Dr. Lois Flagstad, vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs, and Dr. Chris Crawford, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, both recently announced they plan to retire from Black Hills State University in June.
Flagstad, who came to BHSU in 2007, has a long and impressive career as a higher education professional. Prior to joining the staff at BHSU, she served 16 years at the University of Nebraska at Kearney where she was Dean of Students. Flagstad noted that being involved with exceptional international service learning programs at BHSU and at UNK was one of the highlights of her career.
During her 12 years at BHSU she was instrumental in a student-focused residential hall rejuvenation which included the construction and opening of Bordeaux Hall. The number of student clubs and organizations on campus also increased during her tenure, and TRIO/Student Support Services consistently met or exceeded goals for student graduation and retention of students in the program.
“Throughout my career my work has always centered on helping students find their place in the world,” Flagstad said. “I admire and thank the dedicated staff and faculty that I’ve worked with at BHSU who provide exceptional service and opportunities for students.”
Crawford, who has served as provost at BHSU since 2016, retires with significant academic and leadership accomplishments. His previous positions include serving as associate provost at Fort Hays University and as a faculty member. Crawford has published (with co-authors) more than a dozen books, many articles in refereed journals, and publications and presentations for professional conferences.
In his four years at BHSU, Crawford successfully led the completion of HLC, CAEP, and AACSB accreditations, and oversaw a 50 percent increase in the number of online students. Several new, high-demand academic programs were added under Crawford’s leadership including a master’s degree in special education; a streamlined master’s in business administration; an associate’s degree in business; a certificate in adventure education and the corporate communication degree being offered completely online.
“It has been a pleasure to work with such dedicated colleagues at BHSU. I’m constantly amazed with the results of our outstanding faculty and their passion for educating the next generation of leaders,” Crawford said.
BHSU President Laurie S. Nichols expressed her gratitude and appreciation to both of the retiring administrators. She noted that their commitment and service to BHSU students and the community has had a positive impact in student success and on the advancement of academic excellence at the university.
Search committees are currently being formed, and national searches for both positions will commence immediately.