Dickinson State University’s (DSU) School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SoBE) fosters valuable partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations. This initiative bridges the gap between the Dean, faculty, and students with companies of all sizes, allowing them to explore industry trends, workforce needs, and the essential skills required for career success. Not only does SoBE in Action enhance student learning, but it also prepares future professionals to excel in an ever-changing job market.
Collaboration with Southwest Art Gallery & Science Center
A recent visit to the Southwest Art Gallery & Science Center (SWAGSC) marked an exciting milestone in the growing partnership between the two organizations. Dr. Arogundade, a faculty member from DSU, had the opportunity to tour SWAGSC, a dynamic cultural hub located in downtown Dickinson. The center is known for its rotating exhibits that highlight local art and showcase the history of southwest North Dakota. Additionally, SWAGSC offers a variety of creative classes aimed at individuals of all ages, encouraging them to explore their artistic potential.
One of the center’s signature activities, pendulum painting, merges art and physics, allowing participants to control a pendulum to create intricate designs on canvas.
During his visit, Dr. Arogundade was given a comprehensive tour of the facility by
executive director Dustin Young. The tour included a preview of exciting upcoming
renovations and SWAGSC's long-term vision to serve the broader Dickinson community.
“Partnering with DSU provides our organization with opportunities to collaborate with students, professors, and administrators to improve the community of Dickinson and southwest North Dakota,” said Dustin Young. “We've already worked closely with DSU's Art Department, Science Department, and the TR Honors Program to bring fun, engaging, and educational events to the area. We’re just getting started and are eager to see the creative future of Dickinson and Region 8 unfold.”
Dr. Arogundade also participated in activities aimed at younger audiences, including creating a DSU-themed pendulum painting and joining in a fun science experiment. The visit culminated with a friendly airplane race involving DSU students.
“It’s truly inspiring to see both DSU and SWAGSC dedicated to advancing the intellectual, social, and cultural development of North Dakota,” Dr. Arogundade remarked. “Our shared goals of promoting exceptional learning, sparking creativity, fostering curiosity, and encouraging exploration are what bring us together. We look forward to continuing to strengthen this collaborative relationship with SWAGSC.”
Educational Outreach and Student Involvement
The involvement of DSU students goes beyond faculty visits. The Theodore Roosevelt
Honors Leadership Program (TRHLP) plays an integral role in supporting events, organizing
supplies, and assisting with gallery operations. Madison Beckler, a DSU junior and
TRHLP scholar, oversees the program's participation with SWAGSC and also serves as
president of the DSU Science Club. In this capacity, she helps organize the early
stages of SWAGSC's mobile outreach program. 
"Through my involvement with SWAGSC this past year, I’ve seen how Dustin is integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) into the Dickinson community in impactful and enjoyable ways,” Beckler shared.
One key way SWAGSC is bringing STEAM to the Dickinson community is through DSU’s Discovery Dome. This inflatable structure projects educational films in 360 degrees, offering a unique and immersive learning experience. The shows, typically 30 minutes long, are designed for elementary and middle school audiences and cover topics ranging from astronomy to dinosaurs. The Discovery Dome has quickly become one of SWAGSC's most exciting outreach tools, helping extend the reach of DSU’s educational programs to schools and public events across the region.
A Partnership Built for the Future
Through collaborations like the one with SWAGSC, DSU’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship continues to strengthen its ties with the Dickinson community. By partnering with local organizations, SoBE fosters an environment of creativity, innovation, and continuous learning, essential elements in preparing future business leaders. These partnerships reflect DSU’s commitment to supporting the region’s cultural and educational growth. SoBE looks forward to further engaging with the community and exploring new opportunities to collaborate for the collective benefit of all.
Stay tuned as Dr. Arogundade continues his visits to local businesses. For more information
about SoBE in Action, visit our website.