President, Education ​/ Teaching

Overview

Ridgewater College seeks a committed, approachable, and enterprising president who places students at the center of the institution’s mission, fosters a culture of collaboration and engagement among faculty, staff, and administrators, and strengthens partnerships with business, governmental, and educational communities.

Ridgewater College operates two campuses in Willmar and Hutchinson and offers high quality academic programs in liberal arts, the skills trades, agriculture, and health sciences. The college plays a vital role in the region’s economic vitality and workforce development through sustained partnerships with business, government, education, service organizations, and other nonprofit entities.

Central Minnesota offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience. With scenic lakes, vibrant communities, and a strong sense of connection, it’s a region where quality of life truly shines. Residents enjoy affordable living, excellent schools, and easy access to outdoor recreation year-round—making it an ideal place to live, work, and play.

Willmar is a thriving hub in the heart of Kandiyohi County, known for its beautiful lakes and welcoming atmosphere. The community boasts strong healthcare facilities, a regional airport, and a growing economy supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and education. With family-friendly neighborhoods and a rich mix of cultural events, Willmar offers a dynamic lifestyle in a picturesque setting.

Hutchinson, often called “Minnesota’s Hometown,” combines small-town warmth with modern amenities. Nestled along the scenic Crow River, it’s a paradise for outdoor lovers with miles of biking and hiking trails, golf courses, and nearby lakes. Excellent schools, strong healthcare services, and a robust business community make Hutchinson a great place to work and raise a family—all while enjoying the charm and convenience of a close-knit community.

The president will continue to lead and advance Ridgewater College’s  Strategic Plan. This includes regular assessment of progress, incremental refinement of strategies, and meaningful engagement of faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to further institutional effectiveness and student success.

A central priority will be sustaining enrollment growth and aligning resources to support that growth. The president will provide fiscal stewardship by aligning financial planning with enrollment trends, program development, instructional innovation, and facility maintenance. Balancing in-person and online learning modalities, enhancing academic offerings, and responding to regional workforce needs will remain essential. The president will continue to strengthen relationships with regional employers and support customized training initiatives, while fostering collaboration, employee engagement and readiness for emerging technologies.

At Minnesota State, we provide the opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for 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.

The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and listener, a values-driven leader who is visible at campus, community and system…