Laurie Becvar of the University of South Dakota Named President of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation

The University of South Dakota has announced that Laurie Becvar, dean of the Graduate School and senior associate provost at the university, will be leaving her post on June 21 to take the position of president and chief operating officer of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation.

The foundation has been instrumental in establishing the Indian University of North America which operates a summer bridge program for American Indians before they enter the University of South Dakota.

Dr. Becvar joined the administration at the University of South Dakota in 2004 as dean of statewide educational services and was promoted to dean of the Graduate School in 2009. Prior to joining the staff at the University of South Dakota, she served as chief academic officer at Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She was also the dean of academic affairs and graduate programs at Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota.

Dr. Becvar is a graduate of Wichita State University in Kansas. She holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of South Dakota.