Who We Are
What We Do
We help students—past, present, and future—succeed and thrive. At Black Hills State University, a degree means more than a diploma with a gold seal. It represents the friendships, experiences, challenges, and opportunities that shape a student’s journey and stay with them for life.
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The University Advancement team, made up of the Alumni Association and the BHSU Foundation, is dedicated to strengthening those connections. From matching donors with deserving students through scholarships to hosting events like Homecoming Swarm Days, we work to build meaningful relationships that support students and engage alumni for years to come.
About the Black Hills State University Foundation
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The Black Hills State University Foundation is located in the Joy (Proctor) Krautschyn Alumni/Foundation Welcome Center on the east side of campus at 1351 St. Joe Street. Ample visitor parking is available for guests. Founded in 1975, the Foundation exists to raise, receive, manage, and invest charitable contributions from donors who wish to support Black Hills State University. We oversee the distribution of gifts and the earnings generated from endowed funds, ensuring that every contribution is used exactly as our donors intend. The Black Hills State University Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, exempt from federal income tax. All contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with federal regulations. As a registered South Dakota non-profit corporation, the Foundation operates independently from the University while working in close partnership to fulfill its mission.
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Governance & Leadership
The Foundation’s work is carried out under the oversight of the BHSU Vice President for University Advancement, with guidance from the President of the University on funding priorities. Our Board of Directors plays an active role in policy development and major decision-making, meeting twice each year. Board members are elected to four-year terms and serve on various committees, bringing valuable expertise to support our mission.
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Investment Oversight
The Foundation’s Investment Committee provides strategic oversight of the Foundation’s investment portfolio. This includes selecting investment managers and making recommendations to the full Board for final approval. The BHSU President, Vice President for Finance, and Vice President for University Advancement serve as ex-officio advisors to the committee.
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Financial Accountability
The BHSU Foundation undergoes an independent annual audit to ensure transparency and accountability. Auditing firms may change periodically; currently, Ketel Thorstenson & Associates of Rapid City conducts the Foundation’s annual audits.
Foundation staff are responsible for preparing financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and maintaining strong internal controls to ensure accuracy and prevent misstatement. The auditors’ role is to evaluate these statements and issue an official Independent Auditor’s Report to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Meet Our Team
Vice President for University Advancement
STEVE MEEKER
Steve, a member of the Black Hills State University Administration, is responsible for all aspects of University Advancement. Advancement includes Alumni Advancement and fundraising through the BHSU Foundation. Steve welcomes every opportunity to share the vision of Black Hills State University while working with donors, alumni, and friends to achieve their goals for helping to build excellence at BHSU.
Call him at (605) 642-6228 or Steve.Meeker@bhsu.edu
Administrative Assistant
Christy Couch
Christy will likely be the first person to welcome you when you enter the Joy Center, the home of the BHSU Foundation and Alumni Association. She is the program assistant and office manager.
For general information call Christy at (605) 642-6385 or Christina.Couch@bhsu.edu
Director, Alumni Affairs
Tom Wheaton
Tom leads the BHSU Alumni Association. He welcomes alumni back to the campus for reunions and other events. On the road, he hosts alumni gatherings. He is always delighted to see alums who drop by his office to share fond memories or find out what is new at BHSU.
Call Tom at (605) 642-6446 or Tom.Wheaton@bhsu.edu
Director of Development & planned giving
SHAUNA JUNEK
Shauna is ready to help alumni and friends learn more about possibilities for giving to BHSU. She is knowledgeable about many ways for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals. Shauna meets with donors one-on-one both during her travels and through meetings on campus.
Call her at (605) 642-6203 or Shauna.Junek@bhsu.edu
Director of Athletic Development & Revenue Generation
Keighton hatten
Keighton is ready to help alumni, friends, and businesses learn more about possibilities for giving to the BHSU Athletic Department. He offers several ways for donors to accomplish their gift-giving—both during his travels and through meetings on campus. Contact Keighton if you want to become a BHSU athletic sponsor!
Call Keighton at (605) 642-6460 or Keighton.Hatten@bhsu.edu
Director of Scholarship
KANDA Guthmiller
Kanda oversees the scholarship award process, making sure that donor’s wishes are honored. She works closely with the Deans of the Academic Colleges. Also, she is the Director of Joy Center rentals.
Call Kanda at (605) 642-6335 or Kanda.Guthmiller@bhsu.edu
Chief Foundation Accounting Officer
Leah Shockey
Leah oversees all accounting activities for the BHSU Foundation. Her work is a vital part of the BHSU Foundation stewardship of donor gifts.
Call Leah at (605) 642-6220 or Leah.M.Shockey@bhsu.edu
Director of Digital Development and Revenue Generation
Rylan Bruns
Rylan manages online giving days, enhances online marketing efforts, and expands social media reach at the Foundation.
Contact Rylan at (605) 642-6146 or Rylan.Bruns@bhsu.edu
The BHSU Foundation Board of Directors
The BHSU Foundation, a non-profit South Dakota corporation, is governed by a Board of Directors. The by-laws state that “The Board of Directors shall have entire management and control of the business of the corporation… “ The full Board, which can have up to 25 members, meets twice a year on the BHSU campus. Various committees carry out duties throughout the year. The Directors are nominated and elected volunteers, who serve four-year terms. Board members work hand-in-hand with the BHSU President and other campus leaders to bring private support to the mission and goals of Black Hills State University. A list of current board members and their areas of expertise follows
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Daryl Johnson
President of the Board
Expertise: entrepreneur, politics
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Damian Ederhoff
Vice President of the Board
Expertise: CPA partner
Beth Benning
Secretary of the Board
Expertise: city finance officer
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Sandra Addy
Expertise: fund-raising
Marla Barnard
Expertise: human resource executive
Tamara Burke
Expertise: financial advisor​
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Judy Dryden
Expertise: special services director
Gary Johnson
Expertise: contractor/company president
John D. Johnson
Expertise: corporate CEO
Kathryn O. Johnson
Expertise: environmental consultant,
former SD Board of Regents
Craig Katt
Expertise: media
Les Lindskov
Expertise: hospitality, ranching
Jim Moravec
Expertise: advertising
Ron Meeker
Expertise: insurance, financial advisor
Julie Pechota
Expertise: Entrepreneurial ventures and sales
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John Griffin
Estate Planning Attorney
John is a specialist in estate planning and offers his services through the BHSU Foundation. He will custom design an estate plan that meets the giving needs of BHSU donors and their families. Donors can take the plan to their personal attorney for finalizing.
To set up an appointment call the Foundation at (605) 642-6385.
