Steve Elliott became the 12th President of Black Hills State University in December of 2023. During his 20-year career in higher education, Elliott held the positions of Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Arts and Humanities, and Chair of Art and Design at Wayne State College. During his tenure at Wayne State, Elliott was responsible for overseeing the development of more than 30 new academic programs and partnerships, resulting in substantial undergraduate and graduate program enrollment growth.
Elliott holds a Master of Fine Arts degree, the highest accolade in his field, from the University of Maryland, College Park. As a first-generation college student, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Kansas through the Montgomery GI Bill.
Before entering academia, Elliott served a four-year active-duty tour in the United States Marine Corps. After returning from deployment overseas, he was appointed as the Chief Marksmanship Instructor at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Beyond his academic and military background, Elliott has been recognized for his extensive involvement in the arts and humanities. Over the past 20 years, his large-scale sculptures and mixed-media works have been featured in more than 100 exhibitions and collaborations in 26 states nationwide.
Elliott and his wife, Molly, have three children. The family enjoys skiing, hiking, and all the outdoor amenities that can be found year-round in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. They are also keen on attending Black Hills State University fine and performing arts along with collegiate athletic events.
