Interim President

Winona State University (WSU) seeks an interim president who is committed to leading the university through a leadership transition and to continue to support the forward momentum of the institution.

In May 2023, the Minnesota State Board of Trustees selected Winona State University President Dr. Scott Olson as the sixth chancellor of the system to succeed Chancellor Devinder Malhotra effective August 1, 2023.

A search has commenced to identify an Interim President of Winona State University. The appointment will begin August 1, 2023. It is anticipated that the interim will serve for 11 months, ending June 30, 2024.

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system. WSU offers more than 200 majors and programs with campuses in Winona and Rochester.

Through academic programs that leverage a liberal arts education to meet the economic needs of the Upper Midwest, WSU graduates are prepared to serve generously, lead responsibly, thrive in their careers, and respond creatively to the challenges of their work, their lives, and their communities.

With 26 community and technical colleges and seven state universities on 54 campuses, Minnesota State serves nearly two-thirds of the entire state’s undergraduate student population, and we serve more Black, Indigenous, and students of color than all higher education providers in the state, combined.

We are committed to equitable outcomes for all our students, and in 2019 committed to eliminating educational equity gaps at every Minnesota State college and university by the year 2030. Achieving this goal, called Equity 2030, is a moral imperative, and an economic imperative for our state as our population continues to grow more diverse, and will ensure Minnesota has the workforce it needs for generations to come. We are working toward meeting our Equity 2030 goal through hard work, robust data analysis, targeted programs to improve outcomes, and partnerships with community organizations, employers, and the state legislature.

About the Winona Campus

The Winona campus provides a classic setting for a traditional, residential college experience. Students can easily walk between campuses on the pedestrian-only campus while also being fully immersed in a vibrant community.

The campus seamlessly blends in with the City of Winona, a historic river town with a modern vibe. Known for its natural wonders, Winona is nestled between towering bluffs and the Mississippi River. Getting around Winona is easy since campus is practically right in the middle of town. Students and faculty are only a short walk or bike ride from a wide variety of recreation and entertainment activities. Winona State University is expanding the boundaries of higher education in Southeastern Minnesota with campuses in both Winona and Rochester. This footprint means our students and faculty have access to opportunities throughout the region.

About the Rochester Campus

Winona State University-Rochester focuses on flexible course delivery methods—such as in person, hybrid, online, nights, and weekends—tailored to help nontraditional students and working professionals elevate their careers on their own timeline. With campus buildings located in downtown Rochester and collocated at Rochester Community and Technical College, the academic programs immerse students in practical, hands-on experiences, while building their professional network.

Rochester is known for industry-leading powerhouses like Mayo Clinic and IBM. But it’s also a city where local businesses can thrive, making for delightful exploration and unique experiences. And for many students, Rochester is already their home. The WSU campus locations in Rochester make it easy for busy students to pursue their career goals without leaving their community or disrupting their lives.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills necessary to provide direction and sustain the vision of WSU. Have a reputation as a leader with vision for the future of higher education. Possess a proven track record of being a visible, engaged, and accessible presence with students, alumni, community leaders, and friends. An earned doctorate is preferred, but not required.

How to Apply

Applications and nominations are now being accepted. This call is open to internal candidates (current or former employees of Minnesota State and its colleges and universities) and external candidates. The Board of Trustees is the appointing authority for this position. The position is covered by the Personnel Plan for Minnesota State Administrators.

Nominations should be directed to:

Jaime Simonsen, Chief of Staff
Jaime.Simonsen@MinnState.edu

Interested candidates should provide a cover letter, CV, and list of three references no later than Friday, June 2 by noon.

Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. Screening of applications will begin immediately. It is expected that the Chancellor will make his recommendation to the Board of Trustees at their June 21 meeting.

Submit application materials to:

Deb Gehrke, Chief Human Resources Officer/Executive Search Manager
ExecSearch@MinnState.edu

To learn more about Winona State University, please visit winona.edu

This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. To request an alternate format, contact Human Resources at 651-201-1664. Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service. Minnesota State is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator. Candidates with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us at 651-201-1664 via preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.

To learn more about Minnesota State, please visit MinnState.edu