For Immediate Release 26 February 2002

Regents Announce Retirement of School of Mines President Richard Gowen

RAPID CITY—Harvey Jewett, President of the South Dakota Board of Regents, announced today at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology that President Richard Gowen will retire from the system at the end of the FY03 contract or July 1, 2003. Jewett called Gowen an extraordinary leader for the university for the past fourteen years. "The students, faculty, staff and alumni of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology have been the beneficiaries of this leadership for many years," reported Jewett. Jewett spoke at Tech’s Faculty Forum.

Richard Gowen came to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1977 as the academic vice president. In 1984 he was appointed president of Dakota State University and served there until returning to Tech as president in 1987. "His long service to South Dakota higher education has been felt across the state. There are few higher education leaders who have impacted a system for more than 20 years," said Regent Jewett.

Among his many achievements has been his leadership in creating the state’s EPSCoR program that funds the building of research capacity at the state’s three doctoral granting universities. President Gowen has been instrumental in working with the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies to enhance research at Tech and in the state.

Of special note was Regent Jewett’s mention of Gowen’s role in pursuing the National Underground Lab project. Jewett reported, "He has given fully of himself to bring about a "defining moment" for Tech and state higher education. President Gowen had the vision to see the opportunities that are available for South Dakota, and doggedly pursued this vision. This is a vision that may or may not happen, but it would never have been a thought for the thousands of South Dakotans had not President Gowen been here to give it energy and focus."

In reading a letter to President Gowen, Jewett cited the Board of Regents’ preference for this retirement date in 2003. The letter states, "With the activities involving several Regental activities and initiatives, the Regents want to sustain your leadership at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology until that time. We appreciate your willingness to continue in the presidency during this period."

The Regents will address a transition and succession of leadership plan at a time closer to the conclusion of Gowen’s service.