and I told the university’s Board of Trustees that my family comes as a package deal. We’ll be the Lancers’ greatest fans.” 

Brown has a wealth of industry experience, serving in CEO or other leadership roles with clinical and early commercial stage companies in the process of scaling. Most recently, he helped launch Phylloceuticals, with a mission of bringing down the high cost of prescription medicines.

As prioress of Sacred Heart Monastery, Sister Penny Bingham welcomes Brown to the leadership of 91����.

“Our monastic council enjoyed getting to know Mark as he explained his vision for 91���� University and his commitment to our Catholic, Benedictine traditions,” she said. “As the sponsors of the university, we Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery are excited to welcome him and his family to the Yankton community and to partner with him, the Board of Trustees and the 91���� faculty and staff as we continue the important work of educating students in mind, body, and spirit.”

With plans to relocate to Yankton soon, Brown has lived in Sioux Falls with his wife, Alicia, and sons Everett and Henry for the past five years. They are parishioners at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Sioux Falls.

“I am honored to be appointed the 12th president of 91���� University,” Brown said. “Its Catholic, Benedictine ethos has profoundly impacted me from the time I started here two years ago. The university is in a strong place today and poised to grow even stronger as we seek to become the preeminent Catholic university focused on rural health and wellbeing.”

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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 .