Farley named Dean of the BHSU College of Business and Natural Sciences

Black Hills State University welcomed Dr. Greg Hunt Farley as Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences at BHSU, effective June 22.

Farley brings to BHSU three years of experience as Dean of the College of Science, Technology and Mathematics at Fort Hays State University in Kansas. As the inaugural dean of his college, Farley set a standard of prioritizing a student-centered philosophy. He grew enrollment in graduate and undergraduate programs, successfully developed fundraising to support his new college, expanded retention and undergraduate research activities, and developed faculty retention strategies.

Prior to his appointment as Dean at Fort Hays, Farley served as Chair and Professor of Biological Sciences.

“At every step of the search process we all shared the singular goal of finding the best candidate to continue to elevate the Schools of Business and Natural Sciences at BHSU,” said Dr. Chris Crawford, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “I have every confidence that Dr. Farley is up to the task of leading our faculty and students in the attainment of high-quality education, innovation, and student success.”

Farley says it was the high-quality faculty and students at BHSU who had a major influence in his acceptance of his new position as Dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences (CBNS) at BHSU.

“I have seen a clear commitment by faculty at BHSU to helping students learn and be successful, which is precisely the type of college environment I support. There are outstanding teachers, researchers, and teacher-scholars in the CBNS, and our students benefit greatly from their experience, expertise, and commitment,” said Farley.

At BHSU, Farley said his overarching goal is helping students realize their dreams and ultimately succeed after graduating.

“That is the lens through which I try to consider priorities. To achieve that I will emphasize supporting faculty needs, student activities within and beyond the traditional classroom and laboratory, and find ways to engage with groups beyond campus,” said Farley.

Farley’s academic foundation is in teaching and student-centered research. He taught for 20 years at Fort Hays State University where he received many honors including the Outstanding Graduate Faculty Advisor Award, Mortar Board Teaching Award, and the President’s Distinguished Scholar Award. He also taught at the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and Kansas State University.

Farley has served on 110 master’s committees in biological sciences, geosciences, English, Psychology and Fine Arts. He was an advisor for 18 graduate theses and mentored more than 130 student volunteers assisting with a long-term bird banding project.

Internationally, Farley brings significant global experience to BHSU including field research, educational, and cultural travel experiences in Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and China.

Farley received his doctorate in biology from the University of New Mexico, master’s in biology from Kansas State University, and bachelor’s degree in natural resources from Cornell University in New York.

Noting the study of bird behavior and ecology as his specific area of interest, Farley said he values time outside and in nature and has already enjoyed his first few weeks in the Black Hills. Students may see Farley on the local disc golf courses, one of his favorite pastimes.

The size of BHSU and overall feel of campus left a positive impression on Farley when he visited Spearfish.

“The faculty have been very welcoming and supportive, which reflects a positive environment for students,” said Farley. “Together we can continue to make BH a great choice for students with interests in business and the natural sciences.”

Farley succeeds Dr. Eileen Hogan who served as interim dean in 2017-18.

About the College of Business and Natural Sciences
The College of Business and Natural Sciences at BHSU is dedicated to delivering quality business and natural science programs to students. Through innovative instruction, mentoring, research, and service, the College develops business and natural science graduates who can compete effectively in a dynamic global environment. The College of Business and Natural Sciences is a premier, student-centered college, where students can fulfill their potential in a liberal arts and sciences setting. The College embodies an efficient, service-oriented culture that is responsive to the needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and society. For more information on the College of Business and Natural Sciences at BHSU, visit http://www.BHSU.edu/Academics