Rapid City, SD – Black Hills State University (BHSU) is partnering with the state’s public university system to bring a statewide speaker series that tackles some of the nation’s most pressing challenges. The President’s Speaker Series on Civil Discourse and Complex Challenges will feature interactive discussions that blend academic insight, industry experience and community perspectives.
Local leadership drives the conversation
The series is organized by the BHSU Center for Civic Engagement and will be facilitated by Dusty Johnson, South Dakota’s lone U.S. congressman, and George McGovern, a visiting professor of public service at Dakota Wesleyan University. Jason McConnell, director of civic engagement at BHSU, said the partnership reflects a shared goal among South Dakota’s public universities to encourage active citizenship and meaningful dialogue.
First event focuses on energy, innovation and the environment
The inaugural session, titled “Energy, Innovation and the Environment,” is scheduled for Nov. 5 at BHSU’s Rapid City campus. Panelists will examine how artificial intelligence, modern energy production methods and emerging technologies intersect with environmental stewardship. Attendees can expect a blend of expert presentations and audience‑driven Q&A, designed to foster critical thinking and civil discourse.
Future topics will broaden the scope
While the first discussion centers on energy and technology, the series will later address a wide range of subjects, including health‑care innovation, public policy, and other complex challenges facing our nation and the world. Exact dates and locations for the remaining events will be announced in the coming months.
Open to all residents
All events in the series are free and open to the public, reinforcing BHSU’s commitment to making high‑quality, thought‑provoking content accessible to every member of the community. The university encourages students, faculty, industry leaders and any interested Rapid City residents to attend and participate.
Why the series matters for Rapid City
Rapid City’s growing economy and its position as a regional hub for education and industry make it an ideal setting for these conversations. By bringing together local leaders, scholars and citizens, the series aims to strengthen the community’s capacity to address complex issues with informed, faith‑guided, and family‑centered perspectives.
For updates on upcoming sessions, speakers and registration details, visit the BHSU Center for Civic Engagement website or follow their social‑media channels.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
