CWS hires Lauck as executive director
The Center for Western Studies (CWS) welcomed a new executive director on Aug. 20: Midwest historian and author Jon Lauck.
For the first 61 years of its existence, the CWS only had three official directors: founder Herbert Krause, Arthur R. Huseboe and the recently retired Harry Thompson.
A Midwest native, Lauck has lived in the region his whole life. He was raised on a farm in Madison, South Dakota, and obtained degrees in history from South Dakota State University and the University of Iowa. He also completed a juris doctorate at the University of Minnesota.
Lauck has spent his career studying the Midwest and writing about his findings, working on more than 30 books. He founded the Midwest History Association and is the editor-in-chief of the journal “Middle West Review.”
Professor of English Patrick Hicks said Lauck’s work and knowledgeability of the region made him the most fitting candidate for the position.
“I was very excited when Jon was offered the position as executive director because he is uniquely qualified,” Hicks said. “You need someone that has a vast knowledge of the Midwest and is very well connected with other academics and writers in the Midwest.”
Hicks and Lauck previously edited the book “City of Hustle: A Sioux Falls Anthology” together and published it in 2022 through the CWS.
Lauck said that the CWS’ dedication to telling Midwestern history is what drew him to the position in the first place.
“I think it’s important for people to know the history of their place, and to understand their roots and tap into their heritage,” Lauck said. “I think the Center helps connect the university to this broader region by helping tell stories of, publishing books about, and displaying the work of artists from this region.”
Lauck hopes to continue the Center’s publishing program and is considering three projects. The first is a biography about former South Dakota governor Nils Boe — namesake of the Boe Forum. The second focuses on local authors like Herbert Krause and Frederick Manfred. Lastly, Lauck and Hicks plan to publish a sequel to “City of Hustle.”
Fresh on the job, Lauck is already busy with work.
CWS intern Calli Radel, a theater and history major, noted that she was supposed to meet him on three separate occasions, but found him busy with another meeting each time. Although Radel has not met Lauck yet, she acknowledges the value of students simply seeing the executive director around the building.
“Sometimes I know the director is around and talking with people,” Radel said. “It’s nice to be able to say ‘hi’ and see that face around, and it’s a face we can see basically everyday when we’re in here.”
As he begins his first year as executive director, Lauck has some changes in mind to better the Center.
“I think we’re going to put a bit more focus on photography in our gallery space,” Lauck said. “It’s becoming more popular as people develop an eye for photography through Instagram.”
He’s also planning an event centered around the popularity of Vikings in the Midwest, from Augustana to the Minnesota Vikings. Alice Kwok, a professor from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will be speaking on Oct. 20 about Viking iconography throughout the region.
“I think a lot of students would love to hear that, especially any Vikings fans,” Lauck said.
Lauck said that as he steps into his role, he wishes to continue partnerships with the community that he thinks make the CWS great.
“The Center for Western Studies is open for business, and we’re looking to collaborate and tell the stories of this region,” Lauck said. “We’re willing to work with the students and faculty at Augustana to get that job done.”
