Presidential Search Profile

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

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Leadership Opportunity

Community Partnerships & Regional Impact

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.

Student Experience

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 & Innovation

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.

Fiscal Sustainability & Strategic Growth

SMSU faces the fiscal realities shared by many regional universities - limited resources, aging infrastructure, and changing enrollment patterns - yet the institution remains poised for strategic growth. The next president will be a prudent and forward-thinking steward, balancing fiscal responsibility with bold investment in programs and initiatives that drive enrollment and strengthen SMSU’s impact. This includes modernizing facilities, advancing fundraising efforts, and cultivating new partnerships that enhance both financial health and academic innovation. By aligning programs with workforce needs and expanding donor and corporate engagement, SMSU can continue to advance while building long-term financial resilience. With careful planning and visionary leadership, SMSU is ready to translate its strong community support and recent momentum into a sustainable foundation for the future.

Visionary & Collaborative Leadership

SMSU seeks a president who will embrace and embody the university’s spirit of collaboration, innovation, and care. The next leader must be visionary - capable of articulating a bold and inclusive direction for the university while ensuring decisions are grounded in data, transparency, and shared governance. The ideal president will be visible and approachable, engaging students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members in meaningful dialogue and collective problem-solving. As a skilled communicator and advocate, this leader will tell SMSU’s story with authenticity and conviction, building partnerships across the Minnesota State system and beyond. Above all, the next president will lead with integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to student success and regional vitality.

Qualifications and Characteristics

The successful candidate will demonstrate most, if not all, of these qualifications:

Visionary and Strategic Leadership

• Proven ability to provide clear vision and direction for the university’s future.
• Progressive leadership experience in higher education administration or comparable complex organizations.
• Capacity to lead with integrity, authenticity, and transparency while inspiring innovation and collaboration.
• Demonstrated success in data-informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Commitment to Shared Governance and Collaboration

• Experience working effectively within shared governance and collective bargaining environments.
• A collegial and consultative management style that values broad input and fosters trust and respect.
• Skilled at building consensus and empowering faculty, staff, and students to contribute to institutional success.

Student-Centered Focus

• Demonstrated record of prioritizing student success, well-being, and equitable access for all learners, including first-generation, adult, international, and historically marginalized students.
• Understanding of holistic student development, including the integration of academics, student affairs, and campus life.
• A visible, approachable, and engaged presence with students, both in formal and informal settings.

External Engagement and Partnerships

• Strong record of building and sustaining partnerships with business, industry, educational institutions, government, and civic organizations.
• Experience working with K–12 systems and two-year colleges to strengthen pathways and regional workforce alignment.
• Proven ability to engage alumni and alumnae, donors, and community stakeholders to advance the university’s mission and reputation.
• Success in fostering public–private partnerships and serving as an effective advocate for the university at local, state, and national levels.

Fiscal Stewardship and Institutional Advancement

• Demonstrated expertise in fiscal management, strategic budgeting, and aligning resources with institutional priorities.
• Ability to diversify revenue streams and lead fundraising and grant development efforts.
• Experience balancing financial responsibility with strategic investment in innovation and growth.

Communication and Personal Qualities

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to inspire and connect with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion.
• A reputation for integrity, humility, authenticity, and respect.
• Ability to lead with empathy, humor, and optimism while fostering a positive campus culture.
• An earned doctorate (preferred but not required).

Presidential Search Application and Nomination Process

Application & 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 SMSUPresident@greenwoodsearch.com.

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 to the 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: jimjohnsen@greenwoodsearch.com

Lauren McCaghren, Search Advisor and Consultant
email: laurenmccaghren@greenwoodsearch.com

Kyle Pybus-Jerome, Senior Executive Search Consultant
email: kylepybusjerome@greenwoodsearch.com

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Presidential Search Advisory Committee Roster