A look into Spearfish's own Black Hills State University
Spearfish is home to many things. The gorgeous Spearfish Canyon, the historic D.C. Booth National Fish Hatchery, the historic Matthew’s Opera House, world-renowned artist, Dick Termes’ Termesphere Gallery and more. It is also home to one of the six public universities here in South Dakota: Black Hills State University.
Where Yellow Jacket pride runs deep and with over 70 academic programs, students come from all over to study, train, and find their place at BHSU. A place where futures are bright and students make their mark in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
A Glimpse into History
The doors first opened in 1883, going by the title of Dakota Territorial Normal School. The school’s establishment was to train men and women in the art of teaching in education. Though, it did not stay known as “Dakota Territorial Normal School” for long. In 1889, it was dubbed State Normal School. 1941-it was given the title of Black Hills Teachers College. In 1964, it was changed yet again to Black Hills State College. Then finally, in 1990, it became known as Black Hills State University.
Since it the first students walked on the school’s grounds, the school has endured many challenges throughout its time. The largest building in Spearfish and the main classroom building on campus burned to the ground one January night in 1925. Part of that building can be found on the green of Ida Henton Park.
During WWII the school, known as Black Hills Teacher College at the time, transformed Wenona Cook Hall into an army barracks and mess hall. But despite a few setbacks and challenges, there were many advancements as well.
President Calvin Coolidge, during his summer in Black Hills, met with a group from the (at the time) State Normal School and the school’s president, E.C. Woodburn.
Music was also introduced to the school, with the first school band forming in 1903. Then, just a year later, the first orchestra and different musical clubs were also established. Today, the university offers ten different ensemble groups.
In the 1890s, athletic teams and groups began to be formed. In 1898, the first rugby football team was established. A women’s basketball began in 1903, with a men’s team forming soon after in 1906. Over the years, the athletic department has expanded and students from all over come to rep the Yellow Jacket jersey.
Go Yellow Jackets
The BHSU Yellow Jackets rep their green and yellow proudly, especially when cheering on their Yellow Jacket athletes in the 10+ different athletic teams that the university offers:
Men’s:
- Football
- Rodeo
- Basketball
- Track & Field
- Cross Country
Women’s:
- Rodeo
- Basketball
- Track & Field
- Cross Country
- Volleyball
- Softball
- Triathlon
- Golf
- Soccer
In the 1920s, the name ‘yellow jacket’ made an appearance on two separate accounts. The first, during a football game in 1927, a fan excitedly yelled at the team ‘Go you yellow jackets, go!’ as in referring to the team’s yellow-colored jackets. The second account was written in the centennial yearbook sharing that the striped socks the team wore gave the appearance of a yellow jacket’s colors. Thus, the famed mascot was adopted. In 2008, it received its official name: Sting.
Now, Sting can be found along with the students, alumni, and community cheering on the athletes every game, meet and match!
Photo Credit: BHSU Marketing and Communications
Campus Life & Academic Drive
Green & Gold Days welcomes new students and immerses them into campus while welcoming students to engage to various social events across both town and campus. Swarm Days, the annual homecoming week, brings students together through celebration and Yellow Jacket pride through various activities like the Burning of the BH, coronation, downtown parade and the big football game at the end of the week. Check out a performance put on by BHSU’s theater programs or grab some friends and play some games at Club Buzz.
With being in Spearfish, South Dakota there’s plenty of outdoor recreation for the outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, swimming, kayaking, skiing, rock climbing and more; there’s something for every student to explore.
From starting out as a teacher’s college, to now housing over 70 accredited programs and 100+ programs to study, Black Hills State University is a great place for your kid’s higher education future. The university has four separate colleges including College of Business, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences.
Black Hills State University prides itself on affordable tuition for both resident and non-resident students alike, while providing high-quality academics for students to thrive.
Photo Credit: BHSU Marketing and Communications
