DWU's vision for the future drives Mitchell's economy through education, innovation

Nov. 12—MITCHELL — Dakota Wesleyan University isn't just educating students — it's shaping Mitchell's future.

At a Tuesday event speaking to local community members and key stakeholders, university leaders spotlighted DWU's economic impact, workforce development initiatives, and future plans, including a new nursing program and a goal to hit 1,000 students during President Dan Kittle's tenure.

As an educational institution, DWU has long been a cornerstone of Mitchell's economy and culture. Kittle emphasized that DWU plays a critical role in shaping the future of both the students it educates and the local community it serves.

"We're not just an educational institution; we're a key player in the local economy and workforce," Kittle said. "We provide high-quality education and create opportunities that directly benefit Mitchell and the surrounding region."

DWU's economic influence on Mitchell is substantial. The university employs 184 people who contribute directly to the local economy, generating an estimated annual economic impact of around $20 million. This contribution comes not only from employment but also through hosting over 70 community events and more than 100 athletic events each year on campus.

The university's reach extends beyond Mitchell. Nearly half of DWU's new students come from out of state, with 95% hailing from outside Mitchell. This influx brings new skills and ideas to the region, enhancing its economic landscape. Kittle noted that many students choose to remain in South Dakota after graduation, further enriching the community.

"There's a significant impact on the local economy as students come to town, and many of them choose to stay long after they graduate," said Kittle. "These are new faces, new talents, and they contribute to our community in meaningful ways."

DWU alumni also have a strong presence in the local workforce. Approximately 1,075 DWU graduates live within a 20-mile radius of Mitchell, with 874 of those residing in Mitchell itself. Notably, DWU's nursing and education programs are a major source of local talent. In Mitchell, 92% of nursing graduates remain in the state, and 24% of them choose to stay in Mitchell. Additionally, around 30% of Mitchell School District teachers are DWU graduates, highlighting the university's role in preparing the region's future workforce.

As of fall 2023, DWU had 904 total students, including 767 undergraduates,

according to the university

. About two-thirds of the total student population attended classes on the Mitchell campus, with another 100 in hybrid programs between Sioux Falls and graduate programs and 85 were enrolled in oline programs.

The importance of higher education institutions in communities cannot be overstated. Terry Nebelsick, former superintendent of schools for the Huron School District and member of the DWU Board of Trustees, emphasized this during the gathering by recalling the closure of Huron University in 2005. He noted that the loss had a profound impact on the community.

"The change in the community that resulted from losing all the employees, losing their families, losing the intellectual capital, it took us about a decade to recover and redefine who we were

"Nebelsick said.

One of the university's most exciting initiatives is its new nursing program launched in Rapid City. In partnership with Monument Health and Elevate Rapid City, DWU introduced an associate of science degree in nursing, designed to address the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals in the region.

"The nursing program came together incredibly quickly," said Kittle. "We recognized the need and worked with local healthcare providers to create a program that would allow students to earn a nursing degree in just two years."

The program, which began accepting students in August 2024, is designed to be accessible and efficient. It is open to individuals with a high school diploma and requires no prior healthcare experience. Graduates will earn an associate's degree and be eligible for registered nurse licensing exam. The program is flexible, offering classes year-round and allowing students to complete the program in 24 months.

DWU's focus on student enrollment and retention is also key to the university's future growth. The incoming class for 2024 included 180 first-time, first-year students, with approximately 40 students hailing from Mitchell High School. This reflects DWU's emerging status as an important destination for local students seeking higher education.

"We set a goal of 180 first-time students, and we're thrilled to see that we met that target," Kittle said. "Retaining those students year after year is just as important, and we've worked hard to improve those retention rates."

DWU has seen notable success in retention, surpassing its original goal of increasing retention rates by 5 percentage points over five years, achieving this benchmark in just three years.

One way DWU fosters student success and strengthens its ties to the community is through internships. Reagan Grossi, an annual giving alumni associate at DWU, spoke about how internships help students build real-world connections. She noted that these opportunities not only assist students, but also help them become long-term community members.

"Internships are a gateway to career opportunities, and they help students connect with local businesses," said Grossi.

For example, Jarien Montgomery, a DWU student, secured an internship through a connection with his professor and later landed a full-time position at Dakota Ag Innovations, a local tech company. Such partnerships between DWU and Mitchell businesses are helping students transition seamlessly into the workforce.

As the university continues to grow, it plans to make strategic investments in its infrastructure. The university recently conducted a comprehensive infrastructure evaluation, which revealed no immediate safety concerns or urgent needs.

However, Kittle mentioned plans to renovate Dayton Hall, the first-year residence hall.

"Students long for more modern restrooms and better fixtures. We're excited about making these improvements," Kittle said. "It's all part of our commitment to providing students with the best possible experience."

The university is looking at building two towers onto the hall to accommodate new restroom facilities without disrupting current operations.

Financial sustainability remains a priority for DWU as it prepares for future growth.

"Our endowment is going to be a primary focus of a soon-to-be publicly launched campaign," Kittle said. "We're looking at ways to strengthen our financial foundation to ensure we can continue to provide high-quality education for generations to come."

DWU trustee Roger Musick emphasized that managing endowments conservatively is essential for keeping education affordable.

"A top priority is the longevity of DWU, and we're managing our endowments very conservatively to make sure they're continually growing so that we can keep the cost of the college degree feasible for our students," Musick said.

Musick pointed out that colleges that typically close spend their endowments and soon go out of business.

In terms of academic offerings, Kittle hinted at potential new programs in technology. Kittle said DWU is exploring new programs in fields like information systems, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to keep pace with technological advances and meet job market demands.

With a goal of reaching 1,000 students during Kittle's tenure, DWU remains committed to growth and sustainability while strengthening its role as an employer and economic driver for Mitchell and the surrounding region.

"At DWU, we're focused on making a lasting impact on our students, our community, and our state," Kittle said. "We're excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead."