Minnesota State Presidents
Each college and university within Minnesota State is headed by a president who serves as the chief executive officer. The appointment of presidents is governed by Board of Trustees Policy 4.2 and they report to the system chancellor.
Presidents are responsible for leading the college and/or university faculty, staff, and students in developing and implementing the college or university mission, consistent with the board mission and goals. The president is the primary spokesperson for college or university interests and shall consult regularly with students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. The president shall advise the chancellor, the staff of the system office, and the board of trustees on matters of system policy as appropriate, and otherwise administer and support all Minnesota State policies and programs. The president shall also lead in generating and sustaining the university/college vision as an integral part of Minnesota State. The duties and responsibilities of the president shall include, but not be limited to, adhering to board policies and system procedures, employing personnel, providing innovative educational leadership, allocating campus resources, and implementing the board’s strategic plan.
Alexandria Technical and Community College
1601 Jefferson St.
Alexandria, MN 56308
Michael Seymour
michael.seymour@alextech.edu
Phone: (320) 762-4403
Fax: (320) 762-4501
Appointed: July 1, 2019
Previous Positions:
- Vice president of academic and student affairs, Lake Superior College
- Vice president for administration, vice president of educational services, and director of technology, Anoka-Ramsey Community College
- Teaching at St. Cloud State University, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Riverland Community College, Ferris State University and University of Minnesota Duluth
Education:
- Doctorate (in-progress) , University of South Dakota
- Graduate certificate , Metropolitan State University
- Master's, Ferris State University
- Bachelor's, Ferris State University
- Associate's, Ferris State University
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
11200 Mississippi Boulevard NW
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Kent Hanson
kent.hanson@anokaramsey.edu
Phone: (763) 433-1179
Fax: (763) 433-1121
Appointed: July 1, 2013
Previous Positions:
- Interim president, Riverland Community College
- Provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, Northland Community and Technical College
- Radiology Program director and health and Human Services dean, Northwest Technical College
Education:
- Doctorate, University of North Dakota
- Master’s, Central Michigan University
- Bachelor’s, University of North Dakota
Anoka Technical College
1355 West Highway 10
Anoka, MN 55303
Kent Hanson
khanson@anokatech.edu
Phone: (763) 433-1179
Fax: (763) 433-1121
Appointed: July 1, 2013
Previous Positions:
- Interim president, Riverland Community College
- Provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, Northland Community and Technical College
- Radiology Program director and Health and Human Services dean, Northwest Technical College
Education:
- Doctorate, University of North Dakota
- Master’s, Central Michigan University
- Bachelor’s, University of North Dakota
Bemidji State University
1500 Birchmont Drive NE
Bemidji, MN 56601-2699
John Hoffman
john.hoffman@bemidjistate.edu
Phone: (218) 755-2011
Fax: (218) 755-4048
Appointed: July 1, 2022
Previous Positions:
- Acting senior vice chancellor, University of Minnesota Crookston
- Vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, University of Minnesota Crookston
- Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership, California StateUniversity
Education:
- Doctorate, University of Minnesota
- Master's, University of Minnesota
- Bachelor's, Concordia University, Nebraska
Central Lakes College
501 West College Drive
Brainerd, MN 56401
Hara Charlier
hcharlier@clcmn.edu
Phone: (218) 855-8053
Fax: (218) 855-8057
Appointed: July 1, 2016
Previous Positions:
- Vice president of instruction and student services, Virginia Highlands Community College
- Dean of Life Science and Human Services, interim vice president of instruction and student services, assistant professor of biology, Blue Ridge Community College
- Operations director, director of support services, scientific support manager, Synoptics, Inc.
