University News


Schallenkamp will lead a student-centered effort


D


r. Kay Schallenkamp, who began as Black Hills State University's ninth president in July, is looking


forward to leading the university. "BHSU makes a significant difference


for our students as well as for the state and nation. Our size, our role and mis sion as well as our unique location, pro vide many opportunities for us," Schallenkamp says. "I want BHSU to be recognized as a premier university in the South Dakota system and the region and nation. To be known for our outstanding, high quality academic programs as well as our flexibility and our innovative approaches in responding to change. Schallenkamp lists stabilizing and


growing enrollment along with increas ing fundraising as


her immediate priorities at BHSU. These efforts will be rooted in the academic excel lence that has been estab lished at BHSU. We are fortunate to have


outstanding faculty and staff who provide high quality aca demic programs, she says. Schallenkamp notes that


she will be leading a grass roots effort with a student centered approach to accom plish these goals. She added that every decision she makes will be based on the needs of the students. "It takes the entire campus to recruit and retain students," Schallenkamp says. We must constantly remember why this university is here it's to prepare students for a successful career and productive citizenship." Schallenkamp, who


Schallenkamp


in higher education," Schallenkamp says. "Working in higher education, I'm sur rounded by young people who are full of hope, promise and enthusiasm. Frequently when I'm meeting with busi ness and industry leaders, I tell them they need to spend some time on campus to see the future of this country and to find comfort in knowing we will be in good hands." Schallenkamp is impressed


by the work and enthusiasm of today's students. She noted that her generation, which was heavily influenced by the Vietnam War, was very different than the current generation, which has been impacted by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. In recent years Schallenkamp has wit nessed students' commitment to volun teerism and service. "Yes, students are different, not worse,


arrived on campus this summer, is committed to finding ways to make BHSU emerge as a leader in the higher education landscape. Schallenkamp recog nizes that higher educa tion, in the state as well as on a national level, is changing, and she is dedicated to making sure that BHSU is readytorespond to the changes in tech nology and society. She looks forward to the challenges with enthusiasm and great appreciation for her job. "There is not a


better job in the worldthanbeing


not better, but different and our country is in good hands with these students," Schallenkamp says. "I treasure that I have been able to witness these changes. Being in higher education is an exciting place to work."


Schallenkamp says it's important for


faculty and students to embrace the ongoing changes in the information age and be ready to accept the challenges. "Technology is impacting every area


of our lives. As a university we need to ensure our students are prepared and have the skills to be competitive in that environment. To prepare students for the information age and the global economy we need to ensure that students are flexi ble and willing to embrace change," Schallenkamp says. She notes the ongoing impact of the information age and reiterates that we should be proactive in our efforts. "I'd like us to be ahead of other univer


sities. Scan the environment; see what can be done; then, go out and do it,"


Schallenkamp’s path to the BHSU presidency


munication disorders beginning in 1973. Becoming a uni versity president wasn't on Schallenkamp's mind at all when she began her career in higher education teaching speech pathology. She moved into administration relatively early in her


S


career when she was named director of Northern s speech and hearing clinic. That's when she decided she'd like to pursue a doctoral degree and continue to be involved in administrative duties. After earning her Ph.D., Schallenkamp was named graduate dean at Northern. She ended her tenure there as dean of graduate studies and research in 1988 and accepted a position at Chadron State College as provost. "The path to becoming a university president started


with my work at Chadron State College," Schallenkamp says.


She later served as vice president at the University of


White Water before being named president at Emporia State University. "I loved Emporia, and in my nine years there, I accom


plished a great deal. I saw this [the BHSU presidency] as an opportunity to return to South Dakota and be involved with a great university.


challenkamp began her higher education in South Dakota as a student at Northern State University. She returned to Northern State as an instructor of com


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