Dr. Priscilla Romkema is stepping down as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at Black Hills State University to focus on personal priorities.
Romkema, who joined BHSU as a faculty member in 1997, has held many roles at BHSU over the years, most recently serving as provost and prior to that as dean of the College of Business and Natural Sciences where she directed and managed the initial AACSB Accreditation efforts for the BHSU School of Business.
“I wish to thank Dr. Romkema for serving as provost for the past year. While I wish her time as provost were longer, I understand her desire to spend more time with family. I wish her the very best in this next phase of life,” BHSU President Laurie Nichols said. “Priscilla provided strong academic leadership not only as provost but throughout her many years at BHSU. I sincerely thank her for her years of dedicated service and the legacy she leaves at our University.”
Over the years Romkema has received numerous recognitions and awards for both her dedication to BHSU as well as her involvement in the Black Hills community. Recent local accomplishments include being named Associate Professor Emeritus, being honored with her second Spirit of Spearfish Award from the Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce, and being selected for the Elders’ Wisdom, Children’s Song program.
Romkema says that a highlight of her time at BHSU has been supporting and strengthening the student experience at BHSU.
“I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to return to Black Hills State University this year to serve as the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. It has been rewarding and inspiring to work with such a great team at BHSU! Special thanks to President Laurie Nichols for her strong leadership at the University.”
In addition to the academic positions Romkema has held, she also served as a training advisor with the Environmental Policy and Technology Project in Russia and as an office manager in London, England. She most recently served as the Monument Health Foundation President from 2017 to 2020.
As she retires from Black Hills State University, Romkema plans to have new adventures while continuing to support the university. “As you might expect, after serving for close to 21 years in various roles at BHSU and graduating from BH in 1979, I will continue to serve as a strong supporter of Black Hills State University in the community and the region.”