Bruce Smith leads marketing, communications, and university relations at Dakota State University. He has improved DSU's marketing, increased media coverage, and strengthened communications and outreach. Under his leadership, the marketing department does a better job informing faculty of news and events. Bruce also funds faculty initiatives to promote DSU, champions faculty ideas, and plays a key role in improving the university website. The letter writer strongly recommends Bruce Smith as a talented leader in marketing, public relations, communications, and university relations.

1. May 27, 2007
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing to strongly recommend Bruce Smith. He and I work at Dakota State University (DSU),
where Mr. Smith leads communications, marketing, university relations, etc.
Bruce is proactive, creative and energetic about telling the DSU story to attract students, donors and
others. He has created opportunities for staff and faculty like me to get involved in promoting the
University. His involvement improved our marketing, communications and public relations in all areas.
Under his leadership, the marketing department is doing a much better job of keeping the faculty well
informed of important news and events. He keeps in touch through email and presenting at college
faculty meetings.
He led development of a program “key DSU messages” which is giving stakeholders a clearer picture
of who we are.
Media coverage, especially outside of our local area, has increased substantially. For example, he and I
placed a letter to the editor in the state's leading newspaper. The letter dealt with a crucial recruitment
and economic development issue, namely the need for more information technology graduates.
One way Bruce helps the University is by funding faculty marketing initiatives. These range from
faculty teaching computer classes in various high schools to a faculty member recruiting students in
India. Bruce brought this cost-effective approach to DSU.
Bruce supports faculty ideas. For example, when some of my students attended a NASA/South Dakota
Space Days event, Bruce worked with me to champion (and fund) them promoting DSU there.
Bruce plays a key role improving our website. For example, he is ensuring that each major is described
attractively. He introduced state-of-the art e-communications such as podcasts, blogs, and an innovative
way for prospective students to contact selected students and recent graduates.
His department has greatly increased the number of gatherings for alumni, donors and friends. Bruce
actively encourages faculty and staff to represent the University at various events.
In sum, he has strengthened our communications and outreach dramatically. I strongly recommend
Bruce Smith as a talented marketing, PR, communications and university relations leader.
Sincerely,
William Figg, MS, Ph.D.
Computer Information Systems
Council of Higher Education President
605-256-5163
William.Figg@dsu.edu