Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., will be Inaugurated as the Tenth President of Black Hills State University

The faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Black Hills State University invite community members to join the celebration of the inauguration of Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. in the Donald E. Young Sports and Fitness Center on the BHSU campus. Jackson is the tenth president of BHSU.

Dr. Jack Warner, executive director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents said the inauguration of a new president is a special time for the University and its faculty, staff and students.

“Our board is pleased to join President Jackson and his family as they celebrate this occasion,” said Warner.  “Dr. Jackson’s history is one of cultivating strong relationships with campus and community partners at the institutions where he has worked; we see that already happening at BHSU and in the Spearfish community.”

Jackson began his tenure as president July 3.  Like many of the students who enroll at BHSU, Jackson is a first generation college graduate. He has created strong connections with new and prospective BHSU students and their families and re-energized recruitment strategies in the state, the nation, and the world. In his first four months as president, Jackson’s visionary approach, optimistic outlook and collaborative style has provided inspiration to faculty, staff, and students as well as community members and higher education colleagues in the state and nation.

Jackson’s early accomplishments include championing a new program that offers military members a significant tuition reduction at the University Center - Rapid City (UC-RC), encouraging continued innovation at the Sanford Lab and BHSU’s Underground Campus, and strengthening grant and fundraising initiatives. Jackson’s future initiatives include advancing academic quality, bolstering the BHSU honors and study abroad programs, and raising BHSU’s level of outreach and visibility in the surrounding region and throughout the nation.

In addition to the inauguration ceremony, two scholarship celebrations are planned – a breakfast in Rapid City and a dinner in Spearfish. The scholarship breakfast celebration is Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7 a.m. at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel in Rapid City. The scholarship dinner will be held Friday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. at the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union on the BHSU campus.  Tickets are still available; RSVP for either scholarship event by calling 605-642-6262.

Funds contributed for these events will be directed to specific scholarships to support the following groups: students enrolled at the UC-RC, student veterans, the honors and study abroad programs, BHSU athletics, or other funds as requested by the donor. 

Student Senate President Chase Vogel, business administration major from Cheyenne, Wyo., said Jackson has demonstrated strong support of the student senate and all students by listening to student needs and taking action to benefit students.

Vogel says the inauguration celebrations bring together the local BHSU and Spearfish community along with alumni and dignitaries from across the United States.

“What an opportunity to refocus on everyone who has an invested interest in BHSU,” said Vogel.

City of Spearfish Mayor Dana Boke says BHSU is positioned and prepared to increase its value and impact to the city, region, nation, and world under Jackson’s leadership.

“As Dr. Jackson takes on the responsibility for leadership, direction and vision of the University, he also takes on a key leadership role within the City of Spearfish because of the integral role the faculty, students, and staff play within the community,” said Boke.

“I can’t think of a better leader to have within our midst to help lead the community and University forward into the future,” said Boke.

To learn more about Jackson and the inauguration celebrations, to RSVP, or to contribute to the scholarship funds, visit www.BHSU.edu/Inauguration