"President"

St. Cloud State University (SCSU) 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 St. Cloud and surrounding communities.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and serving over 10,000 students, SCSU has been honored by Colleges of Distinction in eight categories for its commitment to engaged, experiential undergraduate education and its meaningful impact on students’ lives. SCSU earned distinction in business, education, engineering, nursing, affordability, career development, international and military support.

St. Cloud is a vibrant and thriving Central Minnesota community, offering the warmth of a close-knit city and a thriving business community. SCSU’s campus stretches along the scenic Mississippi River, where walking trails, gardens, and outdoor gathering spaces create a picturesque backdrop for daily life. Historic architecture blends seamlessly with modern academic facilities, while the riverfront location offers both peaceful retreats and easy access to the heart of downtown. Students, faculty, and staff enjoy a rich blend of traditions, cultural events, and athletic pride, all within an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. This unique setting provides not only a balanced and engaging university experience for students but also a welcoming and dynamic workplace for professionals who want to make a meaningful impact.

SCSU is part of the Minnesota State system, which is the largest single provider of higher education in the state with 33 institutions, including seven state universities and 26 community and technical colleges. The University is proud of the partnerships and close relationships with the city of St. Cloud, educational entities and business, health and science industries in Central Minnesota and the Twin Cities. Minnesota is ranked as the No. 2 state for economic opportunity.

Serving more than 10,000 students, SCSU is one of the largest and diverse public universities in Minnesota. Students come from all across the United States and over 80 different countries, and SCSU has a network of over 134,000 alumni around the globe. SCSU offers nearly 100 in-demand undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, and students have over 30 education abroad opportunities on six continents.

The University focuses on education that goes beyond the classroom, and this theory is emphasized in “Our Husky Compact,” a promise the University makes to its students that they will be prepared as global citizens of the 21st Century as they participate in applied learning opportunities and real-world experiences in their field of study.

In June 2019, we set a critical goal: By 2030, Minnesota State will eliminate the educational equity gaps at every Minnesota State college and university. Equity 2030 serves as the organizing principle across all campuses – for all our work, our operational structures, policies and procedures, and for the inclusive, safe, and anti-racist organizational ethos we strive to reach. Only by addressing systemic inequities in educational access and outcomes can we build a better future for students, families, and our communities. It is both a moral imperative and the path to economic prosperity. The pandemic further magnified persistent racial disparities across the country and in Minnesota, and we have doubled down on our commitment, advancing Equity 2030 with a strong sense of urgency and united resolve.

The successful candidate will have authentic, collaborative, and transparent leadership skills paired with integrity and respect. A record of actions reflecting concern for the success and wellbeing of students. Deep commitment to equitable access and student success, including first-generation, adult, international, and historically marginalized students. Experience fostering and promoting public/private partnerships between education and business and industry, community leaders, and organizations. The next President will have the ability to engage alumni, donors, and community members to advance the university’s mission and reputation. An earned doctorate is preferred, but not required.

APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS

Greenwood Asher & Associates® is assisting St. Cloud 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 SCSUPresident@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 of confidentiality of candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

Jim Johnson

Vice President of Executive Search

jimjohnsen@greenwoodsearch.com

Lauren McCaghren

Search Advisor and Consultant

laurenmccaghren@greenwoodsearch.com

Kyle Pybus-Jerome

Senior Executive Search Consultant

kylepybusjerome@greenwoodsearch.com

To learn more about St. Cloud State University, please visit STCLOUDSTATE.EDU.