Dr. Brian Tande became the 20th president of South Dakota Mines in January 2025, bringing to the role a distinguished record of leadership in engineering education, research, and innovation. With a deep commitment to student success, academic excellence, and industry collaboration, Dr. Tande is guiding the university into a new era of growth and innovation.
Prior to his presidency, Dr. Tande served as dean of the College of Engineering and Mines at the University of North Dakota (UND), where he advanced interdisciplinary research initiatives, expanded student engagement, and strengthened partnerships with industry and government. During his 17-year tenure at UND, he also served as professor and department chair in chemical engineering and as director of the Jodsaas Center for Engineering Leadership and Entrepreneurship—demonstrating a lifelong dedication to cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders.
Before entering academia, Dr. Tande built a successful career in the private sector, leading research, product development, and technical management efforts in the plastics and composites industry. His dual experience in industry and higher education informs his collaborative, forward-thinking approach to institutional leadership.
Dr. Tande holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota. He and his wife, Dr. Desiree Tande, both grew up in Stanley, North Dakota, and are proud parents of four children.
Inauguration Ceremony
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
3 – 4 p.m. MT
Goodell Gymnasium, King Center
South Dakota Mines Campus
Rapid City, South Dakota
Following the ceremony, a celebratory concert will be held from 5 – 8 p.m. at the
O’Harra Stadium parking lot.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the King Center’s Fraser
Gymnasium.
Registration page will be coming soon.
A link to the ceremony livestream and program will be available here the day of the
ceremony.
For more information, please contact president@sdsmt.edu or 605.394.2257.
Important Information
- Other higher education institutions are welcome to send delegates to the ceremony. Delegates will participate in the academic processional in full academic regalia and be recognized in the printed program.
- If you would like to register as a delegate, please email president@sdsmt.edu no later
than July 25, 2025 with the following information:
- Delegate’s full name and title
- Contact information
- Participation in the processional
- Attendance at the post-ceremony concert
- Additional event details, including parking, arrival times, and robing instructions will be provided upon confirmation.
- Academic regalia or business formal attire is requested for speakers and delegates from other institutions participating in the ceremony’s processional.
- Casual attire is welcome for the post-ceremony concert.
- A special rate for hotel rooms is being offered at [insert hotel information]. Call [insert phone number] to secure rooms in the South Dakota Mines inauguration block by [insert deadline].
- Parking will be available in any campus lots (link to campus map).
- Platform guests, invited speakers, and delegates will have reserved parking in the south King Center lot.
- Campus Safety will not be ticketing the day of the ceremony.
- Rapid City band The RathCo will headline the post-ceremony concert from 5 to 8 p.m. MT at the O’Harra Stadium parking lot.
- Food trucks and a beer garden will be available. Card or cash will be accepted.
- In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to Fraser Gymnasium in the King Center.
- Dr. Jade Herman, Chair
- Dr. Haley Armstrong
- Ms. Michelle Chikos
- Mr. Dane Finnesand
- Ms. Stephanie Lindsley
- Ms. Angela Mettler
- Mr. Seth Nichols
- Ms. Rachel Skea
- Dr. Bryce Tellmann
- Mr. Jacob Vostad
- ROTC Rep TBD