This idea was brought to us by a professor here at BHSU who felt that it would be beneficial for our readers to learn more about the people of the past who took part in creating and molding this school into the institution it has become today. Since its official creation in 1883, BHSU, its alumni, its professors and its administrators have been a part of – and survived – some of the most monumental moments in United States history. We at the Jacket Journal hope you enjoy BHSU People of the Past.

Fayette L. Cook was the first president of Black Hills State University, which was known as the Dakota Territorial Normal School (DTNS) at the time (a school for teachers). Cook began his tenure at the Dakota Normal School in 1885, just two years after the school was founded, after working as the Superintendent of Schools for Olmstead County in Minnesota.

Cook was brought in to run the school because of his impressive academic resume, and the fact that DTNS had been struggling to get on its feet.

 Cook’s tenure at DTNS led to significant progress for the school including the construction of the first permanent building on campus in 1887, which was an important first step toward establishing the school as a practical institution. The structure was known as the Normal School Main Building, and it stood until 1925 when a fire burned it to the ground. Today, the remains of the building are known as the Arches and are located in Ida Henton Park on campus.

In addition to overseeing the construction of the Normal School Main Building, Cook was also responsible for the construction of the Wenona Cook Hall, which was named after his wife in 1889. Of course, the building still stands today and functions as one of the residence halls of many of the students living on campus.

However, Cook’s tenure was not solely focused on construction work. The first president worked endlessly to attract qualified faculty members and improve the academic curriculum within the school.

Outside of schoolwork, Cook was a highly active member of the Spearfish community. He served in the territorial legislature and participated in various organizations in an effort to demonstrate his commitment to the town and to encourage a strong relationship between his school and the community.

By the time Cook retired from the Dakota Territorial Normal School in 1918, the school had experienced a significant increase in enrollment. The campus had also expanded to include multiple new buildings and a women’s dormitory. 

Fayette L. Cook’s 33-year tenure as the first president of what is now Black Hills State University left a strong foundation and legacy for future leaders of the institution to build upon.