NOVEMBER 18, 2024:
The South Dakota Board of Regents is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Brian Tande as its next President of South Dakota Mines. Dr. Tande brings a wealth of experience in engineering education, research, and leadership to the position, positioning the Rapid City university for continued excellence and innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
“Dr. Tande’s depth of experience in academic leadership and his dedication to fostering innovation and student achievement made him the ideal choice to lead South Dakota Mines into its next chapter,” said committee chairman Regent Jeff Partridge. “The comprehensive search process ensured we found an exceptional leader who aligns perfectly with the university’s mission and values. We are excited to welcome him to our community and look forward to the vision and energy he will bring to the institution.”
Dr. Tande currently serves as the Dean of the College of Engineering and Mines at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks, a role he has held for the past five years. His time at UND is marked by numerous accomplishments, including expanding programs, fostering industry partnerships, and promoting student success.
Before becoming Dean, Dr. Tande held a variety of leadership and academic roles at UND, including Associate Dean, Department Chair, and Director of the Jodsaas Center for Engineering Leadership and Entrepreneurship. He also served as a tenured faculty member, demonstrating his commitment to mentoring students and advancing academic excellence. In addition, he served as Graduate Programs Director and Associate Professor at Kansas State University.
“I am incredibly honored to be able to serve as South Dakota Mines’ next President. While I have been familiar with its strong reputation for many years, the conversations I have had with students, faculty, staff, and alumni during this process have left no doubt that South Dakota Mines is truly a unique and special place,” said Dr. Tande. “I want to thank all who participated in this search and the Board of Regents for the trust they have placed in me. Along with my dedicated colleagues, I will be working very hard to maintain our strong student-centered culture, conduct impactful research, grow the economy of Rapid City and the Black Hills region, and serve the people of South Dakota.”
Dr. Tande will assume his new role on January 9, succeeding President Jim Rankin, who retired this past summer.
NOVEMBER 8, 2024:
The South Dakota Board of Regents announces four finalists for the President position at South Dakota Mines in Rapid City. The selected finalists will visit the STEM-focused university on November 13-14, 2024. During their visit, they will meet with area leaders, faculty, staff, and students, allowing the university community to gain insight into each candidate’s vision and leadership style.
- Dr. Angela Lueking currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of the Graduate School at the Montana Technological University (MTU) in Butte, Montana. She has been with the University since 2021. Prior to joining MTU, Dr. Lueking was the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Engineering and Computing at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. She has also worked as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation and as a faculty member at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Lueking earned a Doctorate and a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, all from the University of Michigan.
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- Todd Kenner is the Chief Executive Officer of RE/SPEC Inc., based in Rapid City, SD. He has held the position of President and CEO since 2010. Before joining RE/SPEC, Kenner was the President of PBS&J Corporation, where he worked in both Tampa, FL, and Henderson, NV. Throughout his career at PBS&J, he held various roles before becoming president. Additionally, Kenner served on the South Dakota Mines Foundation Board for ten years, acting as Chair from 2016 to 2019. He is an alumnus of South Dakota Mines, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
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- Dr. Mohamad Qatu has been serving as the Dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI, since 2015. Before becoming Dean, he was the Director of the School of Engineering and Technology at Central Michigan University and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Mississippi State University. Before his academic career, Dr. Qatu worked in the private industry. He holds both a Doctorate and a Master of Science in Engineering Mechanics from The Ohio State University.
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- Dr. Brian Tande is currently the Dean of the College of Engineering and Mines at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks, ND, a position he has held for the past five years. Before becoming Dean, he served at UND in various capacities, including Associate Dean, Department Chair, Director of the Jodsaas Center for Engineering Leadership and Entrepreneurship, and tenured faculty member. He also spent a year at Kansas State University as the Graduate Programs Director and Associate Professor. Dr. Tande earned his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware.
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On Thursday (Nov. 14, 2024), the Board of Regents is scheduled to meet with each finalist and representatives from the search committee who represent the campus constituencies. These discussions aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of each candidate’s qualifications and vision for the institution.
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