- Instructor of microbiology, Miami University
Education:
- Doctorate, Old Dominion University
- Master's, Miami University
- Bachelor's, Cornell University
Century College
3300 Century Avenue
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Angelia Millender
angelia.millender@century.edu
Phone: (651) 779-3342
Fax: (651) 779-3470
Appointed: July 1, 2017
Previous Positions:
- President, Olive-Harvey College
- District vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, Broward College
- Vice president of student services, dean of student services, director of career planning and placement, and as a member of the faculty, Robert Morris University
Education:
- Master's, National Louis University
- Bachelor's, Chicago State University
Dakota County Technical College
1300 East 145th Street
Rosemount, MN 55068-2999
Michael Berndt
michael.berndt@minnstate.edu
Phone: (651) 423-8213
Fax: (651) 423-8032
Appointed: July 1, 2018
Previous Positions:
- Vice president of academic affairs, Century College
- Vice president of planning and institutional effectiveness, Normandale Community College
Education
- Master's, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Bachelor’s, University of Minnesota, Morris
Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College
2101 14th Street
Cloquet, MN 55720
Anita Hanson
anita.hanson@fdltcc.edu
Phone: (218) 879-0804
Fax: (218) 879-0728
Appointed: June 21, 2023
Previous Positions:
- Vice president of student services and enrollment management, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College
- Dean of student services, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College
Education:
- Master’s, University of Minnesota Duluth
- Bachelor’s, North Dakota State University
Hennepin Technical College
9000 Brooklyn Blvd
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445-2399
Joy Bodin
joy.bodin@hennepintech.edu
Phone: (763) 488-2414
Fax: (763) 488-2414
Appointed President: June 1, 2022
Previous Positions:
-
Vice president of academic and student affairs, Central Lakes College
- Academic dean, Hennepin Technical College
Education:
- Master’s, Capella University
- Bachelor's, Metropolitan State University
Inver Hills Community College
2500 80th Street East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Michael Berndt
michael.berndt@minnstate.edu
Phone: (651) 450-3641
Fax: (651) 450-3679
Appointed: July 1, 2018
Previous Positions:
- Vice president of academic affairs, Century College
- Vice president of planning and institutional effectiveness, Normandale Community College
Education
- Master’s, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
- Bachelor’s, University of Minnesota, Morris
Lake Superior College
2101 Trinity Road
Duluth, MN 55811-3399
Patricia Rogers
patricia.rogers@lsc.edu
Phone: (218) 733-7614
Fax: (218) 733-5937
Appointed: July 1, 2019
Previous Positions:
- Provost and vice president for academic affairs, Winona State University
- Founding dean of Health Sciences and Human Ecology and the School of Graduate Studies, Bemidji State University, as well as assistant professor, associate professor, and professor
- Founding dean of the School of Education and Graduate Studies, Valley City State University
- Co-leader of the Health Studies Unit in the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- System director for instructional technology, Minnesota State
Education:
- Doctorate, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Master's, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Bachelor's, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Metro State University
700 East 7th Street
St. Paul, MN 55106-5000
Ginny Arthur
ginny.arthur@metrostate.edu
Phone: (651) 793-1900
Fax: (651) 793-1907
Appointed: July 1, 2016
Previous Positions:
- Provost, Metro State University
Associate provost for faculty affairs, University of Northern Iowa- Professor of management, Management Department chair, vice chair and chair of the joint faculty assembly, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University
Education:
- Juris
doctorate , American University Washington College of Law - Bachelor’s, Syracuse University
Minneapolis College
1501 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Sharon Pierce
sharon.pierce@minneapolis.edu
Phone: (612) 659-6300
Fax: (612) 659-6310
Appointed: July 1, 2016
Previous Positions:
