BHSU HOLDS INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR PRESIDENT STEVE ELLIOTT

Steve Elliott was officially inaugurated as the twelfth president of Black Hills State University at the Inauguration Ceremony held at the Donald E. Young Center Friday, April 11. Elliott has been serving as President of BHSU since December 2023 when he took over for Dr. Laurie Nichols after her retirement in Fall 2023. 

Several prominent state and local officials spoke during the ceremony including South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, SDBOR Executive Director and CEO Nathan Lukkes, Major John Lundeen from the South Dakota Army National Guard, and others.  

“I want all of our universities to do well, but I especially want Black Hills State to do well. That might have to do with the fact that all four of my sons attended college here at Black Hills State,” Governor Rhoden said during his greeting to the President. “We need to keep nurturing talent in South Dakotans. We need to keep them in our state, and we also need to keep them in this part of the state. President Elliott is doing just that.” 

After greetings from various officials, Elliott was presented with a Star Quilt from the BHSU Center for American Indian Studies, a Lakota tradition used to honor loved ones upon their return from battle. The quilt serves as a reminder of the significance and honor that comes from giving to others. 

Later in the ceremony, Elliott addressed the crowd during his Presidential response. “It is with gratitude and deep humility that I stand before you today as the twelfth President of Black Hills State. I am beyond honored to join this legacy,” Elliott said. 

During his speech, Elliott outlined several key priorities for his presidency, including growing enrollment, increasing scholarship funding, fostering academic innovation, and strengthening collaborations with state and local partners. He also emphasized ongoing partnerships with organizations like Monument Health, the Sanford Underground Research Facility, the Indian University of North America at Crazy Horse Memorial, Spearfish Public Schools, and other area school districts.

“As we move forward, I remain confident in the future of Black Hills State. The enthusiasm of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the support of our alumni and community continues to drive our success.” Elliott continued in his closing remarks. “Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Black Hills State—one that honors its past while embracing the possibilities of the future.” 

Before the inauguration ceremony concluded, Major Lundeen announced that BHSU has officially been recognized as a Purple Heart University for its commitment to supporting military personnel and veterans. He also recognized three Purple Heart recipients: Wayne Mundt, Bill Dunbar, and Lars Perry. 

“Sergeant Perry is also here as a representative of the Military Order of the Purple Heart,” Major Lundeen explained. “As officially recognized in our new status as a Purple Heart University, BHSU joins South Dakota State University as the only other university in the state with this designation." 

Prior to coming to BHSU, Elliott spent many years at Wayne State College serving in various key positions including faculty member, department chair, and dean. In 2016, he assumed the role of Vice President of Academic Affairs where he displayed a commitment to fostering educational growth and innovation. 

Elliott has a Master of Fine Arts degree, the highest accolade in his field, from the University of Maryland. Prior to that, he had completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Kansas. Elliott also served in the United States Marine Corps prior to his career in higher education.  

Beyond his academic and military background, Elliott is also an artist specializing in large-scale sculptures and mixed media. His works have been featured in 26 states nationwide.  

Elliott and his wife, Molly, have three children. 

A full video of the inauguration ceremony will be available soon at BHSU.edu/Inauguration.