Minnesota State Chancellor: Devinder Malhotra

Welcome to Minnesota State –  the state’s largest provider of higher education – a system of 37 vibrant colleges and universities. I am humbled and honored to serve as chancellor at a time when communities across Minnesota need our colleges and universities more than ever.

Minnesota State is committed to inclusive excellence and ensuring our students receive an extraordinary, affordable, and accessible education.  We are not only the largest, but the most diverse higher education provider in the State of Minnesota. Located within 47 distinctive communities and woven into the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Minnesota, our colleges and universities are united in achieving Equity 2030.  

A bold strategic vision, Equity 2030 aims to close the educational equity gaps across race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographic location in the next ten years.  It is an  ambitious goal and one we embrace with a renewed sense of urgency.  It will require cohesive and coordinated approaches across our schools, cultural change and innovation, and, most importantly, leadership with a steadfast focus to support all our students. While there is much to do – and we are a work in progress – I am inspired by the equity-minded and anti-racist practices and efforts already underway on our campuses. 

We know that when all students succeed, our communities and economy prosper. With Minnesota’s rapidly changing demographics, increasingly becoming more multicultural and multiethnic, Minnesota State is well poised to provide Minnesota the talent it needs for its social and economic vibrancy.

We recognize employers will increasingly need to draw workers with postsecondary credentials from diverse and marginalized communities, communities that have historically had a low proportion of their population with higher education credentials.  This dilemma can only be resolved by enhancing access to higher education, creating personalized educational paths, and most importantly, closing the educational equity gaps.  Hence, across our system and 54 campuses, we believe Equity 2030 is not only a moral and social imperative, but also an economic one.

Amid an era of uncertainty, I am certain we will continue to innovate, collaborate, and treat each other with compassion, as we empower and offer students the transformative education they deserve to pursue their dreams and goals.  I encourage you to explore our website to learn more.

~ Devinder Malhotra