Black Hills State University's College of Education has been recognized with the 2026 Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement Award from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), a national organization that advances excellence in educator preparation through accreditation and continuous improvement. Black Hills State was one of 31 educator preparation providers nationwide to receive the recognition in 2026.
The Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement Award is awarded to educator preparation providers that achieved accreditation with no stipulations or areas for improvement by demonstrating strong evidence and data trends. Named after the founding President of the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), the award celebrates Murray’s legacy as a champion for rigorous educator preparation standards and his role in uniting the profession through the creation of CAEP.
Representing BHSU at CAEPCon 2026 in Arlington, Virginia, were Dr. Jarrett Moore, dean of the College of Education; Dr. Faye LaDuke-Pelster, department chair; and Jami Kesling, director of field experiences, who accepted the award on behalf of the university's College of Education.
“These providers are committed to preparing their candidates to make a positive difference in the lives of all K-12 students as soon as they enter the classroom,” said Stacey Edmonson, Chair of the CAEP Board of Directors. “The Murray Leadership Recognition highlights their dedication to continuous improvement, accountability, and quality through purposeful use of evidence.”
BHSU's College of Education prepares teachers, administrators, and other education professionals who serve communities throughout South Dakota, the region, and beyond. The college emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, strong partnerships with school districts, and evidence-based practices that support student success.
“Receiving this recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and school partners who work every day to prepare highly qualified educators for classrooms across the region," said Moore. “We are honored to be recognized among a select group of institutions across the nation for our commitment to excellence in teacher preparation.”