MSU Graduate Students Help Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Graduate students in the master’s of science in innovation and management program at Montana State University made statewide impacts this year in partnership with renowned country singer Dolly Parton. In 1995, Parton created the Imagination Library, which sends free, age-appropriate books each month to kids under 5. The resource aims to provide every child, regardless of income, access to books in early childhood, which can help boost early literacy skills and children’s attitudes toward reading.
Two years ago, Montana First Lady Susan Gianforte, wife of Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, began working with Parton to bring the Imagination Library to more children in Montana. Expanding the enrollment to now include 27,000 Montana children has been a key priority of First Lady Gianforte, who undertook the work with the Treasure State Foundation, Greater Gallatin United Way and MSU students.
The students, all enrolled in the MSIM program in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship, worked for months to spread awareness about the Imagination Library. Their efforts culminated in Bozeman in August at a celebratory event attended by Greg and Susan Gianforte, MSU students, key donors and community members. Parton, originally expected to attend, was unable to travel due to an ear infection. She instead recorded a video message that was played at the event, and others recognized her achievement.
“What Dolly Parton has accomplished through the Imagination Library is incredible,” First Lady Gianforte said at the event. “Thanks to Dolly’s vision and generosity, the program is helping our youngest generation be ready for school and ready to learn.”
MSIM students spend one year earning a master’s degree that equips them with advanced business knowledge so they can create, operate and scale businesses successfully. As part of the program, they are required to participate in either an internship or service project as part of their career development class, said program director Michelle Haught. One of the service projects is working “to identify and target untapped areas to increase future awareness and enrollment in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library,” Haught said. The opportunity is supported by donor and former MSIM instructor Julie Scates, who originally connected MSIM to organizers involved in the library.
For more information about the Imagination Library, visit imaginationlibrary.com/. For more information about the MSIM program at MSU, visit montana.edu/business/innovation- management/.
