Black Hills State University, in partnership with all South Dakota Board of Regents schools, is pleased to announce a statewide speaker series hosted by the BHSU Center for Civic Engagement.
The President’s Speaker Series on Civil Discourse and Complex Challenges will involve a series of interactive conversations exploring some of the most important issues facing our nation and
world. With panels of speakers representing faculty, students and industry leaders, the events will explore complex issues while emphasizing leadership, critical thinking and civil discourse.
“The BHSU Center for Civic Engagement is grounded in a mission to develop active citizens who contribute to political, economic and civic life—a goal shared by universities across the regental system,” said Jason McConnell, director of civic engagement at BHSU. “The collaboration behind the President’s Speaker Series on Civil Discourse and Complex Challenges is a true reflection of that work in action. We are proud to partner with our higher education colleagues to promote important conversations that bring different perspectives together to explore some of today’s most pressing challenges.”
Sessions will be facilitated by Dusty Johnson, South Dakota’s lone U.S. congressman and George McGovern, Visiting Professor of Public Service at Dakota Wesleyan University.
“It’s an honor to join South Dakota’s public universities in these important conversations through the President’s Speaker Series on Civil Discourse and Complex Challenges,” said Johnson. “Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed the power of education in serving the public good, fostering innovative ideas, and developing leaders for our state. This series brings experts and communities together to do those very things. I look forward to connecting with and learning alongside our panelists and all who attend.”
The first event in the series, “Energy, Innovation and the Environment,” will take place on Nov. 5 at BHSU’s Rapid City campus. The session will examine the intersection of artificial intelligence, energy production and innovation with a focus on how leaders balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility. Panelists and attendees will explore how policymakers, researchers and industry leaders can work together to foster innovation while addressing resource and sustainability challenges.
The sessions below will follow. Dates and locations will be announced in the months ahead.
- America and an Evolving World (January)
- Reimagining Rural Health (February)
- Rethinking College Athletics (early March)
- Strengthening South Dakota's Economic Future (March)
- Teaching, Learning & Civil Discourse (April)
All sessions in the President’s Speaker Series on Civil Discourse and Complex Challenges are free and open to the public.