President
FORMER BHSU PRESIDENT JESSE GILBERT HAUSE PASSES AWAY
Former Black Hills State University President Jesse Gilbert “Gil” Hause passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Hause served as president of BHSU from 1977-1985. Hause, born July 26, 1929, in Fort Lupton, Colorado, to Jesse William and Evelyn (Frye) Hause, dedicated his life to education. He obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in teacher education from Colorado State College, followed by a doctorate degree in education from the University of Colorado. On June 15, 1952, he married Gertrude (Trudy) V. Kuntz in Greeley.
Hause enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in Newfoundland, Italy, Rhode Island, and Virginia during the Korean War, achieving the rank of lieutenant. Following his years of active duty, he continued to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve until his discharge in February 1963.
His career in education began at Colorado State College, now the University of Northern Colorado, where he held various positions including Vice President of Administrative Services and University Affairs and Assistant to the President. As liaison officer for the college, he assisted in establishing the Institute of Education and Research at the University of Dacca in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) where he served as the on-site Executive Officer in Dacca for two years. His career in higher education continued with a tenure as President of Black Hills State College (University) in Spearfish, South Dakota, and later, as President of Western State College, now Western Colorado University, in Gunnison, Colorado.
He is survived by two sons, David (Virginia) Hause and Patrick (Maria) Hause; a daughter-in-law, Joanne Hause Rohrer; five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his spouse of 68 years, Trudy; his parents; son, Douglas; three brothers, Al, Rich and Jo; and a sister, Mary.
A private family service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Field of Dreams, Inc., P.O. Box 217, Colusa, CA 95932 or at www.fieldofdreamsinc.org.
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