NOVEMBER 17, 2023:
The South Dakota Board of Regents announced Steve Elliott as the next president of Black Hills State University (BHSU). Currently the vice president of academic affairs at Wayne State College (WSC) in Wayne, Nebraska, Elliott will soon become the 12th president of the University.
Elliott has been an active Wayne State Campus community member since 2003 and has held various positions, including faculty member, department chair, and dean, before accepting a vice president role in 2016. Elliott holds a master of fine arts degree (the highest degree in that field) from the University of Maryland and served in the United States Marine Corps.
“The presidential search committee worked diligently to select the best from the best. Steve Elliott rose to the top and will be an excellent addition to Black Hills State University and the Spearfish community. He is well positioned to take BHSU to the next level,” said committee chairman Regent Jeff Partridge. “His leadership style appears efficient and effective, and his service to our country is a testament to his exceptional work ethic. The Board of Regents is happy to welcome Steve and his family to South Dakota.”
Elliott will begin his new role at BHSU on December 22, 2023.
“I am honored and humbled to accept the position as Black Hills State University’s next president,” said Elliott. “Black Hills State and the surrounding region have exciting potential. I look forward to working with the State of South Dakota and the communities we serve to develop new academic opportunities, expand partnerships, and continue building Black Hills State University’s outstanding reputation. My family and I are truly excited about becoming part of the vibrant and growing Spearfish community.”
Elliott is married with three children and has a history in fine arts. His large-scale sculptures and mixed-media works have been featured in 26 states nationwide. BHSU will host a welcome-to-campus celebration with details to be provided at a later date.
NOVEMBER 11, 2023:
The South Dakota Board of Regents announced four finalists who are in the running to become the next president of Black Hills State University. The Chair of the presidential search process, Regent Jeff Partridge, expressed his satisfaction with the quality of candidates who applied and confirmed that the finalists will visit the university campus in Spearfish from November 13-14. During their visit, they will meet with constituents and regents to further discuss their candidacy.
The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are as follows:
- Dr. Matt Cecil is originally from South Dakota. He currently serves as the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs at Northern Kentucky University, located in Highland Heights, Kentucky. Previously, he has worked as a dean, interim provost, and senior vice president for academic affairs at Minnesota State University (MSU)-Mankato. Dr. Cecil has also been a faculty member at Wichita State University and South Dakota State University. He holds a Ph.D. in mass communication from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in history from MSU-Mankato.
- Dr. Frederich Chilson is the current Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC), located in Lewiston, Idaho where he previously served as dean. Additionally, Dr. Chilson was a faculty member, and department chair at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana and also worked as a faculty member at Eastern New Mexico University and Adams State University. He spent time in the private sector early in his career. Dr. Chilson holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with emphasis in learning technology from New Mexico State University, as well as a master’s degree in human resource development from Idaho State University.
- Steve Elliott currently serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wayne State College (WSC) in Wayne, Nebraska. He has been part of the WSC community since 2003 and has held various positions, including faculty member, department chair, and dean, before accepting a vice president role in 2016. Elliott holds a master of fine arts degree (the highest degree in that field) from the University of Maryland and served in the US Marine Corps.
- Dr. Angie Fincannon is the current Dean of the College of Business at Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has a diverse background, serving as a collegiate-level volleyball coach, faculty member, dean, assistant provost, and athletic director at Taylor University. Later, she held the position of vice chancellor for advancement at Indiana University Purdue University – Fort Wayne. Dr. Fincannon has an Ed. D. in educational administration and a master’s degree in education and administration from Ball State University.
During their visit to the campus, the candidates will have the opportunity to meet with faculty members, students, administrative and professional staff, civil service employees, representatives of the BHSU Foundation, university alums, and the Spearfish community. On Tuesday, the Board of Regents will hold private meetings with each finalist and with the campus representatives of the search committee.
The cover letters and professional resumes for each finalist are available online at bhsu.edu/president/presidential-search/candidates.
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