Fact Book

About SMSU

Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year public university offering a high-quality education in the liberal arts and professions to prepare students for a life that is successful both personally and professionally.

Founded in 1963 and opened in 1967, SMSU has grown into a university of choice with high national rankings for our affordability and academic excellence. SMSU is dedicated to preparing scholars who become the leaders, thinkers and entrepreneurs of the future.

Our Mission

Southwest Minnesota State University prepares students to meet the complex challenges of this century as engaged citizens in their local and global communities. Our comprehensive degree programs, taught in the liberal arts tradition, are dedicated to connecting students’ academic and practical professional development experiences in southwestern Minnesota to the wider world.

Our Vision

SMSU aspires to be recognized throughout Minnesota and beyond for being an inclusive and student-centered university.

Our Values

We Value:

• Discovery through innovative teaching, research and other high-impact experiences.
• Civic engagement and strategic partnerships.
• Developing broadly educated and well-rounded leaders.

Our Leadership

Kumara Jayasuriya was appointed by the Minnesota State system and began his duties July 1, 2019. President Jayasuriya is the tenth permanent president of SMSU.

University Governance

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of the Minnesota State system, governed by a 15-member board of trustees. Trustees are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Minnesota State Senate.

For more information about the Minnesota State system visit their website at www.minnstate.edu.

Equity 2030

Minnesota’s moral and economic imperative necessitates that educational equity gaps be eliminated. Minnesota State’s guiding principle of Equity 2030 aims to eliminate educational equity gaps at all Minnesota State colleges and universities by 2030. Equity 2030 is an approach to intentionally rethink the way Minnesota State and our colleges and universities operate on a day-to-day level. As institutions of higher education, our core mission is represented by teaching and learning.

Strategic Dimensions

• Enhanced Access: Enhancing access to higher education by strengthening partnerships and collaboration with K-12, business & industry, community-based organizations, and philanthropic partners to expand and grow current programming and identify new ways to support students.
• Student Academic Success: Establishing guided learning pathways that focus on academic preparation, progression, and accomplishment within an area of study and career.
• Student Success: Engagement and Support: Student experience within the institution, both academic and non-academic, including supporting basic needs.
• Data-Guided Decision Making: Building technology infrastructure and capacity for deeper data analytics, and expanding campus capacity to interpret data and use it to guide decision-making.
• Financial Resources and Support: Expanding financial resources and support for students and growing the financial resource base for campuses.
• Workforce Diversity and Talent Development: Incorporating the local and national context with the changing student and employee demographics and needs, focusing on cultural competence development, inclusive hiring practices, and improved campus climate.

Our Accreditations

SMSU is accredited by:

• the National Association of Schools of Music,
• the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB),
• the Council on Social Work Education,
• the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP),
• the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE),
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and
• The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602; (800) 621-7440. For more information about the Higher Learning Commission, visit their  website:www.ncahlc.org.
• Candidacy for initial accreditation: As of March 21, 2023, Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator program is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Our Academic Organization

Majors and Minors

A list of majors and minors can be found in SMSU's academic catalog.

The SMSU Foundation is served by a 31-member board consisting of alumni and friends of the institution who strive to advance the mission of the Foundation in support of SMSU. The SMSU Alumni Association, Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership (MARL) and Mustangs Booster Club organizations all fall under the leadership of the SMSU Foundation and are served by their own respective boards. These three organizations each have distinct missions that serve a broad range of constituents.

Alumni: www.SMSUAlumni.com
MARL: www.MARLProgram.org
Boosters: www.SMSUMustangs.com

Our Role in the Economy

SMSU’s impact on the regional economy is estimated at $286.5 million, according to a study commissioned by the Minnesota State system in 2023. This includes a direct impact of $86.3 million and an indirect impact of $86.8 million.

The University supports and sustains 2,248 jobs each year—1,614 direct and 634 indirect. SMSU employs 413 people.

An estimated $4,265,823 in charitable donations and volunteer activities are generated annually by SMSU faculty, staff, and students. This includes donations of $538,755 and the equivalent of $3.7 million in volunteer time.

Approximately, 9,080 alumni live and work in Minnesota, generating $424.5 million in economic impact, and sustaining 2,309 jobs. Over their 40-year careers, SMSU alumni will generate roughly $17 billion to the economy.

SMSU, our suppliers, students, and visitors generate $23.4 million in combined impact on the local and state tax revenue. This includes a direct impact of $15.9 million and an indirect impact of $7.5 million.

Read More About Our Impact

Our Strategic Plan

The Strategic Plan is the product of campus-wide collaboration to envision the future for SMSU and to guide our decision-making for the next five years (2021-2026).

The Strategic Plan is a dynamic document with updates made to reflect the changing needs of our students and our institution. The Strategic Plan articulates six strategic priorities that will guide the University in pursuit of its Mission, Vision, and Values:

1. Affirm and support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
2. Inspire academic success and discovery through innovative teaching, research, student support services, and other high-impact experiences.
3. Foster civic engagement and strategic partnerships.
4. Support student engagement and leadership development.
5. Ensure Effective Institutional Operations and Community Well-being.
6. Increase enrollment and improve retention.

For further information visit:www.smsu.edu/administration/strategicplanning

Our Community

SMSU is located in Marshall, Minnesota, a friendly, growing community of almost 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, Action TrackChair, Runnings, and Ralco, along with major employers USBank, ADM, and Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. Marshall is also home to the Red Baron Arena & Expo, a premier ice facility and event center.

For more information about Marshall visit: visitmarshallmn.com

Refer a Student

Alumni and current faculty/staff, please consider referring future Mustangs to the Office of Admission online at:
www.SMSU.edu/go/ReferAStudent

If the student you refer enrolls, the student will be entered into a drawing for two $500 scholarships. Referral winners and you will be notified at the beginning of each fall semester and recognized on SMSU Today.

Contact the Office of Admission:
507-537-6286
Admission@SMSU.edu
www.SMSU.edu/admission

Published by:
SMSU Communications & Marketing Office and
Data Management & Institutional Research
1501 State Street · Marshall MN 56258