What does it mean for DWU?

By Dan Kittle, President of Dakota Wesleyan University

The gift from Roger and Vicki Musick to the Mitchell Public Schools and Dakota Wesleyan University has been described as transformative, amazing and even the biggest story in the history of Mitchell. I agree. And, in the midst of those descriptors, is reality: a clear reality of impact.

We are already seeing it through the KERNELS After-School Program. Children are finding a safe and constructive place to be after school, while parents are relieved of the financial and emotional stressors that come with arranging care. That signature investment—the KERNELS After-School Program—is clear and easy to describe.

The impact to DWU is multifaceted, and I’d like to unpack it further.

First, as announced in the Mitchell Republic, the DWU Education Department will provide free tuition for master’s degrees for Mitchell teachers and administrators. In addition, DWU will design and deliver custom graduate certificates tailored to the professional development needs of MPS educators and leaders.

Second, the Musick gift establishes scholarships for MPS graduates to attend DWU. These ensure that Mitchell’s young people have greater access to an affordable college education—especially those who aspire to become teachers themselves. We are finalizing the details of these scholarships now, and they will be available beginning with the Fall 2026 entering class.

Third, high school juniors and seniors who qualify for free or reduced lunch will be able to take DWU credits at no cost through our Bridge program, as well as discounted dual credits offered to all juniors and seniors. This opportunity will help level the playing field, giving more students a head start on college while reducing the financial burden on families. Even more, we hope these students don’t simply take classes at DWU, but also become engaged members of our campus community.

Fourth, the Musick gift ensures that DWU’s Education Department, already one of the best in South Dakota, will become the best in the region. That means Mitchell Public Schools will benefit directly, every DWU education student will gain from an even stronger academic program and countless school districts across the country will be shaped by DWU graduates who are ready to lead classrooms with skill and heart.

Finally, we recently announced DWU’s inaugural Director of Education and Community Engagement, Dr. Tressa Wede. Dr. Wede will lead and coordinate many of the initiatives launched by the Musick gift. And look for more news in the coming weeks and months as we begin to put a framework in place to support all of these wonderful projects.

Taken together, these plans advance a bold vision: that Mitchell can be the premier community for education in South Dakota; a community where teachers are supported, students are encouraged and families thrive.

As someone who grew up in Ohio but chose to make Mitchell home, I can say with confidence that there is something truly special happening here. The Musicks have given us not just a gift, but a charge—to turn resources into real, lasting change. At Dakota Wesleyan, we are committed to that charge. The future of education in Mitchell is brighter because of it.