Laurie S. Nichols

Laurie Nichols

Dr. Laurie Nichols wears many hats. Chief among them is President of Black Hills State University. This Colman, SD native earned a Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University, followed by a Master of Education degree from Colorado State University and a PhD in family and consumer sciences education from Ohio State University.

She began her career as a secondary teacher in Hill City. After a stint at the University of Idaho, Laurie became Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences at SDSU, then interim president of Northern State University before returning to SDSU as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. She spent three years as president of the University of Wyoming before serving as interim president for Black Hills State University and assuming the presidency in 2020. This lifelong educator is a first-generation college student herself.  Impacting young lives is the reason she entered the education profession, and it’s still her motivating force.

Laurie was an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow, class of 2006-2007, where she spent the fall semester on the campus of California State University at Fresno.  In 2020, the United States marked the centennial of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, commemorating women's right to vote. Laurie served on the education committee and coordinated a fundraising event with friends to benefit the work of the Her Vote. Her Voice. women’s history initiative which celebrated the occasion by providing education and advocacy across the state. In her spare time, Laurie enjoys any activity to get her outdoors - walking, hiking, gardening and admiring her perennial flowers.

Consider lifting up an incredible woman in your life today as a part of Women's History Month. Visit www.hervotehervoice.org/statewide-honor-wall to get started.