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Minnesota State College Southeast Presidential Search

Last updated 12.16.2025

Two students walking through the lobby of Minnesota State College Southeast

Minnesota State College Southeast seeks a visionary, student-centered, and community focused leader, who will embrace both the Red Wing and Winona communities as partners in advancing opportunity, equity and economic vitality – building on the college's proud history and leading it boldly into the future. Reporting to the Chancellor of Minnesota State, the president serves as the chief executive officer of the college, authentically serving the students, faculty and staff of the institution while connecting the college to Red Wing, Winona and surrounding communities.

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Leadership Opportunity

Minnesota State College Southeast seeks applications and nominations for their next president to lead with integrity, vision, and heart. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a highly valued, high-impact institution with campuses in Winona and Red Wing, Minnesota—two communities that embody collaboration, creativity, and regional vitality. Minnesota State College Southeast is an organization that is deeply committed to its mission, proud of its people, and poised for continued innovation and growth.

The next president will be a visionary, student-centered, and community-focused leader. The ideal candidate will embrace both the Red Wing and Winona communities as partners in advancing opportunity, equity, and economic vitality – building on the college's proud history and leading it boldly into the future. This servant leader will bring an empowering leadership style that inspires collaboration and transparency, while advancing academic excellence, workforce innovation, and equity. The president reports directly to the Minnesota State chancellor.

The People

Faculty and staff on both campuses share a strong sense of pride and purpose. Their deep commitment to student success fosters a collaborative, caring and productive learning environment. Each campus – Red Wing and Winona – serves unique communities and industries. The president must ensure equitable attention to their distinct needs, align resources appropriately, and maintain a visible, authentic presence in both communities. They seek a president who is a transformational and inclusive leader who honors what works, listens deeply, and welcomes new ideas that support student success. A strong commitment to shared governance and open communication will build upon the strengths of the faculty and staff and inspire new opportunities for academic and workforce growth, while diversifying and expanding resources to sustain innovation.

The Students

The college offers exceptional programs across a wide range of career and technical programs and the liberal arts. These programs are led by experienced faculty who engage students holistically – addressing barriers to success and cultivating confidence, skill, and purpose. The next president will engage nontraditional, underrepresented, and underserved populations which is central to the college's mission of serving students.

Building on strong K-12, higher education, and workforce collaborations is critical to developing clear educational pathways and supporting regional talent pipelines.

The Community

The college plays a vital role in advancing the region's economic and development strategies. Through strong relationships with business and industry in both the Red Wing and Winona communities, the college is a trusted partner in addressing workforce needs and supporting innovation. The region's diversified industries demand responsive and innovative training programs. The next president will continue to strengthen ties with business and industry to expand work-based learning and launch new programs in emerging fields.

Nestled amid scenic bluffs and thriving arts and cultural community, the college benefits from the generosity of local donors. Philanthropic support has fueled transformational programs such as the College Opportunity Program and the Red Wing College Promise, opening doors for students who might not otherwise have had access to higher education.

Qualifications and Characteristics:

The successful candidates will demonstrate most, if not all, of these qualifications:

  • A collaborative and visionary leader, capable of inspiring confidence and aligning diverse stakeholders to grow and sustain the mission of Minnesota State College Southeast
  • Progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, with experience in a multi-campus environment
  • Experience and leadership with shared governance, demonstrating a collegial and collaborative decision-making process, including understanding and appreciation for a collective bargaining environment
  • Experience in program and curriculum development, fundraising, governmental relations and accreditation process
  • Demonstrated fundraising ability and building relationships with key stakeholders
  • Demonstrated fiscal management and stewardship of institutional resources
  • A record of actions as an advocate for the success and well-being of students
  • A record of building public/private partnerships between education and business and industry, government entities, and philanthropic and community organizations
  • Demonstrated ability to lead in an innovative, data-driven environment and encourage out-of-the-box thinking
  • Ability to lead the campus in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner, with integrity and respect and a proven track record of being a visible, engaged, and accessible presence with students, alumni, community leaders, and friends
  • Demonstrated understanding of best practices and experience in addressing equity in student access and outcomes
  • Willingness to work with K-12 systems and other Minnesota State colleges and universities
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills effective with a broad range of audiences
  • An earned doctorate is preferred but not required

Presidential Search Application and Nomination Process

How to Apply

The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality of candidates until finalists are selected. For full consideration, applications should be submitted no later than January 5, 2026. The position will remain open until it is filled. To apply go to https://acctsearches.org/ and upload the required documents.

  • Applicants should submit a letter of application (max 5 pages) addressing the opportunities and challenges in this profile, demonstrating their vision, relevant experience, and strategies to address these priorities.
  • Applicants should submit a current resume (with email and cell), and
  • Eight references—2–3 supervisors, 2–3 direct reports, and 2–3 faculty/staff from current or previous institutions. Each reference should include name, title, organization, phone, and email.

For additional information, nominations, or confidential inquiries, please contact: Jack Daniels, Ph.D, Search Consultant, ACCT, jedaniels30608@gmail.com or (217) 415-1950.

Presidential Search Timeline

Listening Sessions – November 6, 2025
Search Advisory Committee Orientation – December 15
Deadline for Application Submissions– January 5, 2026
Search Advisory Committee Interviews - January 28 and 29
Finalists Campus Visits – February 26 and 27
Chancellor makes recommendation to Board of Trustees – March 18

Presidential Search Advisory Committee

Dr. Deidra Peaslee, President of Saint Paul College, Search Chair
Makayla Anderson, Student
Dawn Breza, Student
Nick Meyer, Director of Facilities
Elizabeth Micheel, Biology Faculty
Jerry Papenfuss, Community Member
Zach Pruitt, Executive Director of Jones Family Foundation
Tracy Rahim, Student Life Coordinator
Christie Ransom, President and CEO Winona Chamber of Commerce
Chris Schwertel, Mechatronics Faculty
Carrie Travis, Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences
Kenney White, Dean of Students
Andrew Ziebell, General Repair Worker

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