Presidential Presentation on Feb. 19, 2026
SMSU will host a welcome reception for the next permanent president on Thursday, February 19, at 3:00 p.m. in the SMSU Conference Center. On February 18, the Board of Trustees will name the next President of SMSU! The Chancellor and named President will then travel to campus for a welcome reception on Thursday, February 19, at 3:00 p.m. in the SMSU Conference Center. We will hear from Chancellor Olson, the next named President of SMSU, and then have an opportunity to socialize with the individual and the campus community, with light food and refreshments! Please plan to attend! Let’s fill the room with Mustang spirit!
The reception is free and open to the public.
Presidential Search Finalists
SMSU will welcome three finalists to Marshall for on-campus interviews on Tuesday, January 27, Wednesday, January 28, and Thursday, January 29. Schedules for each day are posted below. Finalists are listed here in alphabetical order with a brief introduction. For the full release from the Minnesota State system, see the button below.
Amy Clark most recently served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), a role she held from 2018 to October 2025. Previously, she served as dean of health professions at NMC from 2013 to 2015, as well as associate professor during that time. She also held roles as a clinical researcher at the University of Nebraska Medical Center between 2015 and 2018, a visiting professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University between 2015 and 2018, and an assistant and associate professor at Clarkson College in Nebraska from 2002 to 2013. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, a master’s from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is scheduled to visit Southwest Minnesota State University on Tuesday, January 27, 2026
David Jones currently serves as the interim president for Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), a position he has held since July 1, 2025. Prior to joining SMSU, he held several positions at Minnesota State University, Mankato between 2011 and 2025, including vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, associate vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, and interim vice president for information and technology services. Previous positions include various roles in student affairs and residential life at the University of Alabama and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was an adjunct professor and adjunct assistant professor at North Carolina State University from 2003 to 2006 and North Carolina Central University between 2003 and 2004. He holds a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York at Oswego, a master’s from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and a doctorate from the College of William & Mary. His campus visit is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Shadow Robinson has served as provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith since 2022. Previously, he served as the dean of the college of engineering and natural sciences at the University of Tennessee at Martin between 2018 and 2022, and in various roles while a physics faculty member at Millsaps College in Mississippi, including director of the compass curriculum and director of the James Observatory from 2016 to 2018, faculty council president between 2013 and 2015, and chair of the physics department from 2011 to 2018. He holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Kentucky and a doctorate from Rutgers University. He is scheduled to visit Southwest Minnesota State University on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Schedule for On-Campus Interviews with SMSU Presidency Finalists
- Tuesday, January 27 – Amy Clark
- Wednesday, January 28 – David Jones
- Thursday, January 29 – Shadow Robinson
| Time | Session | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome | ||
| – |
Interview with Community Partners and Alumni | Lower Conference Center |
| – |
Interview with the President’s Cabinet | Student Center 207 |
| – |
Campus Tour | |
| – |
Lunch with Student Body | Student Center 207 |
| – |
Open Forum Session | Charter Hall 201 All are welcome. Zoom option available: Join Zoom meeting Passcode: 355785 |
| – |
Interview with Staff | Lower Conference Center |
| – |
Interview with Faculty | Lower Conference Center |
| – |
Tour of the City of Marshall |
View the Presidential Finalist Release
After the scheduled interviews, you will have the opportunity to share your input. You can begin sharing feedback on Tuesday, January 27, when the interviews begin. The Chancellor will personally read every response.
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
View the Presidential Search Profile
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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