Peter Folliard
Vice President for Innovation @Augustana University Sd
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WORK HISTORY
Vice President for Innovation @Augustana University Sd
Sioux Falls, SD, US
As Vice President for Innovation at Augustana University (Sioux Falls, SD), I provide senior leadership for institutional transformation, operational strategy, and digital enablement across the university. Reporting to the President and serving on the executive cabinet, I translate strategic priorities into coordinated action that strengthens effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term institutional agility.I lead enterprise-wide innovation efforts spanning information technology, digital strategy, library services, and cross-functional administrative operations. My work focuses on orchestrating systems integration, modernizing core administrative platforms, advancing responsible AI and automation, and building data-informed decision cultures that improve service delivery for students, faculty, and staff.This role centers on vision-setting and disciplined execution. I design and maintain a focused innovation portfolio with clear metrics, ROI accountability, and structured governance. I partner closely with executive leaders to align operational redesign with financial planning, risk management, compliance, and institutional priorities.A significant dimension of the role involves leading change at scale—building high-performing teams, mentoring emerging leaders, reducing silos, and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. I translate complex technical and operational concepts into clear executive communication, ensuring alignment across diverse stakeholders.The objective is practical, mission-aligned innovation: simplifying processes, strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing service quality, and positioning the university to thrive in a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
EDUCATION
Eastman School of Music
Doctor of Musical Arts, Orchestral Conducting
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Music, Music Performance, Music Education
Berklee College of Music
Master's Certificate, Music Production
Department of Information School
Public Affairs Leadership Development, Public Affairs
The Johns Hopkins University
Master of Music, Conducting, Performance
ABOUT PETER FOLLIARD
I’ve been called a leader, an innovator, a conductor, a teacher, an author, and a producer… still not a golfer (though I remain committed to the long game).My career has never fit neatly into a single lane—and that’s exactly the point.Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of building and leading high-performing teams in artistic, academic, and institutional settings. As a conductor, I learned that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about listening deeply, aligning strengths, navigating dissonance, and helping talented people perform at their very best. That mindset has shaped everything I do.At Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD, I have served as a tenured professor, the inaugural Dean of the School of Music, Director of Innovation, and now Vice President for Innovation. In the School of Music, we elevated performance standards, strengthened industry partnerships, expanded student opportunities, increased philanthropic support for scholarships and programming, and positioned the School for long-term strategic growth. We built momentum—not just programs.At the institutional level, I’ve led enterprise innovation efforts associated with AI, VR/XR, and system identification/implementation/integration. That has included modernizing core administrative systems, advancing responsible AI adoption, integrating digital tools across divisions, redesigning workflows, strengthening data-informed decision-making, and aligning technology strategy with financial and enrollment priorities.Innovation, to me, is not about chasing trends. It’s about building capacity. It’s about creating systems that scale, teams that trust one another, and cultures that are willing to adapt.I’ve worked at the intersection of people, process, and technology—translating complex systems into clear strategy, orchestrating cross-functional collaboration, and helping organizations move from ambiguity to alignment. Whether fundraising, teaching, mentoring emerging leaders, or advising on institutional strategy, I’m always focused on what’s possible next—and how to get there responsibly, together.
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