By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

Dr. Tom Jackson Jr., one of five finalists for the Fort Hays State University presidential position, has accepted the presidency at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D., according to a press release on the university’s website. Jackson will take over at BHSU on July 3.

“Tom Jackson has dedicated his professional life to improving the student experience, and that kind of student-centered focus is very important to the success of Black Hills State University and our public university system as a whole,” said Regent Kathryn Johnson, chairwoman of the search committee. “The search committee was also very impressed with Dr. Jackson’s experience in leading large and small teams through strategic planning and organizational change, as well as his demonstrated record of cultivating strong relationships on the campuses where he has worked and with local communities and business partners.

“We look forward to Tom’s leadership as BHSU continues on its course of growth in enrollment, resources, and research,” she added.

Before accepting the role at BHSU, Jackson served as vice president of student affairs at the University of Louisville. Current FHSU President Edward Hammond, who is retiring at the end of this academic year, held the same role before he came to Fort Hays State.

Black Hills State serves approximately 4,500 students.

Another finalist, Dr. Michael Droge is also a finalist to become chancellor at Montana State University.

The other finalists for the FHSU position are:

• Dr. Tisa Mason, vice president of Student Affairs at Fort Hays State

• Dr. Mirta Martin, dean of the Reginald F. Lewis School of Business at Virginia State University

• Dr. Gregory Mosier, dean of the College of Business at the University of Nevada-Reno