Solving South Dakota’s Most Challenging Problems with Paul Gnirk
Dr. Paul Gnirk was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2022 for his work as an engineer, professor, and dedicated community servant to South Dakota. Dr. Gnirk joined SD Hall of Fame Board Director Steve Flanery to share more about his professional career which has spanned nearly six decades.
When asked why he became a mining engineer, Dr. Gnirk quipped, “It was the shortest line at the registrar!” He backed that up with a laugh, confirming it as a true story. Dr. Gnirk’s registration choice set him on a path to travel extensively and become one of the most sought-after mining engineers in the world.
Dr. Gnirk was a founding member of RESPEC, Inc. and its president from 1969 to 1991. RESPEC is a global leader in geoscience, engineering, data, and integrated technology solutions for major industry sectors. Starting with two employees, the company now is working on some of South Dakota’s most challenging problems, including creating a model for managing flooding along the Big Sioux River from Watertown to Sioux Falls and Sioux City.
Dr. Gnirk views his career as slowing down, but not stopping altogether. For the past 13 years, he has served as a member of the South Dakota Board of Water and Natural Resources Board, where he has used his geological expertise to creatively extend drinking water to communities and ranches. He helped establish a rural water system in western South Dakota, that now serves over 80 ranches.
Dr. Gnirk has many accolades to his name, but he remarked, “When I got the award at School of Mines, I thought I had reached the pinnacle of my career, but here I am today,” in reference to his induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
His recognition is well earned for the commitment he has shown to his career, his students, and the state of South Dakota. He has provided employment for many Ph.D. engineers and scientists and has advocated scholarship opportunities for students. A former South Dakota Mines (formerly South Dakota School of Mines & Technology) Alumni President, Dr. Gnirk was awarded the university’s March Medal which exemplifies a caring spirit for students. We are proud to share Paul Gnirk’s legacy here at the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
To learn more about Dr. Paul Gnirk, you can visit his legacy page here.