Dusty Johnson

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Black Hills State University is partnering with South Dakota’s public universities to bring a statewide speaker series focused on some of the biggest issues facing the nation and the world.

The President’s Speaker Series on Civil Discourse and Complex Challenges will feature interactive discussions with faculty, students and industry leaders. The conversations will focus on leadership, critical thinking and bringing different perspectives to complex issues.

The series is hosted by the BHSU Center for Civic Engagement and 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.

Jason McConnell, director of civic engagement at BHSU, said the partnership reflects the shared goal of South Dakota’s public universities to encourage active citizenship and meaningful conversations.

The first event, “Energy, Innovation and the Environment,” is scheduled for Nov. 5 at BHSU’s Rapid City campus. The discussion will explore how artificial intelligence, energy production and new technology intersect with environmental responsibility.

Future discussions will cover a range of topics, including:

Dates and locations for the remaining events will be announced in the coming months.

All events are free and open to the public.

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