The new Mike Huether Public Service Academy at South Dakota State University aims to develop exceptional leaders and professionals who are committed to improving the lives of individuals, communities and societies.
The two-year, competitive program, open to all majors and located within SDSU’s School of American and Global Studies, was announced in April after five years of planning and will start in fall 2024.
Academy benefactors and organizers want to address the greatest challenges facing communities and strengthen democracy through the empowerment of public servants from all sectors. It is funded with gifts from SDSU alums Mike ’84 and Cindy (Loecker) ’86 Huether and businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford. Their goal is to empower students with the necessary knowledge, skills and values to serve as active citizens and citizen-leaders throughout their lives.
Blending academic rigor with hands-on experiences, the program will offer a diverse curriculum encompassing ethics, government, public administration and cross-cultural competence. Mandatory service learning, internships and education abroad opportunities will enrich students’ understanding and practical application of their learning.
The academy will select up to 50 scholars annually, drawn from varied backgrounds and disciplines, united by a shared ambition to make a difference. Over two years, students will undergo leadership development, earn a public service certification, engage in public service internships, and participate in Passion in Action Challenges and the annual Mike Huether Public Service Academy Conference.
