Black Hills State University searches for a new president as the current President Dr. Laurie Nichols plans to retire following the 2023 fall semester. The search continues as the application deadline approaches.
Nichols stepped into the role of president in 2019. She was hired to act as interim president for a year until a permanent applicant was found. However, Nichols says she fell in love with BHSU and the community. She accepted the permanent position when it was offered in November 2019.
Over the last four years, some of Nichols fond memories include the 2022 Swarm Days and traveling to Texas with the BHSU Men’s Basketball team to watch them compete in the Final Four Tournament. Although Nichols has thoroughly enjoyed her time in the Black Hills, she looks forward to enjoying retirement with her husband in their new home in Montana.
“I’m excited to go through fall semester thinking it probably will be my last and be able to do everything one more time. And this time, I’m going to enjoy the heck out of it.” Nichols said, when asked what she was most looking forward to during her last semester at BHSU.
In August 2023, the official website for the presidential search was launched. According to the proposed timeline, the final day for application material review is September 24. The goal for announcing the new president is set for late November or early December of this year. Nichols and other members of the search committee have spoken to numerous interested candidates. If a new president is not found during this search, Nichols has agreed to stay through May 2024.
“Someone who comes here has to really be able to embrace a small campus and all of the unique features a small campus brings you,” Nichols said, when describing traits of an ideal candidate. Nichols also mentioned the importance for the new president to have some experience as a senior level administrator.
Nichols described some of the priorities that she believes the new president should uphold. First, she explained the importance of enrollment and continuing to work diligently to increase the number of students each year and ensure students remain at BHSU until graduation.
Next, Nichols noted on the importance of the new president embracing the current strategic plan. The plan will provide tremendous improvements for BHSU, if the next president continues to work hard at it. December 2023 is the end of the first year of the five-year plan.
Nichols listed other priorities including the development of a Student Wellness Center, the addition of four to five new majors and student housing renovations. These are just a few priorities on the list of many improvements.
There is great optimism for finding the next president at BHSU. There is still a lengthy process to go through until there is certainty. Nichols encourages students to attend and participate in the on-campus interviews, which are scheduled to take place in November.
