President

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SD Mines), a public university committed to academic excellence in science and engineering and to developing the next generation of leaders and problem solvers, is seeking a proven leader for the position of president to succeed Dr. Heather Wilson after four years of successful service and accomplishment. President Wilson recently accepted the appointment to the position of Secretary of the Air Force.

SD Mines was founded in 1885 to provide instruction to the region’s primary industry – mining – and has evolved into one of the leading science and engineering universities in the region. SD Mines serves as a conduit for the development of new technologies and world-class research. The innovation and ideas that flourish at Mines translate to new businesses and high-paying jobs in South Dakota and beyond.

SD Mines is organized around 14 academic departments administered by full-time department heads who report to the provost and vice president for academic affairs. Nearly 2,500 undergraduate and 375 graduate students take courses for completion toward 16 bachelor, 15 master and nine doctoral degree programs, in addition to eight certificate programs.

The SD Mines campus is located just a few blocks from downtown Rapid City. A gateway to the American West, Rapid City lies nestled between the Badlands National Park and the Black Hills National Forest at an elevation of 3,241 feet in western South Dakota. Rapid City’s population is over 70,000 with more than 200,000 in the Rushmore region. Home to the Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorials, the Black Hills offer a variety of year-round recreational pursuits. Protection offered from the adjacent mountains offers unexpectedly mild winters and more sunshine on average than Honolulu or Miami.

Candidates for the position should demonstrate evidence of significant and successful leadership experience; an understanding of STEM education and industry needs; a deep and abiding interest in student success, academic excellence, teaching and outstanding research; proven ability to lead the university’s fundraising efforts; and the interpersonal skills to develop productive relationships with all members and friends of the university community. A Ph.D. or equivalent degree is preferred. A comprehensive institution and leadership profile can be found at http://www.sdsmt.edu/presidentsearch/.

Inquiries, nominations and applications are invited. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by September 8, 2017. Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the leadership profile, and the names and contact information of five references. Candidate confidentiality will be respected and references will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. Inquiries and application materials should be sent via email to the college’s consultants, Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D. and Sophie Stava of Witt/Kieffer, at SDMinesPresident@wittkieffer.com. Questions may also be directed to the consultants through the office of Eden Stroud at 630-575-6154.

 

SD Mines does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment or the provision of service.