BHSU celebrates faculty and staff accomplishments and career longevity

Black Hills State University honored faculty and staff members during the Employee Recognition Reception held recently. Awards were given for outstanding service and milestone years of service. More than 70 recipients were honored for nearly 1,000 years of service to BHSU.

Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., President, BHSU, thanked the faculty and staff for their commitment to the University.
“The energy that you put into your daily work makes this campus a better place for our student body. Your hard work is one of the reasons why students are thriving on campus,” said Jackson.

The purpose of the annual Faculty Awards is to recognize faculty on a University-wide basis for their work in teaching, scholarship, and service. Nominations were solicited from the faculty. Then, a committee of faculty from each of the six schools met to select this year’s recipients.

The 2018 University Faculty Awards include:

Desy Schoenewies, assistant professor of art, Outstanding Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity. Schoenewies was recognized for averaging three juried presentations annually throughout her tenure at BHSU. This last year she had 6 published works.


Dr. Jonathan Nero, associate professor of music, Outstanding Teaching Award. Nero was recognized for his exemplary instruction and passion in educating students. Nero directs several campus choral ensembles.

Dr. Pamela Carriveau, associate professor of political science and sociology, Outstanding Service Award. Carriveau was recognized for her leadership efforts with accreditation and civic engagement. Carriveau was also noted for the knowledge and resources she brings to campus.

Dr. Laura Colmenero-Chilberg, professor of sociology, Distinguished Faculty Member. Colmenero-Chilberg’s commitment to excellent teaching, scholarship, and service was noted in her selection as this year’s Distinguished Faculty Member. Read more

Each year the University recognizes individuals and groups who inspire higher levels of service to the students, university and community and create a more fulfilling atmosphere in the workplace for all employees. Nominations were sought from the entire campus community and were then reviewed by the employee recognition committee.
Each award recipient was honored with a plaque and a check from the BHSU Foundation for $100.

The 2018 University Awards include:

Richard Loose, director of Institutional Research, Community Service Award. Last year Loose served as President of the Spearfish Optimist Club and continues to serve as a board member. He has also worked in support of various groups including the Artemis House, Grace Balloch Memorial Library, Lawrence County Teen Court, Matthews Opera House, and Spearfish High School.

John Ginther, assistant director of Residence Life, Student Service Award. Ginther was recognized for going above and beyond to ensure students have a positive experience not just at BHSU but in life by mentoring, advising, and leading by example.

Administrative Information Management Services, University Area Award. The team of employees who comprise Administrative Information Management Services were noted for leading the University through software conversions. They were noted for their breadth of knowledge to make others jobs easier and more efficient.

Erica Whitiker, student engagement and program coordinator, Economic Savings Award. Whitiker helped establish the an activities phone app used on campus. Thanks to her work, dedication, innovation, and commitment, student communication has positively increased on campus.

Alan Bonde, business administration – management major from Spearfish, Outstanding Student Employee Award. A student employee in the IT area, Bonde is relied upon to fix complicated issues and often trains new students. Bonde was noted for his great customer service attitude.

Roxanne Lewis, program assistant, University Service Award. Lewis works within a fast-paced office and consistently delivers top-quality customer service as she coordinates the flow of many request. Her service leadership is displayed in her willingness to volunteer and her caring way of making those she works with feel special and important.

Anita Haeder, accounting assistant, Spirit of BHSU Award. Haeder has worked at BHSU for 50 years (read more) in a variety of roles and responsibilities. She has served as a mentor and trainer to countless new employees and a consultant for those who have succeeded her. She was noted for epitomizing the spirit of being a team player and finding a way to contribute no matter how large or small the role.

BHSU Facility Workers, University Impact/Special Committee Award. The work of the facility workers does not go unnoticed and is appreciated by all. The BHSU Facility Workers untiring commitment to service positively impacts the entire BHSU community.

Longevity awards were also presented to those employees celebrating milestone years of service.

5 years of service:
 Andrea Bakeberg, assistant director of SD CEO; Whitney Bischoff, West Complex director in Residence Life; Petra Bredberg, facility worker in Rapid City; Dr. Nathan Deichert, assistant professor of psychology; Summer Di Gioia, retention advisor in Student Support Services; Dr. Colin Garnett, assistant professor of mathematics; Ruben Gonzalez, facility worker; Diana Jones, accountant with CAMSE; William Kelly, director of grants; Jimmy Kleinsasser, shift supervisor with A’Viands; Dr. Cody Lawson, assistant professor of education; Karl Lehman, instructor of English; Chad Lundberg, information services specialist; Dr. Daniel May, assistant professor of mathematics; Robin Meyerink, instructor of accounting; Colleen Mischke, senior women’s administrator; Katie Nelson, program assistant I in Financial Aid; Dough Nieman, cook with A’Viands; Jean Osborn, program assistant I, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences; Elysia Pederson, child care worker; Kasey Salazar, human resources generalist II; Dr. Craig Triplett, assistant professor of exercise science; Dr. Denice Turner, assistant professor of education; Monet Vermette, assistant director of the University Bookstore; Erica Whitiker, student engagement and program coordinator; Michael Zorichak, senior building maintenance worker.

10 years of service: Aaron Bauerly, system librarian; Matthew Bauman, instructor of creative writing; Hannah Burtt, advisor with Jump Start; Dr. Ryan Clark, associate professor of communication; Dr. Scott Clarke, associate professor of digital communication; Dr. Lois Flagstad, vice president for Enrollment & Student Affairs; Gina Gibson, associate professor of digital communication; Dr. Kara Keeter, associate professor of physics; Glen Lammers, rodeo coach; Sue McGrath, instructor of education; Stephen Peep, grounds keeper; Jerry Rawlings, assistant professor of mass communication; Donna Vanden Hoek-Wiles, program assistant I in Finance & Administration; Karen Williamson, accountant in grants.

15 years of service: Pamela Arneson, lecturer of science; Deborah Balding, office supervisor in Residence Life; Dianne Darling, program assistant I in grants; Richard Eberlein, senior programmer analyst; Susan Hupp, director of Student Support Services; Dawn Kennedy, registration officer; Kristen Kilmer, assistant director of Marketing & Communications; Dr. Urla Marcus, director of American Indian Studies; Beth Oaks, director of Admissions; Ann Porter, professor of art; Garrett Stevens, systems software specialist; Julianna Tenold, Buzz Card administrator.

20 years of service: Jhett Albers, director of Athletics; William Baker, senior programmer/analyst; Dr. Susan Dana, professor of business law; Dr. Holly Downing, professor of biology; Dr. Amy Fuqua, dean of the College of Liberal Arts; Jodi Gabriel, program assistant I in Academic Affairs; Dr. Mike Isaacson, assistant to the vice president of Student Affairs – Title IX coordinator; Dr. Vincent King, professor of English; Tamara Lawson, lab manager for research centers; Richard Loose, director of Institutional Research; Michael Tiffany, custodial services supervisor; Scott Walkinshaw, head cross country coach/assistant track coach; Dr. Michael Zehfus, professor of chemistry.

25 years of service: Dr. Cheryl Anagnopoulos, professor of psychology; Dr. Daniel Durben, professor of physics; Dr. Jane Klug, dean of students; Anthony Silva, athletic trainer/instructor of physical education; Thomas Wheaton, director of Alumni Affairs

30 years of service: April Meeker, registrar

35 years of service: Steve Meeker, vice president for University Advancement

50 years of service: Anita Haeder, accounting assistant (read more)