PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Board of Regents announced four finalists who are in the running to become
the next president of Black Hills State University. The Chair of the presidential search process, Regent Jeff
Partridge, expressed his satisfaction with the quality of candidates who applied and confirmed that the finalists
will visit the university campus in Spearfish from November 13-14. During their visit, they will meet with
constituents and regents to further discuss their candidacy.
The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, are as follows:
• Dr. Matt Cecil is originally from South Dakota. He currently serves as the Provost and Executive Vice
President for Academic and Student Affairs at Northern Kentucky University, located in Highland
Heights, Kentucky. Previously, he has worked as a dean, interim provost, and senior vice president for
academic affairs at Minnesota State University (MSU)-Mankato. Dr. Cecil has also been a faculty
member at Wichita State University and South Dakota State University. He holds a Ph.D. in mass
communication from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in history from MSU-Mankato.
• Dr. Frederich Chilson is the current Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lewis-Clark State
College (LCSC), located in Lewiston, Idaho where he previously served as dean. Additionally, Dr. Chilson
was a faculty member, and department chair at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana
and also worked as a faculty member at Eastern New Mexico University and Adams State University. He
spent time in the private sector early in his career. Dr. Chilson holds a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction
with emphasis in learning technology from New Mexico State University, as well as a master’s degree in
human resource development from Idaho State University.
• Steve Elliott currently serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wayne State College (WSC) in
Wayne, Nebraska. He has been part of the WSC community since 2003 and has held various positions,
including faculty member, department chair, and dean, before accepting a vice president role in 2016.
Elliott holds a master of fine arts degree (the highest degree in that field) from the University of
Maryland and served in the US Marine Corps.
• Dr. Angie Fincannon is the current Dean of the College of Business at Indiana Institute of Technology in
Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has a diverse background, serving as a collegiate-level volleyball coach, faculty
member, dean, assistant provost, and athletic director at Taylor University. Later, she held the position
of vice chancellor for advancement at Indiana University Purdue University – Fort Wayne. Dr. Fincannon
has an Ed. D. in educational administration and a master’s degree in education and administration from
Ball State University.
During their visit to the campus, the candidates will have the opportunity to meet with faculty members,
students, administrative and professional staff, civil service employees, representatives of the BHSU Foundation,
university alums, and the Spearfish community. On Tuesday, the Board of Regents will hold private meetings
with each finalist and with the campus representatives of the search committee.
