President at InsideHigherEd

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 at SMSU. Equity 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, Runnings, Action TrackChair, along with major employers USBank, Archer Daniels Midland, Access Health, Marshall Public Schools, and Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. Marshall is also home to the Red Baron Arena & Expo.

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 have the capacity to lead with integrity, authenticity, and transparency while inspiring innovation and collaboration. Experience working effectively within shared governance and collective bargaining environments. Understanding of holistic student development, including the integration of academics, student affairs, and campus life. A strong record of building and sustaining partnerships with business, industry, educational institutions, government, and civic organizations. The next President will have the ability to diversify revenue streams and lead fundraising and grant development efforts. An earned doctorate is preferred, but not required.

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS

Greenwood Asher & Associates® is assisting Southwest Minnesota State University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Confidential inquiries, nominations and application materials should be directed to Greenwood Asher & Associates at [email protected].

Application materials should include:

• A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position
• A current CV
• A list of five references

We strongly encourage submitting application materials as PDF attachments. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality of candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

Jim Johnsen, Vice President of Executive Search
email: [email protected]

Lauren McCaghren, Search Advisor and Consultant
email: [email protected]

Kyle Pybus-Jerome, Senior Executive Search Consultant
email: [email protected]

To learn more about Southwest Minnesota State University, please visit www.SMSU.edu

Minnesota State is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator.

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