STEVEN LINDQUIST
CAREER DEDICATED TO THE MENTAL HEALTH OF ALL
1951 • CATEGORY MEDICAL
• HOMETOWN SIOUX FALLS, SD •
NOMINATED BY THOMAS OTTEN
Steve Lindquist has spent his entire professional career in South Dakota, working to improve the lives of countless individuals suffering from mental health challenges, addiction, neglect, and abuse. His focused determination comes from a sincere belief in the inherent worth and dignity of each person and the obligation we have to help others, particularly those less fortunate who have conditions that are often misunderstood, stereotyped, or stigmatized by society. As a professional social worker, Steve has worked as a direct service provider, an executivelevel administrator, a policy-maker, and an educator. Tens of thousands of people across the state have been helped through programs he has developed or directed. After graduating from the University of South Dakota, Steve’s first job was as a Mental Health Aide at the South Dakota Human Services Center (HSC) in Yankton, SD. Only
34 • 2021 HONORS CEREMONY
sixteen years later, Steve would become the youngest Administrator in HSC’s over 100year history. Steve earned a Master of Social Work degree from Michigan State University, completing a dual emphasis in mental health and administration. These areas would become twin pillars of his career. Upon graduation, Steve returned to South Dakota to work in child protection but was asked to return to HSC to join their initiative to enhance treatment services for patients. In 1989, Steve was appointed Administrator of HSC in the wake of a tragic event that led to the termination of the facility’s two top administrators. During this time of great challenge, Steve worked to improve safety and security for the Yankton community, patients, and staff; and helped the community, staff, and the state regain
