BHSU honors longtime American Indian Studies instructor

SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) — Black Hills State University has honored a longtime instructor in its American Indian Studies program.

The Black Hills Pioneer reports that the school this week dedicated the Jace DeCory Center for American Indian Studies.

DeCory retired earlier this year after a 33-year career at the Spearfish school. She's a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe.

University President Tom Jackson says DeCory has been a leader in the Native American community, an influence on students over several decades and "the soul" of the American Indian Studies program.

The South Dakota Legislature established the Center for American Indian Studies at BHSU in 1974. Its purpose is to provide educational opportunities for Native American students, including opportunities to study the history, culture, and languages of Native peoples.