Black Hills State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Black Hills State University has 5 executives leading key functions including academic publishing, institutional strategy, student success, community engagement, and campus operations.

Dedicated to academic excellence, Black Hills State University fosters a supportive environment where students pursue over 80 programs to achieve real-world success and vibrant campus life.

Leadership Roles at Black Hills State University

  • Publisher and President - Letitia Lister
  • President - Kay Schallenkamp
  • President - Karen Mortimer
  • President - Robert Calvert
  • President - Dawn Hunter
  • Letitia Lister - Publisher and President

    Letitia Lister, the Publisher and President at Black Hills State University, directs all academic publishing initiatives and institutional leadership functions. Overseeing the dissemination of scholarly research, the Publisher and President ensures that academic output aligns with the university mission of preparing students for real-world success. This role involves managing editorial standards and coordinating with faculty to highlight the diverse academic programs offered at the institution. By integrating publishing strategies with broader educational goals, Letitia Lister strengthens the university reputation across the North American academic landscape. The Publisher and President also collaborates with department heads to promote community events and academic celebrations. Through rigorous oversight of publication quality, the Publisher and President maintains high standards for intellectual contributions. Ultimately, Lister drives the strategic vision for scholarly communication while supporting the overall growth and visibility of the university within the competitive higher education sector.
    Letitia Lister

    Kay Schallenkamp - President

    Kay Schallenkamp, the President at Black Hills State University, architects the overarching institutional strategy and long-term academic vision. Overseeing the administration of over 80 academic programs, the President ensures that the university provides a supportive environment for a diverse student body. This leadership role involves managing relationships with the Board and external stakeholders to secure resources for campus development. By focusing on student success and real-world preparation, Kay Schallenkamp drives initiatives that enhance the educational experience. The President also monitors institutional performance metrics to ensure alignment with regional educational standards. Through consistent engagement with faculty and staff, the President fosters a culture of innovation and academic rigor. Ultimately, Schallenkamp secures the financial and operational stability of the university, ensuring that the institution remains a cornerstone of the community while preparing graduates for professional excellence in a globalized economy.

    Karen Mortimer - President

    Karen Mortimer, the President at Black Hills State University, directs the expansion of student services and campus life initiatives. Overseeing the integration of extracurricular activities with academic curricula, the President ensures that students form lasting connections during the educational journey. This leadership role involves coordinating with student affairs teams to optimize the campus environment for personal and professional growth. By prioritizing student engagement, Karen Mortimer drives the development of programs that support the diverse needs of the student population. The President also manages community partnerships to facilitate real-world learning opportunities for the student body. Through active participation in campus events, the President promotes a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. Ultimately, Mortimer strengthens the university commitment to holistic education, ensuring that every student receives the necessary support to achieve individual goals while contributing to the broader campus community and regional development.

    Robert Calvert - President

    Robert Calvert, the President at Black Hills State University, executes the operational scaling and infrastructure development required to support academic growth. Overseeing the physical and digital resources of the university, the President ensures that facilities meet the demands of modern pedagogical methods. This leadership role involves managing capital projects and optimizing resource allocation to maintain a high-quality learning environment. By aligning infrastructure with the university mission, Robert Calvert drives efficiency across all campus departments. The President also collaborates with administrative leaders to streamline processes and improve service delivery for students and faculty. Through strategic planning, the President addresses the evolving needs of the institution in a competitive educational market. Ultimately, Calvert secures the long-term viability of the university by maintaining a robust operational framework that supports academic excellence and fosters a productive environment for all members of the campus community.

    Dawn Hunter - President

    Dawn Hunter, the President at Black Hills State University, directs external relations and community engagement efforts to bolster the university market position. Overseeing partnerships with local and regional organizations, the President ensures that the institution remains deeply integrated into the community fabric. This leadership role involves representing the university at public events and academic celebrations to enhance institutional visibility. By cultivating strong relationships with alumni and donors, Dawn Hunter drives fundraising initiatives that support scholarships and academic programs. The President also works with industry leaders to align curriculum with workforce requirements, ensuring that graduates possess relevant skills for the modern economy. Through proactive communication strategies, the President promotes the value of the university to prospective students and stakeholders. Ultimately, Hunter strengthens the university influence and reputation, ensuring that the institution continues to serve as a vital hub for education and community development.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Black Hills State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Black Hills State University?
    Black Hills State University is led by Letitia Lister (Publisher and President), along with executives such as Kay Schallenkamp (President) and Karen Mortimer (President).
    Who is part of Black Hills State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Black Hills State University includes leaders such as Letitia Lister (Publisher and President), Kay Schallenkamp (President), Karen Mortimer (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Black Hills State University have?
    Black Hills State University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Black Hills State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Black Hills State University includes roles such as Publisher and President, President, President, President, President.