DWU Cares About Town-Gown Relations

by Daniel R. Kittle, Ph.D., President, Dakota Wesleyan University

When I was in graduate school, I became deeply invested in what’s often called “town-gown relations” — the relationship between a university and the community it calls home. I studied these dynamics and worked professionally as a community partnerships coordinator, focused on strengthening the connections between campus and community. The work was both challenging and gratifying, as it impacted residents and students alike.

With those experiences in mind, how should I evaluate the relationship between Mitchell and DWU? More importantly, how would you evaluate it, identifying areas of strength and opportunities to grow?

Research suggests many ways to assess town-gown relationships, but I would summarize the most important questions as follows:

Are there regular, meaningful lines of communication — both formal and informal — between community and university leaders?

Are there collaborative efforts that benefit both students and community members?

In what ways does the university contribute to the local economy, and how does the local community invest in the university?

Is there a shared, forward-looking vision for the future?

Do university employees value their home community — and do residents, especially local leaders, value the presence of the university?

This column isn’t the place to unpack each question in detail. Instead, I’ll offer a brief evaluation and extend an invitation for future conversation. In short, I believe the relationship between Mitchell and DWU is extraordinarily strong and here’s why:

1. In addition to the regular gathering of Mitchell influencers that I host, DWU convenes community conversations on campus, offering space, facilitation, and programming that brings people together, whether through athletics, the performing arts or visiting speakers. We’re invited by local leaders to be “at the table” for important discussions about Mitchell’s future, and we’re proud to contribute.

2. Our athletic facilities are regularly used by Mitchell school students. In turn, those schools consistently welcome and mentor our future teachers.

3. We educate a significant number of Mitchell students through our Bridge Program, which allows high school seniors to take college-level courses on campus. The program not only helps accelerate their path to a degree, but also builds early familiarity with the college experience. The Mitchell Chamber launched and organized an internship program this summer that has benefited our students.

4. We’re also an economic driver for the region, generating tens of millions of dollars in annual impact. One example: DWU contributes $1.35 million each year to the local economy through purchases of services from regional vendors. And we are deeply grateful for the support we receive in return from individuals and businesses throughout Mitchell.

As DWU students prepare to return this fall, I remain committed to helping them understand the privilege, opportunity and responsibility of living in Mitchell. I also know that our students are, truly, welcomed. For that, I am grateful. While the DWU/Mitchell relationship is healthy, I am eager to make it even stronger.