Distinguished Alumni DAVID VOLK ‘69 David Volk has spent a lifetime serving his country, his state and his community through military service, public leadership, volunteerism and storytelling. A 1969 graduate of Northern State University, Volk has built an extraordinary legacy that spans decades of service and achievement, making a lasting impact on South Dakota and beyond. Born and raised in Mitchell, South Dakota, Volk graduated from Northern and was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army. He served two years in the military, including a year in Vietnam as a combat photographer with the 101st Airborne Division. During his service, he documented the realities of war while serving alongside fellow soldiers in challenging and often dangerous conditions. For his dedication and service, Volk received the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star. Following his military service, Volk returned home and embarked on a remarkable career in public service. In 1972, at just 25 years old, he ran for South Dakota State Treasurer and won, becoming the youngest person in state history elected to a statewide office at the time. Voters would return him to the position four more times, entrusting him with the responsibility for managing the state’s finances for nearly two decades. During his tenure as state treasurer, Volk helped establish the National Association of State Treasurers and was elected its first president, demonstrating leadership that extended well beyond South Dakota’s borders. His work helped strengthen collaboration among state financial officers across the nation and elevated South Dakota’s role in shaping public finance policy. In 1994, Volk was appointed secretary of the South Dakota Department of Commerce and Regulation by Governor Bill Janklow. He served in that cabinet-level position until 2002, helping guide economic development, business regulation and financial oversight during a period of growth and change for the state. Throughout his career, Volk has remained deeply committed to serving others. He was appointed by the Reagan Administration as chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Volunteer Program for South Dakota, where he helped establish outreach efforts for veterans struggling with the challenges of returning home from war. His dedication to veterans continues through his involvement with organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans, where he is a life member. Volk’s commitment to community service is equally impressive. Through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, he spent 13 years mentoring his “little brother,” Drake. He also served for two decades on the South Dakota Advisory Committee to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and also served as chairman of the South Dakota Human Rights Commission and a member of the South Dakota Funeral Board. In addition to his accomplishments in government and community service, Volk has built a successful career as an author. Drawing from his experiences in Vietnam, he wrote Draftee: A High School Teacher Goes to War, a memoir chronicling his military service. He also authored My Grandpa’s War, a children’s book designed to help younger generations understand the experiences of those who served during wartime. Working alongside Mark Meierhenry, Volk co-authored a series of children’s books that combine education and adventure, including Mystery of the Round Rocks, Mystery of the Tree Rings, Mystery of the Maize and Mystery of the Black Hills. Two of the books earned national recognition, receiving Bronze and Silver Medals from the Independent Book Publishers Association. His most recent work, Fearless Felix, tells the story of a bomb-sniffing German shepherd and highlights the extraordinary contributions of service dogs throughout history. Whether serving his country overseas, leading at the highest levels of state government, mentoring young people, advocating for veterans or sharing stories through the written word, Volk has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of others. His career reflects the values of leadership, service and lifelong learning that Northern State University seeks to instill in its graduates. More than five decades after leaving Northern’s campus, Volk continues to make a difference in the lives of South Dakotans through his public service, volunteer efforts and educational work. His remarkable record of achievement and dedication stands as an example of how one individual’s commitment to service can leave a lasting impact on a state, a community and future generations. 11
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