SDSU Opens Ness School Office Downtown

By Scout Nelson

The Ness School of Management and Economics at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is growing its presence beyond campus with a new office in downtown Sioux Falls. The space, located inside Startup Sioux Falls, is designed to connect the university’s programs, students, and expertise with local businesses and community members.

Leading the initiative is Paul Rann, the newly appointed Program Manager for Urban Economic Development. His mission is to bridge the Ness School with Sioux Falls’ growing economy, creating what he calls “an outpost” where ideas, partnerships, and innovation meet.

“The core idea is connecting the Ness School, its work, expertise, resources and thought leadership to the Sioux Falls community and the surrounding area,” said Rann, who compares the office to “an embassy or outpost, allowing us to be a resource and a part of the conversation around urban economic development in the area.”

Under Rann’s direction, the downtown outpost will host a range of activities — from workshops, seminars, and panel discussions to career fairs, academic advising, and business networking sessions. These programs will help students and employers connect while encouraging collaboration on local and regional economic challenges.

Joe Santos, director of the Ness School, describes the new location as “a discovery, club, growth, and information space.” The outpost will foster knowledge exchange, strengthen student-employer relationships, and gather feedback to improve academic programs.

Rann, a Lennox, South Dakota native, brings experience from leadership roles in public policy, business, and nonprofits, including the Huron Regional Medical Center Foundation and Talent Plus Inc. in Nebraska.

He said he is excited to return home and contribute to Sioux Falls’ growth. “This opportunity lets me make an impact on the community I care about while helping shape the future of economic development in the region,” Rann shared.

The Ness School plans to focus on key topics such as housing, agriculture, land policy, banking, innovation, and artificial intelligence, tailoring programs based on community needs and interests.

Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university