Since being inaugurated as president in 2014, Dr. Tom Jackson has led the university through changes that are already greatly enhancing the teaching and learning environment and create additional opportunities for students. Prior to his arrival at BHSU, he served as vice president for student affairs at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. During that time he also served as the elected president of the American College Personnel Association, which provides outreach, advocacy, research and professional development to foster college student learning. He also has extensive experience in higher education student affairs, including positions as vice president for student affairs at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, dean of students at McMurry University in Texas, and director of the Student Activities Center at the University of Texas-El Paso, among others.

Black Hills State University is a four-year public liberal arts institution of higher learning with 75 academic programs at the associate, bachelor and master degree levels. Located in Spearfish, South Dakota, the school educates over 4,000 students each year, including students from all 66 counties in the state.