Ann Chastain, who is retiring after 32 years at BHSU, began her longtime career with the university working in the printing center. She later transferred to the business office where she was responsible for payroll for many years. She later transferred to the student life office.

“Ann made a big impact on the people she met and befriended at BHSU,” says Dr. Judith Haislett, vice president for student life. “Her dedication, her willingness to help and her thoughtful gestures are all part of her legacy here.”

Colleagues who worked with Ann during her early years at BHSU remember her collection of fashionable high-heeled shoes, often with hats to match, her big rings and her affinity for “muscle cars.”

She is also remembered for being a “master cook” who contributed a variety of succulent delights to office pot lucks and get togethers.

While at BHSU, Chastain was a member of the South Dakota State Employee Organization and the Career Service Advisory council. She was also a frequent library patron and avid reader who loves to continue learning new things.

Chastain says she enjoyed her time at BHSU and noted that she has made some lifelong friends with the people she worked with through the years. Even in retirement, she meets fellow BHSU employee Margaret Kleinsasser regularly for lunch and other outings.

“I miss seeing the people every day. I enjoyed working with the people at Black Hills State,” Chastain says.

From her time as an assistant in the printing center, to calculating payroll for the business office, coordinating office needs in the student life office, Chastain found friends and will be missed by colleagues.

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