Distinguished:
Dr. Charles Lein
part 2
President (1977-78)
"In 1977, Lein was named President of the University of South Dakota, USD in Springfield, and Dakota State College in Madison. At 35, Lein was the nation's youngest state university president. When Lein was hired, the South Dakota Board of Regents were debating the possibilities of institutional elimination and/or further administrative consolidation within the state's system of higher education. as a result, Lein was advised that by the time he arrived in South Dakota, he might be responsible for one campus, or for as many as five!
"Dr. Carroll Krause was USD Provost and had day-to-day leadership responsibilities for DSC and for USD-S. The late 1970's were difficult for all higher education: an energy crisis, double-digit inflation and interest rates, and an appropriate public outcry to do more with less. After being threatened with closure, DSC responded to the challenge to significantly modify its roll and mission. Several unique new academic programs replaced some which were duplicated in numerous locations throughout the state and region.
"Lein left USD in 1982 to become Chairman, President, and CEO of Black Hills Jewelry Manufacturing Company (d.b.a. Landstrom's Original Black Hills Gold Creations) in Rapid City. In 1991, Lein was named South Dakota's Small Business Person of the Year.
"In 1984, Lein became President and Chief Operating Officer of Stuller, Inc.
Source: DSU Archives, RG 8, DSU 132, Box 855.
Dakota State University • All rights Reserved
Completed by Spring 2004 Class of English 401
Last updated Spring 2004