David L. Chicoine is the President of South Dakota State University, a position he had held since January 1, 2007. He is also one of 11 directors on the board of directors of Monsanto Company, an appointment announced on April 15, 2009.[1]
Dr. Chicoine and his wife, Marcia, are both alumni of South Dakota State University, where David received his B.S. and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He also holds an M.S. from the University of Delaware, an M.A. from Western Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Chicoine is also one of 11 directors on the board of directors of Monsanto Company, a life sciences corporation.
As a benefit for his seat on the Board of Directors for Monsanto Chicoine will receive approximately $195,000 in restricted stock according to the formula for non-employee compensation Form 8-K, filed April 20, 2009 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This compensation is believed by some (including members of the SDSU student body) to represent a conflict of interests.
Prior to becoming President of SDSU, Dr. Chicoine served as senior officer for technology commercialization and economic development for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and for six months served as interim Vice President for Academic Affairs.