Whenever Jade Herman, EdD, is in the prescence of
Crazy Horse Memorial®, she sees a legacy of connection that spans generations. As the newly appointed Chair of the Board — the youngest in the organization’s history — Dr. Herman brings a unique blend of academic rigor, cultural roots and a deep-seated passion for the Memorial’s humanitarian mission.
Originally from Mission, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Reservation, Dr. Herman’s ties to the Memorial are profound. Her great-grandfather was present at the Memorial’s dedication in 1948, appearing in historical photos alongside sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Chief Henry Standing Bear. “I never met my great-grandfather,” she said, “but I see his presence there as his way of supporting the idea of people from across different cultures coming together for a common goal.”
By day, Dr. Herman serves as the Associate Vice President for External Affairs at South Dakota Mines. Balancing the demands of higher education with the strategic oversight of a world-class cultural site might seem daunting, but Dr. Herman finds the two roles complementary.
For those who haven’t visited recently, Dr. Herman is quick to dispel the misconception that progress on the Mountain has slowed. Under the leadership of Chief Mountain Officer Caleb Ziolkowski, PhD, the project has embraced cutting-edge technology, including a massive tower crane and a robotic arm to assist with the carving. “We are embracing technology in new and innovative ways,” she said, “and seeing that progress is energizing.”
Beyond the Mountain, Dr. Herman is also passionate about the educational and humanitarian branches of the mission. Crazy Horse Memorial University®, in partnership with Black Hills State University, is moving toward year-round programming, offering Native American students a chance to earn college credits in a culturally supportive environment.
“The mission is to protect and preserve the cultures, traditions, and living heritages of the North American Indians,” Dr. Herman explained. “Growing up on the reservation, that is something very important to us. We want to share our culture and make sure the story is being told in the most respectful way possible.” The Memorial’s museums and cultural center are a vital piece to this mission, celebrating and preserving the diverse histories of more than 300 Native nations.
Dr. Herman sees the Memorial as a “beacon of hope” in a polarizing world. To her, the experience of standing on the Mountain is spiritual and grounding. “It fills my soul with good energy,” she said. “In today’s culture, things are so divided. The Memorial is a place where people are united. Every person walks away with a different reason for why this place is special, and collectively, that is why we exist.”
As Dr. Herman leads the Board into a new era, she remains focused on the future. “History is being written at the Memorial,” she said, “and I get to have a front-row seat.”
Pictured: Jade Herman, EdD
12151 Avenue of the Chiefs
Crazy Horse, SD 57730
crazyhorsememorial.org
