President

Winona State University (WSU) seeks a dynamic and visionary 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 Colleges and Universities (Minnesota State), the president serves as the chief executive officer of the university, serving the students, faculty, and staff of the institution while connecting it to the surrounding communities.

Founded in 1858, Winona State is a regional public university and the oldest member of Minnesota State. WSU is an affordable, mid-sized, four-year public university with a private college appeal. The university, which serves 6,165 students, has two campuses to better meet the needs of their diverse student population. The Winona campus hosts the majority of undergraduate students, while the Rochester campus supports graduate students, transfer students, and adult education students.

Offering 200-plus majors and programs, a variety of adult and continuing education opportunities, and NCAA Division II athletic programs, WSU has something for everyone. WSU is proud to have the #1 student success rate in Minnesota State and a 95% employment rate after graduation.

Widely known for its beautiful natural setting, the WSU Winona campus is nestled between picturesque bluffs and the Mississippi River—meaning rock climbing, paddle-boarding, hiking, kayaking, fishing and more are within a mile of campus. WSU’s second campus is located in Minnesota’s third largest city, Rochester. The city is a dynamic hub for industry, arts, culture, and the Mayo Clinic, and is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. Robust community connections, as well as a stable and forward-thinking mindset, position the next president of Winona State to build on positive momentum for the next phase of the institution’s history.

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 demonstrate strong leadership skills necessary to sustain the vision of WSU. Possess a record of building public/private partnerships between education and business and industry, community leaders, and organizations. Have the ability to lead the campus in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner, with integrity and respect and 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

Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. is assisting Winona 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. For a full application package please provide a cover letter and CV. Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

PRIORITY DATE DECEMBER 8, 2023

Please direct inquiries, nominations, and application materials to:

Jim Johnsen, Vice President of Executive Search

email: jimjohnsen@greenwoodsearch.com

Lauren McCaghren, Senior Executive Search Consultant

email: laurenmccaghren@greenwoodsearch.com

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

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

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