BUILD DAKOTA ANNOUNCES ADMINISTRATION BOARD TRANSITION

SCOTT KNUPPE RETIRES; TENISE CHAPMAN APPOINTED

PIERRE, S.D. – The Build Dakota Scholarship Program recognized Scott Knuppe for his contributions to the Build Dakota Administration Board and welcomed Tenise Chapman as its newest member during the August board meeting.

Knuppe concluded his board service on June 1, 2026, coinciding with his retirement from Caterpillar in Rapid City.

“Scott has been an important part of the Build Dakota Administration Board,” said Dana Dykhouse, chair of the board. “His industry knowledge, connections and commitment helped guide the program as it grew and expanded its impact across South Dakota. We wish him the very best in retirement, and we are pleased to welcome Tenise to the board.”

Gov. Larry Rhoden appointed Chapman to succeed Knuppe on the Build Dakota Administration Board, which brings together community and industry leaders from across South Dakota.

Chapman and her husband, Weston, are Western Dakota Technical College alumni and co-owners of Black Hills Tire in Rapid City. She has helped lead the company’s commitment to community involvement, guided by her belief that a successful business should strengthen the community it serves.

A strong advocate for technical education, Chapman also serves on the Western Dakota Technical College Board of Trustees. She founded Camp DRIVE, a first-of-its-kind automotive camp that introduces youth ages 12 to 15 to automotive careers.

Selected from more than 100 nominees nationwide, Chapman was recently named a finalist for the Women in Auto Care Shop Owner of the Year. Tenise brings experience in business, education and workforce development to the board.

ABOUT BUILD DAKOTA

Since 2015, the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund has awarded more than 4,000 scholarships to students pursuing high-need programs at South Dakota’s technical colleges. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, books and other related expenses. Recipients commit to working in South Dakota in their field of study for at least three years after graduation.

A 2025 economic impact study conducted by the Dakota Institute found that Build Dakota generated an estimated $235.28 million in total economic output during its first decade. The program also supported the creation of 3,218 jobs and contributed $145.7 million to South Dakota’s gross domestic product.

Build Dakota was established through a $25 million gift from the late T. Denny Sanford and a matching contribution from the South Dakota Future Fund under former Gov. Dennis Daugaard. Their partnership created a lasting investment in South Dakota students, technical education and workforce development.