- Vice president of academic affairs, chair of the Health Sciences Division, director of the Nursing Education Program, nursing course leader, nursing faculty, Howard Community College
- Practicing nurse
Education:
- Doctorate, Morgan State University
- Master's, University of Maryland
- Bachelor's, University of Maryland
Minnesota North College
1515 East 25th Street
Hibbing, MN 55746
Michael Raich
michael.raich@minnesotanorth.edu
Phone: (218) 471-0015
Fax: (218) 471-0017
Appointed: April 12, 2021
Previous Positions:
- President, Northeast Higher Education District
- Interim president, Northeast Higher Education District
- Provost and dean of academic affairs and student services, Hibbing Community College
- Principal and math teacher, Hibbing High School
Education:
- Doctorate, University of North Dakota
- Master's, St. Cloud State University
- Bachelor's, University of Minnesota Duluth
Minnesota State College Southeast
1250 Homer Road, P.O. Box 409
Winona, MN 55987-0409
Marsha Danielson
marsha.danielson@southeastmn.edu
Phone: (507) 453-2721
Fax: (507) 453-2424
Appointed: July 1, 2021
Previous Positions:
- Vice president of economic development, senior associate to the president, and dean of economic development, South Central College
- Development, alumni relations, external relations, and marketing and communications, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Education:
- Doctorate, Ferris State University
- Master’s, Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Bachelor's, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
1414 College Way
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Carrie Brimhall
carrie.brimhall@Minnesota.edu
Phone: (218) 736-1503
Fax: (218) 736-1511
Appointed: July 1, 2018
Previous Positions:
- Chief academic officer and vice president of academic affairs, associate vice president of academic and student affairs, interim provost, dean of enrollment, director of housing, admissions, recruitment, and retention, Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Education:
- Doctorate, Capella University
- Master’s, Capella University
- Bachelor’s, Concordia College
- Associate's, Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Minnesota State University, Mankato
309 Wigley Administration Center
Mankato, MN 56001
Edward Inch
edward.inch@mnsu.edu
Phone: (507) 389-1111
Fax: (507) 389-6200
Appointed: July 1, 2021
Previous Positions:
- Provost and vice president for academic affairs and tenured professor, California State University, East Bay
- Dean of the College of Arts and Letters and tenured professor, California State University, Sacramento
- Provost and vice president for academic affairs and tenured professor, Capital University
- Dean of the School of Arts and Communication, chair of the Department of Communication and Theatre, director of forensics, and tenured professor, Pacific Lutheran University
Education:
- Doctorate, University of Washington
- Master’s, University of Oregon
- Bachelor's, Western Washington University
Minnesota State University Moorhead
1104 7th Avenue South
Moorhead, MN 56563
Timothy Downs
timothy.downs@mnstate.edu
Phone: (218) 477-2243
Fax: (218) 477-5093
Appointed: July 1, 2023
Previous Positions:
- Interim chief of staff, Cal Poly Humboldt
- President/CEO, Northern State University
- Chief academic officer , Niagara University
Education:
- Doctorate, University of Oklahoma
- Master’s, West Virginia University
- Bachelor’s, California State University
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
1450 College Way
Worthington, MN 56187
Terry Gaalswyk
terry.gaalswyk@mnwest.edu
Phone: (507) 372-3464
Fax: (507) 372-5801
Appointed: July 1, 2015
Previous Positions:
- Executive vice president, Western Nebraska Community College
- Vice president of educational services, Western Nebraska Community College
- Mathematics instructor, Iowa State University
- Dean of instruction, division chair - Computer Science, mathematics instructor, Western Iowa Tech Community College
- Mathematics instructor, South Dakota State University
Education:
- Doctorate, Iowa State University
- Master’s, South Dakota State University
- Master’s, South Dakota State University
- Bachelor’s, Northwestern College
Normandale Community College
9700 France Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55431
Joyce Ester
joyce.ester@normandale.edu
Phone: (952) 487-8149
Fax: (952) 487-8140
Appointed: August 2, 2014
Previous Positions:
- President, City Colleges of Chicago: Kennedy-King College
