Index of University Press Releases

April 10, 2008

McGovern Center publishes textbook

MITCHELL, S.D. — The first college textbook produced by the McGovern Center for Leadership and Public Service, “Leadership and Service: An Introduction,” was recently released by Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company of Dubuque, Iowa.

Sen. George McGovern and Donald Simmons, associate professor and director of the McGovern Center at DWU, along with Dan Gaken of Central Michigan University, served as co-editors of the introductory college-level textbook.

Simmons and Gaken said the inspiration for the project came about as a result of discussions during an international leadership conference where college faculty expressed frustration about being unable to find the right book on leadership and service for their classes.

“We wanted a book written specifically for emerging leaders,” said Simmons. “The goal was to produce one that introduced students to basic leadership history and theory, but also incorporated a service element.”

More than 20 college and university faculty members served as contributing authors for the text, including three college presidents and directors of numerous university leadership programs. DWU faculty who serve as contributing authors include Karla Hunter, assistant professor of communication; Robert G. Duffett, DWU President; Simmons; and Donald Watt, vice president for academic affairs and dean. Former DWU faculty and staff who contributed to the project include Jeremy Christensen, now of Hillsdale College in Michigan, and Greg Christy, president of Northwestern College in Iowa.

Advance reviewers have been universal in their praise of the textbook, with colleges from California to North Carolina adopting the book for leadership courses.

“Too many of our college students are graduating without appropriate leadership training,” said Garrie Moore, vice chancellor of student affairs at City University of New York. “Educators and business leaders alike will find this book an informative and useful tool.”

Simmons said he has been very pleased with the positive response the book has received from leadership faculty around the country.

“It means a lot to me to know that faculty at schools like CUNY, Western Carolina University, Young Harris College and Grace College have already adopted our book,” said Simmons. “It is a clear indication that DWU is recognized as a leader in our field of study.”

Copies of “Leadership and Service: An Introduction,” which retails for $29.95, are available for purchase at the Dakota Wesleyan University bookstore, online and at most bookstores.