By Scout Nelson
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary Hunter Roberts visited South Dakota State University on March 27 to speak with students about leadership, career development, and the link between agriculture and conservation.
The session was part of ECON 319: Seminar with Industry Leaders, a course designed to give students direct access to professionals from different industries. During the discussion, Roberts shared his journey into leadership and explained how agriculture and conservation can work together to support long-term sustainability.
He also offered simple advice to students preparing for their careers. “There are many pathways to success,” Roberts told the students. “Be intentional. Be nice. Be a problem-solver. Create relationships and value them.”
The seminar was one of several sessions held during the semester. Students heard from a range of leaders across industries such as agribusiness, finance, and public policy. Speakers included Dana J. Dykhouse of First PREMIER Bank, Kurt Loudenback of Grand Prairie Foods Inc., and Stephanie Judson of the South Dakota Community Foundation.
The course followed an informal and interactive format, allowing students to ask questions and engage in open conversations. This approach helped them better understand how leaders think and make decisions in real-world situations.
Joe Santos, director of the Ness School of Management and Economics, highlighted the importance of these experiences. “Students learn about leadership and — perhaps most importantly — students learn they have a place in leadership,” he said.
He added that access to experienced leaders gave students valuable insight and confidence. “I suspect the opportunity is rare, particularly in the informal and accessible format the course affords,” Santos said. “I hope students learn leadership is not a trait they are either born with or without. Each student has the capacity to lead. Indeed, they must — our future depends on them.”
The seminar series was set to continue with additional guest speakers later in the semester, offering students more opportunities to learn and grow.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, General