- Associate vice president for student services, Bakersfield College
- Assistant vice president for judicial affairs and division planning, California State University, Fresno
- Assistant dean of students/judicial affairs, University of California, Santa Barbara
- American sign language adjunct professor, Santa Barbara City College
Education:
- Doctorate, University of California, Santa Barbara
- Master’s, University of California, Santa Barbara
- Bachelor’s, Northern Illinois University, DeKa
North Hennepin Community College
7411 85th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Rolando García
rolando.garcia@nhcc.edu
Phone: (763) 424-0820
Fax: (763) 493-0577
Appointed: July 1, 2020
Previous Positions:
- President, vice provost of academic resources, dean of academic resources and assessment, and faculty at Judson A. Samuels South Campus, Broward College
- Dean of learning and technology resource at Woodbridge Campus, Southern Virginia Community College
- Program coordinator, instructional designer/technology trainer, director of the Computer Courtyard, and campus director of learning resources, Miami Dade College
Education:
- Doctorate, Florida International University
- Master's, Florida International University
- Bachelor's, University of Miami
Northland Community and Technical College
2022 Central Ave NE
East Grand Forks, MN 56721
Shari Olson
shari.olson@northlandcollege.edu
Phone: (218) 793-2465
Appointed: July 1, 2024
Previous Positions:
- President, South Mountain Community College
- Interim president, Anoka Technical College
- System director of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Minnesota State
Education:
- Doctorate, University of North Dakota
- Master’s, North Dakota State University
- Bachelor's, North Dakota State University
Northwest Technical College
905 Grant Ave. S.E.
Bemidji, MN 56601
(Northwest Technical College is administered by Bemidji State University)
John Hoffman
john.hoffman@bemidjistate.edu
Phone: (218) 755-2011
Fax: (218) 755-4048
Appointed: July 1, 2022
Previous Positions:
- Acting senior vice chancellor, University of Minnesota Crookston
- Vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, University of Minnesota Crookston
- Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership, California State University
Education:
- Doctorate, University of Minnesota
- Master's, University of Minnesota
- Bachelor's, Concordia University, Nebraska
Pine Technical & Community College
900 4th Street SE
Pine City, MN 55063
Joe Mulford
mulfordj@pine.edu
Phone: (320) 629-5120
Fax: (320) 629-5120
Appointed: July 1, 2015
Previous Positions:
- System director for education industry partnerships, Minnesota State
- Dean of emergency services, manufacturing, and customized training, Hennepin Technical College
- Dean of institutional services, custom training, and emergency services, Anoka Technical College
- Building and industrial trades customized training coordinator, Century College
- Chief academic officer, Globe College
Education:
- Master’s, University of Nebraska
- Graduate certificate, University of Nebraska
- Master’s, Metropolitan State University
- Bachelor’s, St. Cloud State University
- Associate's, Moorhead State University
Ridgewater College
2101 15th Avenue NW
Willmar, MN 56201-2098
Craig Johnson
craig.Johnson@ridgewater.edu
Phone: (320) 222-5201
Fax: (320) 222-5212
Appointed: July 1, 2018
Previous Positions:
- Executive director of the University Center, South Dakota Public Universities & Research Center
- Director, branch campus of Winona State University in Rochester
- Administrator, West Bend Campus of Moraine Park Technical College
- Academic resources coordinator/visual resources curator, University of Minnesota, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Education:
- Doctorate, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Master’s, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Master’s, Tulane University
- Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Riverland Community College
1900 Eighth Avenue NW
Austin, MN 55912
Kathleen Linaker
kathleen.linaker@riverland.edu
Phone: (507) 433-0607
Fax: (507) 433-0370
Appointed: July 1, 2023
Previous Positions:
- Vice president of academics, Western Technical College
- Assistant vice president of academics and dean of the School of STEM, Health, and Natural Sciences, Mohawk Valley Community College
Education:
- Doctorate, Loyola University
- Doctorate, Northwestern Health Sciences University
