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Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University, South Dakota's third largest comprehensive public university, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus is located in Spearfish, South Dakota. Over 4,000 students attend classes at the Spearfish campus, at sites in Rapid City and through distance offerings. BHSU is governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

History

Black Hills State University was established by the Dakota Territorial Legislature in 1883 as Dakota Territory Spearfish Normal School. By 1924 the school was authorized to adopt a four-year curriculum leading to a B.S. in education degree. Known informally as a teacher’s college during the 20s and 30s, the name was officially changed to Black Hills Teachers College in 1941. On July 1, 1964, in recognition of the broadening educational opportunities offered by the college, the Legislature officially changed the name to Black Hills State College. The college's role in the state's higher education system has continued to grow and evolve over recent decades. Recognizing the need to be competitive in today's educational market place and at the same time enhance the state's economic development potential, the state Legislature changed the college's name to Black Hills State University, effective July 1, 1989.

Academics

Black Hills State University is organized into three colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education. The University offers a number of degrees to students including over 80 majors, 3 master degree programs, 4 associate degree programs, and 23 pre-professional programs.

The bachelor degree programs include: American Indian Studies, Applied Technical Science, Art, Biology, Business Administration, Business Education, Chemistry, Communication Arts, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education, English, Environmental Physical Science, Exercise Science, History, Human Services, Industrial Technology, Industrial Technology Education, Instrumental Music, K-12 Special Education, Mass Communications, Mathematics, Mathematics and Science Education, Music, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Physical Science, Political Science, Professional Accountancy, Psychology, Science Education, Social Science, Sociology, Spanish, Speech Communication, Theatre, and Vocal Music. The University also offers students numerous education degrees in many fields.

The Master degree programs include graduate classes leading to a master of science degree in Curriculum and Instruction (P-12) the College of Education. An online master of science degree in Strategic Leadership is available through the Office of Educational Outreach. The College of Arts and Sciences, offers a master’s degree in Integrative Genomics.

Accreditation

The University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the National Association of Schools of Music. The university is also a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the National Commission on Accrediting.

The Campus

The BHSU campus consists of and 20 main buildings in addition to Ida Henton Park and Lyle Hare Stadium. The BHSU campus continues to grow and expand. Construction recently began for a Student Union expansion that will more than double the amount of space available for students. Plans are underway for an $8-million science building. The science building will be located west of the current Jonas Science wing. Clare and Josef Meier Hall, a state-of-the-art music and classroom building, was added in the center of campus in 2003. This magnificent building includes a 280-seat recital hall, choir and band rooms, faculty studios, classrooms, soundproof practice rooms, conference rooms, instrument storage areas, keyboard, listening and piano labs and faculty offices.

A majority of the University’s instructional programs and offices are housed in Woodburn Hall, Jonas Hall, and the Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center. The E.Y. Berry Library-Learning Center contains learning resources, both print and non-print. The university library is also the site of the mainframe computer that services the statewide library network.

Five residence halls and an apartment complex accommodate nearly 850 students. The David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union serves the social and recreational needs of the students. The Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center, which was completed in 1990, provides exceptional fitness facilities and an aquatics center, as well as classrooms and faculty offices.

Presidents

Kay Schallenkamp (BS, Northern State University; MA, University of South Dakota; Ph.D, University of Colorado, 1982; all in communication disorders) was selected as the university's ninth president starting July 2006, following a national search by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Former Presidents Include: