BHSU students to benefit from hiring of director of corporate relations, a new position at the University

Hans Nelson, originally from Belle Fourche, was recently appointed as director of corporate relations at Black Hills State University. This is a new position at the University which plans to strategically expand mutually beneficial relationships with companies and corporations throughout the Black Hills, South Dakota, the U.S. and the world.

Black Hills State University recently appointed Belle Fourche native Hans Nelson as director of corporate relations. With this new position, the University aims to establish innovative and mutually beneficial relationships with companies and corporations throughout the Black Hills, South Dakota, the U.S. and the world.

Steve Meeker, vice president for University Advancement, said Nelson will immediately begin work seeking support for the BHSU Library renovation, fitness center expansion, Lyle Hare Stadium renovation as well as helping to increase online graduate enrollment with corporate partner employees.

"Hans is a very energetic young man that can't wait to get started. He is a northern hills native and is very happy to return home. I really feel that he is going to do well in this position. We're excited to have him on our team," said Meeker.

Meeker said Nelson's work will positively impact students at BHSU while also providing opportunities at BHSU for companies and their employees. Students will benefit through Nelson's focus on corporate recruiting where he will work with organizations to place BHSU students in internships and employment. Reimbursement programs for corporate employees to enroll at BHSU will also be created.

Nelson brings significant worldwide experience to BHSU, having accelerated fundraising aspects of several non-profit organizations. His previous work experience includes serving as assistant director at Xperitas, a nonprofit education organization promoting global immersion experiences, in Minneapolis and as customer service manager and camp director at Endless Horizons, a family of businesses promoting personal and organizational development, in Harrisburg, Va. Nelson also served as head teacher at a Montessori International School in Bonn, Germany and traveled the world as production manager through Up with People based out of Denver.

Black Hills State University is a masters-level state university with more than 4,200 students. The campus leads the region in sustainability efforts and maintains top academic programs in business (AACSB Accredited), exercise science, natural sciences, social sciences, the arts, mass communication, health sciences and education. The University, founded in 1883, is located in the northern Black Hills, a region abundant with outdoor activity and culture. Spearfish, S.D., is recognized as one of the top 10 most livable small towns in the USA and has also been recognized nationally for outdoor recreational opportunities. A second location, BHSU-RC, was recently established in Rapid City, the state's second largest city. BHSU, a member of NCAA Division II athletics, offers 14 sports. BHSU has a legacy of champion rodeo teams.