- Bachelor’s, University of Alberta
Rochester Community and Technical College
851 30th Avenue SE
Rochester, MN 55904-4999
Jeffery Boyd
jeffery.boyd@rctc.edu
Phone: (507) 285-7215
Fax: (507) 285-7108
Appointed: July 1, 2018
Previous Positions:
- Provost, chief operating officer, and academic and student affairs administrator, Tidewater Community College
- Dean of business and career technologies, Elgin Community College
- Director of education and employment, Quad County Urban League
- Student services administrator, Olivet Nazarene University
- Student services administrator, Waubonsee Community College
Education:
- Doctorate, National Louis University
- Master’s, University of Phoenix
- Bachelor’s, Judson University
- Associate's, San Joaquin Delta College
St. Cloud State University
720 4th Avenue South
St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498
Larry Dietz
president@stcloudstate.edu
Phone: (320) 308-2122
Fax: (320) 308-5139
Appointed: July 1, 2024
Previous Positions:
- President, Illinois State University
- Vice president for student affairs, Illinois State University
- Vice chancellor for student affairs and special assistant to the chancellor, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Education:
- Doctorate, Iowa State University
- Master’s, Iowa State University
- Bachelor’s, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
St. Cloud Technical and Community College
1540 Northway Drive
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Lori Kloos
lkloos@sctcc.eduPhone: (320) 308-5017
Appointed: July 1, 2022
Previous Positions:
- Vice president of administration and chief financial officer, St. Cloud Technical and Community College
-
Bachelor’s, Moorhead State University
-
Diploma, Austin Area Vocational Technical Institute
Saint Paul College
235 Marshall Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55102
Deidra Peaslee
deidra.peaslee@saintpaul.edu
Phone: (651) 846-1335
Fax: (651) 846-1451
Appointed: March 17, 2021
Previous Positions:
- Interim president, Saint Paul College
- Vice president of academic and student affairs and dean of educational services, Anoka-Ramsey Community College
- Assistant dean, director of Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, and director of MBA International Marketing and Finance, DePaul University
Education:
- Doctorate, St. Mary's University of Minnesota
- Master's, Minnesota State University, Mankato
- Bachelor's, South Dakota State University
South Central College
1920 Lee Boulevard
North Mankato, MN 56003
Annette Parker
annette.parker@southcentral.edu
Phone: (507) 389-7207
Fax: (507) 388-9951
Appointed: July 1, 2013
Previous Positions:
- System director, National Center of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Manufacturing, system director workforce & economic development, Kentucky Community & Technical College System
- Department chair, Manufacturing Engineering Technologies, lead faculty/faculty - computer aided drafting & design, Lansing Community College
- Professor, Kent Intermediate School District
- Tool design, Wohlert Corporation
- Material handling and investment recovery, General Motors Corporation
Education:
- Doctorate, Western Kentucky University
- Master’s, Ferris State University
- Bachelor’s, Ferris State University
- Michigan Provisional Vocational Teacher Certification, Ferris State University
- Associate's, Lansing Community College
Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State Street
Marshall, MN 56258
Deb Kerkaert
president@smsu.edu
Phone: (507) 537-6272
Fax: (507) 537-6241
Appointed: May 16, 2025
Previous Positions:
- Vice president for finance and administration, Southwest Minnesota State University
- Business manager, Southwest Minnesota State University
Education:
- Master's, Southwest Minnesota State University
- Bachelor's, Southwest Minnesota State University
Winona State University
8th & Johnson Streets
P.O. Box 5838
Winona, MN 55987-5838
Kenneth Janz
kjanz@winona.edu
Phone: (507) 457-5003
Fax: (507) 457-2415
Appointed: March 20, 2024
Previous Positions:
- Associate vice president for academic affairs and CIO, Winona State University
- Director of the Center for Instruction, Research, and Technology, Indiana State University
- Director of information technology for the College of Education, Indiana State University
Education:
- Doctorate, Indiana State University
- Master’s, North Dakota State University
- Bachelor’s, Dickinson State University