Laurie Nichols, who has served as president at Black Hills State since 2019, has announced her retirement.
Prior to BHSU, Nichols served as president of the University of Wyoming, and held leadership positions at South Dakota State and Northern State.
"Leading Black Hills State University has been a wonderful experience. I am so thankful for the path that led me there and the team we've built," said Nichols. "I am confident in the vision and future of BHSU and feel that the university is strong and well-posed for the next leadership."
During her term as president, university officials say Nichols expanded the BHSU Rapid City campus, strengthened partnerships with Ellsworth Air Force Base, and built on the academic partnership with the American Indian University of North America.
"As a native of South Dakota, serving public higher education in my home state has been a privilege," Nichols said. "The highlight is my role as President of Black Hills State University, where I had the remarkable opportunity to return to the same region where I began my career nearly 40 years later."
Nichols will stay in the position until a new president is hired.