Two Semifinalists for President of Southwest Minnesota State University Named

Campus visits scheduled for January 30-February 1

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) has named two semifinalists who are under consideration to be president of Southwest Minnesota State University. The candidates are Connie J. Gores and Ronald Rosati.

The candidates were recommended by a search advisory committee comprised of students, faculty, staff and community leaders and chaired by Richard Davenport, president of Minnesota State University, Mankato. The candidates are scheduled to visit the Southwest Minnesota State University campus between January 30 and February 1. The campus visits present an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and members of the community to meet and offer feedback on each of the candidates.

Connie J. Gores has served at Winona State University since 2007 as the vice president for student life and development and as interim president (summer 2012). Prior to her work at Winona State, Gores served as a project director and onsite consultant at Longwood University from 2006-2007; vice president for enrollment at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College from 1996-2006; dean of enrollment and student affairs and as director of admissions and financial aid at Cornish College of the Arts; director of admissions and placement at Willamette University College of Law; and as co-coordinator of new student programs/admissions counselor at Portland State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from North Dakota State University, a master’s degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Colorado State University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Higher Education Administration from the University of Washington. Gores’ visit to the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University will take place February 1.

Ronald Rosati has been the provost of Southeast Missouri State University since 2010. Previously, he served at the State University of New York Alfred State College from 2006-2010 in various capacities including provost, officer-in-charge, and vice president for academic affairs; and at Texas A&M University-Kingsville from 1996-2006 in various capacities including dean and assistant vice chancellor. He has served on the faculty of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Illinois State University, Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, and Iowa State University. He holds an associate degree in Agronomy from Farmingdale Agricultural and Technical College, a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Agricultural Education from Cornell University, and a doctorate in Agricultural Education from Iowa State University. Rosati’s visit to the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University will take place January 30.

The MnSCU Board of Trustees is expected to act on Chancellor Steven Rosenstone’s recommendation on a final candidate at its February 26 meeting. The new president is expected to begin in July 2013.