Linda Daugaard grew up in Dell Rapids, South Dakota.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a teaching certificate from South Dakota State University.

After graduation, Mrs. Daugaard taught at St. Mary’s High School in her home town and coached the school’s girls’ basketball team. She went on to work for the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the University of California-Davis. After staying home to raise her family, she resumed her career as a school librarian. In 2003, South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds appointed her to serve on the State Library Board for a term she completed in 2009.

Mrs. Daugaard assisted her husband—during his tenure as lieutenant governor—in his work with Children’s Home, which serves the needs of children in crisis. She also has worked as a substitute teacher for Dell Rapids Elementary School and St. Mary’s High School.

The first lady and Governor Daugaard live on their family farm site, located between Dell Rapids and Garretson. They have three children: Laura (married to Jay Mitchell), Sara (married to Tony Venhuizen), and Christopher, a recent graduate of South Dakota State University.