Darrell W. Krueger will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award at the 2013 Winona State University Awards of Distinction as part of the school’s Homecoming celebration.
Each year WSU and the Alumni Society recognize individuals for their outstanding commitment to the university and to improving our world. WSU graduates or non-graduates who have voluntarily rendered significant contributions of time and talent to the university receive the Distinguished Service Award.
Krueger was the 13th president of Winona State University, serving from 1989 to 2005, and is a nationally recognized leader in outcomes assessment. Following his lead and vision, WSU adopted principles and leadership concepts such as “The Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education,” and, in 2001, he accepted for Winona State the prestigious Franklin Covey Community Service Award. Under his watch, Winona State became one of the most technologically advanced universities in the nation with the Laptop University program, had 16 years of stable enrollment and increased retention rates, and earned national recognition for academics and athletics.
Krueger also worked to transform the Winona State campus. Streets that once bisected campus were closed and turned into green space with fountains and beautiful landscaping. He oversaw the completion of the state-of-the-art library in 1999, as well as the WSU Foundation East Lake Apartment Complex and a new $30 million science laboratory.
Krueger graduated summa cum laude as co-valedictorian with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from Southern Utah State College in 1967. He went on to earn his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Arizona, Tucson. While a graduate student, Krueger was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and was a Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation Dissertation fellow. Before arriving in Winona, Krueger was a professor of political science, dean of instruction and vice president for academic affairs for 16 years at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Mo. (now Truman State University).
Krueger currently resides in Enoch, Utah, with his wife, Nancy. He enjoys hiking, being outdoors in the garden, and crafting furniture, toys and other keepsakes in his woodshop. He also enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Click here to learn more about WSU’s 2013 Awards of Distinction.
