Dakota Wesleyan University
Motto	Sacrifice or Service
Established	1885
Type	Private
President	Dr. Robert G. Duffett
Students	733
Location	Mitchell, SD, USA
Colors	Blue and White
Nickname	Tigers
Affiliations	United Methodist Church
Website	www.dwu.edu

Dakota Wesleyan University
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic District
Location:	Bounded by McGovern Ave., W. University Aves. and McCabe St., Mitchell, South Dakota
Coordinates:	43°41′55″N 98°1′51″W / 43.69861°N 98.03083°W / 43.69861; -98.03083
Built/Founded:	1903
Architect:	Dow,W.L.
Architectural style(s):	Classical Revival, Other
Governing body:	Private
Added to NRHP:	December 22, 1976[1]
NRHP Reference#:	76001727

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a four-year university located in Mitchell, South Dakota, and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The student body averages slightly less than 800 students. It was founded in 1885. The campus of the university is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Contents 1 History 2 George and Eleanor McGovern Library 3 Notable alumni 4 References 5 External links

[edit] History

In 1883, a small band of Methodist settlers meeting in Dakota Territory secured a charter to found the college that has become Dakota Wesleyan University (known as Dakota University until October 14, 1904). These pioneers were driven to "build a college of stone while living in houses of sod." These pioneers had deep religious convictions about the education and future of their children.

The founders of Dakota Wesleyan University envisioned an institution that epitomized the highest in Christian thought and deed, and so adopted the motto, “Sacrifice or Service.” This is depicted in the collegiate seal of the altar, the ox and the plow – symbols for these concepts.

By 1920, Dakota Wesleyan University was the largest independent college in the state, with an enrollment of more than 300. The Great Depression, which hit the prairie earlier, harder and longer than any region in the nation, evoked another regionally sensitive response from Dakota Wesleyan. The university accepted many students with few or no resources. Lacking adequate tuition revenues, the university and its personnel sacrificed their development and economic well-being in order to provide educational opportunities for students who had no other options. Farm produce was accepted for tuition. As part of their pay, teachers received housing in Graham Hall and coupons to purchase merchandise in town. As in earlier days, the faculty, townspeople and parishioners of the Methodist church sustained the university.

Since the 1930s the university has remained responsive to the special needs of its region. Strong programs in teacher education have provided new teachers for school districts. Nursing and allied health programs address the continuing need for health care professionals in rural South Dakota. In recognition of diverse cultures and traditions in a changing prairie environment, Wesleyan has undertaken a unique and substantial commitment to special programs focusing on Native American culture. Additionally, the university has developed programs to assist students whose previous educational experiences have inadequately prepared them for the demands of a rapidly changing region and future.

The campus was listed on the National Register in 1976, as Dakota Wesleyan University.^[1][2]

[edit] George and Eleanor McGovern Library

Dakota Wesleyan University's dedicated the new George and Eleanor McGovern Library and Center for Leadership and Public Service October 7, 2006. Nearly five thousand were on hand to hear former President Bill Clinton honor Senator George and Mrs. Eleanor McGovern for their decades of public service and leadership. Other dignataries who spoke at the dedication include former Senator Tom Daschle, Senator Tim Johnson, Senator John Thune, Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Governor Mike Rounds, and Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today.

[edit] Notable alumni

• Dr. George McGovern (born July 19, 1922 in Avon, South Dakota) was a United States Congressman, Senator, and Democratic presidential candidate, losing the 1972 election to incumbent Richard Nixon.
• Francis Case (born December 9, 1896 in Everly, Iowa) was an American journalist and politician who served for 25 years as a member of the United States Congress from South Dakota.
• Clinton Presba Anderson (born October 23, 1895 in Centerville, South Dakota) was a United States Congressman and Senator from New Mexico. He also served as Secretary of Agriculture from 1945-1948.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Dakota Wesleyan University Web Site
• George and Eleanor McGovern Library
• DWU Student Senate

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v • d • e U.S. National Register of Historic Places Keeper of the Register · History of the National Register of Historic Places · Property types · Historic district · Contributing property List of entries National Park Service · National Historic Landmarks · National Battlefields · National Historic Sites · National Historical Parks · National Memorials · National Monuments

v • d • e Great Plains Athletic Conference Briar Cliff • Concordia (Nebraska) • Dakota Wesleyan • Dana • Doane • Dordt • Hastings • Midland Lutheran • Morningside • Mount Marty† • Nebraska Wesleyan • Northwestern (Iowa) • Sioux Falls † does not compete in football