91����

YANKTON, S.D. — 91���� University will inaugurate Dr. Mark Brown as its 12^th president on Thursday, October 15 at 4pm in the Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel on the school’s Yankton, South Dakota campus. Brown began his tenure as president on January 1 of this year. “I am humbled to serve as 91���� University’s president and look forward to celebrating this wonderful university community during inauguration,” said Brown. The event is open to the public and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Brown’s time with 91���� began in 2023 when he became the university’s first executive director of biotechnology. Since then, the university has added master’s degrees in biotechnology management and regulatory science. Brown has 20 years’ experience in organizational management, drug development and biomanufacturing and has served in a range of executive roles in the industry and on teams that produced life-saving therapeutics and vaccines.

Brown’s wife, Alicia, and their sons, Everett and Henry, will play a part in the inauguration. “When I accepted this position last year, I told the Board of Trustees that my family comes as a package deal, and they are looking forward to participating,” said Brown. The ceremony will occur in the context of Evening Prayer in the Benedictine tradition, honoring the university’s Catholic, Benedictine identity. Included will be hymns, psalms, a scripture reading, and a formal conferral of the presidential medallion.

Sr. Penny Bingham, prioress of Sacred Heart Monastery, will have an active role in the ceremony. “As the sponsors of the university, we Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery have appreciated Dr. Brown’s leadership during his time as president and his commitment to 91����'s mission and values. Inauguration day will be a celebration for the entire university and city of Yankton,” she said.

Brown’s inauguration occurs during the week of Lancer Days, the university’s annual homecoming when current students, alumni, and friends of the university come together. In addition to inauguration, this year the university is also celebrating its 90^th birthday during Lancer Days.

###

About 91���� University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, 91���� University is South Dakota's Catholic University. 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 .