Index of University Press Releases

Sept. 19, 2008

Simmons and Watt Provide Testimony for Legislative Hearings

MITCHELL —Donald Simmons, dean of the College of Public Service and Leadership, and of Graduate Studies at Dakota Wesleyan University, and Donald Watt, McGovern Fellow, testified before a legislative subcommittee review hearing in Oacoma on Sept. 15.

Chaired by House speaker Thomas Deadrick, the subcommittee questioned Simmons, Watt and others in attendance to share their thoughts on the successes and shortcomings of several state programs that are housed in the department of tourism and state development.

Simmons commented on the positive role state assistance played in the establishment of the George and Eleanor McGovern Legacy Museum on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University, and in particular the assistance provided in promoting the new museum located on the campus in Mitchell.

"South Dakota is blessed to have a tourism office, state arts council and a historical society that contribute much to our quality of life," said Simmons.

Watt spoke of the challenges of recruiting highly educated and capable faculty to teach at a small liberal arts university in the midwest.

"One of the first things faculty applicants ask about is the quality of life in our state and what we have to offer culturally," said Watt. "The various state agencies do an excellent job given their resources."

Others from Mitchell providing testimony to the subcommittee included Lyle Swenson and Brad Ciavarella, both of whom spoke about historic preservation in Mitchell and elsewhere in South Dakota.