07/14/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/15/2025 10:37
What's often called "town-gown relations" is the relationship between a university and the community it calls home.
by Daniel R. Kittle, Ph.D., President, Dakota Wesleyan University
When I was in graduate school, I became deeply invested in what's often called "town-gown relations" - the relationship between a university and the community it calls home. I studied these dynamics and worked professionally as a community partnerships coordinator, focused on strengthening the connections between campus and community. The work was both challenging and gratifying, as it impacted residents and students alike.
With those experiences in mind, how should I evaluate the relationship between Mitchell and DWU? More importantly, how would you evaluate it, identifying areas of strength and opportunities to grow?
Research suggests many ways to assess town-gown relationships, but I would summarize the most important questions as follows:
Are there regular, meaningful lines of communication - both formal and informal - between community and university leaders?
Are there collaborative efforts that benefit both students and community members?
In what ways does the university contribute to the local economy, and how does the local community invest in the university?
Is there a shared, forward-looking vision for the future?
Do university employees value their home community - and do residents, especially local leaders, value the presence of the university?
This column isn't the place to unpack each question in detail. Instead, I'll offer a brief evaluation and extend an invitation for future conversation. In short, I believe the relationship between Mitchell and DWU is extraordinarily strong and here's why:
As DWU students prepare to return this fall, I remain committed to helping them understand the privilege, opportunity and responsibility of living in Mitchell. I also know that our students are, truly, welcomed. For that, I am grateful. While the DWU/Mitchell relationship is healthy, I am eager to make it even stronger.