President, Education ​/ Teaching

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) seeks a visionary and collaborative president with the experience and passion to lead a strong institution into its next phase of growth and success. Reporting to the Chancellor of Minnesota State, the president serves as the chief executive officer of the university, authentically serving the students, faculty and staff of the institution while connecting the university to Southwest Minnesota and surrounding communities.

Southwest Minnesota State University stands as a cornerstone of the Marshall community and the broader region, serving as an educational hub, a cultural center, and an engine for economic vitality. SMSU’s partnerships extend deep into the fabric of Southwest Minnesota - collaborating with local businesses, industries, school districts, and civic organizations to meet workforce needs and promote regional development. Programs such as College in the Schools (CIS), Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), and apprenticeships reflect the university’s dedication to preparing students for meaningful careers while strengthening the local talent pipeline.

The Marshall community, in turn, has embraced SMSU as a valued partner, proudly supporting Mustang athletics, the performing arts, and academic initiatives. Together, SMSU and its regional collaborators exemplify the powerful intersection of education, community, and opportunity.

At SMSU, students are known by name, supported by caring faculty and staff, and encouraged to reach their full potential. The university’s student-centered approach creates a close-knit, inclusive environment where learners from all backgrounds — first-generation, international, and non-traditional — feel seen and supported. With small class sizes, personalized advising, and robust academic and wellness services, SMSU offers the kind of individualized attention often found at private institutions, all at a public university price.

Beyond the classroom, students benefit from a vibrant campus life, hands-on learning, and strong connections to community and industry. This holistic approach ensures that graduates leave SMSU not only career-ready, but also confident, compassionate citizens equipped to make a difference in their communities.

Academic excellence at SMSU is rooted in relevance, innovation, and access. The university offers nationally recognized programs in education, social work, and accounting, alongside distinctive fields such as culinology and agronomy that connect learning directly to regional industry needs. SMSU’s growing online and graduate programs expand access and flexibility for today’s learners, while its strong liberal arts foundation ensures students develop critical thinking and communication skills essential for lifelong success.

The university’s leadership in accessibility, exemplified by its nationally renowned wheelchair basketball program and ADA-forward campus design, reflects its broader commitment to inclusion and equity in education. As workforce demands evolve, SMSU continues to adapt its academic offerings to meet the future, investing in emerging areas such as nursing, engineering, artificial intelligence, and rural health.

SMSU has several programs designed to support institutional priorities that foster diversity and inclusion on campus. As a result of the responsiveness of programming, advising practices, culturally responsive pedagogy, institutional diversity and inclusion initiatives, and student-centered practices, we have seen a positive change in our ability to retain students of color. Furthermore, student-centered approaches have had a positive net effect on student success across all student populations.

Data driven decision making positively impacts diversity and inclusion practices ity 2030 campus climate survey data allow for us to prioritize and enhance diversity and inclusion best practices.

SMSU is located in Marshall, Minnesota, a friendly, growing community of 14,000. Marshall, named one of America’s Best Small Cities, is an easy drive from the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, Sioux Falls, SD and Fargo, ND. Marshall is also the proud home of Schwan’s Company, Ralco,…