We help students, both past and present, succeed and thrive. When students graduate from Black Hills State, they leave with more than just a fancy seal on a framed diploma. They take away the friendships, fun times, crazy times, hard times, inspirations, opportunities, and challenges they encountered throughout their university career.
The University Advancement team consists of three branches: the Alumni Association, the BHSU Foundation, and the Yellow Jacket Foundation. From helping connect donors and deserving students with scholarships to coordinating alumni events at our Homecoming Swarm Days for both students and alumni to enjoy, we are here to make strong ties that will benefit you.
Scholarships
Success starts with our alumni, donors, and friends like you. By providing valuable support to the university throughout the years, you make it possible for students to have the opportunity to receive an exceptional education. From 2009-2010 there were 404 academic and 198 athletic scholarships awarded. Many students rely on this financial support with 10% of academic and 60% of athletic students receiving scholarships. However, BHSU ranks second to last in the state system in awarding scholarships. Contributions to Black Hills State help to ensure that the university will continue to produce quality graduates and are essential for many students.
Get Involved
Whether it is a small business owner, a 25-year veteran teacher, or a fine art performer, Black Hills State has a rich and proud history of alumni and friends transforming lives at the university and in the community. Stay connected with BHSU and get involved. Whether you want to volunteer your time, join a chapter, attend a game or take in a great performance or show on campus, you will always enjoy your experience.
Get Connected
Alumni and friends of Black Hills State University can also take advantage of a variety of networking and alumni community opportunities including news, events, and more. Check out the BHSU Facebook page and other ways to get connected with us. We are here to answer any questions you have so be sure to visit our contact us page.
The mission of The Yellow Jacket Foundation is to support Black Hills State and the Department of Athletics by encouraging, receiving, and managing gifts for athletic scholarships, facilities, and operations. The Yellow Jackets thrive on the contributions provided by The Yellow Jacket Foundation.
Ex Officio Members
BHSU President Laurie S. Nichols
Steve Meeker, Executive Vice President
Kathy Johnson, Treasurer
Shauna Junek, Director of Development
The Black Hills State University Alumni Association's mission is to provide leadership, organization, and planning for effective alumni activities which will contribute to the realization of the goals and objectives of BHSU. The alumni association can achieve this by developing a spirit of loyalty and fraternity among the alumni of BHSU to the degree that alumni will actively support the university in such programs, student recruitment, student relations and projects, public relations, and other timely programs as required to enhance the association and the university.
Ex Officio Members
BHSU President Laurie S. Nichols
Steve Meeker, BHSU Vice President of University Advancement
Tom Wheaton, Director of BHSU Alumni Relations, Executive Secretary
Harvey Krautschun, President of the BHSU Foundation
Ashley Pearson, President of the BHSU Yellow Jacket Foundation
The mission of the Black Hills State University Foundation is to provide private gift support for BHSU. The foundation's purpose is to communicate this to alumni, parents, friends, corporations, and foundations to obtain awareness, understanding, acceptance, and support. The foundation also addresses both the short-term operating and long-term capital and endowment needs of BHSU.
Ex Officio Members
Shauna Junek, Director of Development
Steve Meeker, '84 - Executive Vice President
Kathy Johnson, Treasurer
Laurie S. Nichols, BHSU President