Building a Brighter Future

Greetings, everyone. It is a GREAT day to be a Warrior! I would like to begin by thanking Chair Soule, Chancellor Olson, and the Board of Trustees for trusting me to serve as the 16th president of Winona State University. I also want to thank President Krueger—I am honored you are with us today.

To my family, thank you for being here, and to my mentors – Josh and Susan Powers – you illuminated a path forward.

I also want to thank Mayor Scott Sherman, President Clipsham, and President Carman for your kind words.

I also want to thank the planning committee for making today possible, and the Winona State Jazz Band and Concert Choir for sharing their musical gifts.

Finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, faculty, staff, and broader Winona State community, here in Winona and in Rochester. It is a privilege to be part of this community, united in our commitment to learning and improving our world. Thank you for everything you do for Winona State.

This fall marks my 17th year at Winona State. In that time, I have had the privilege of serving as associate vice president for Academic Affairs, CIO, Dean of the Library, teacher, and now—obviously—president. At least I think that is why they asked me to speak here today? I have worked with our students, faculty, and staff in each role, witnessing every day a community of learners improving our world.

I value the opportunity to attend music concerts, art exhibitions, and dance and theater productions at Winona State. These events celebrate the creativity and expression that unite our community.

As a Warrior Athletics fan, I enjoy nothing more than cheering on our teams. Winona has become my home, and the Warriors are my team.

I consider myself fortunate that I continue to learn something new every day.

Including: how much purple is too much purple? Do I look like Prince, or do I look like Grimace?

All these experiences have deepened my love of Winona State University. Everything we do here, whether in the classroom, on the field, or within the community, is guided by a shared commitment to improving our world. This work defines us and inspires me daily as I continue to lead and learn alongside this remarkable community.

As I prepared for today, I reflected on the inaugural addresses of a few of my predecessors: President Olson’s “The Island of Hope and Dreams,” President Ramaley’s “Learning for the 21st Century,” and President Krueger’s inaugural remarks from 1990. Each leader spoke passionately about the challenges and opportunities of their respective era, and their desire to lead this university toward a brighter future.

• Since our founding in 1858 as the first teacher’s college west of the Mississippi, Winona State University has been a guiding light, a beacon of learning and innovation.[1]
• In 1917, we extended that light to Rochester.[2]
• By 1968, we graduated our first class of nurses, igniting a path toward excellence in healthcare.[3]
• Then in 1991, we sent out our first class of composite engineers, creating innovations that continue to shape industries today.[4]
• Since 2019, our Education Village has provided world-class facilities, equipping our teacher education programs to light the way for generations of educators. [5]

Through every milestone, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to the mission that defines us—a Community of Learners Improving Our World.

The flame above the “W” in our logo is more than just a symbol. It represents the light of knowledge, learning, and enlightenment. The same light that guided our first teachers, nurses, and engineers and many other paths will continue to guide us into the future.

Over the last year, we reviewed our mission and values, created a new vision statement, and started developing Winona State 2035—a strategic 10-year plan.

We’ve also spent the last year listening and engaging through initiatives like University Improvement Day, Assessment Day, the Fall Leadership Workshop, the Brand Awareness Study, MEA Weekend Surveys of prospective students and parents, and meetings with business and community leaders.

Four core themes of Winona State 2035 are already emerging, and the ideas should sound familiar – they were contributed by many of you here in this room!

This year, we will lay the foundation for our future. Winona State 2035 envisions a university that stands as Minnesota’s preeminent student-centered academic community.

As we exit today, you will hear the song “Gonna Fly Now,” the theme from Rocky. This song was selected, intentionally, as it speaks to the journey of the underdog rising to the challenge. As a regional state university, we often play the underdog and face the challenge of repeatedly proving our value.

But we are resilient and determined. Though we lack the resources of larger research institutions, we have something far more powerful: one hundred sixty-six years of history, tradition, and a community of learners that propels us forward towards a brighter future.

This past year alone we launched a new Career and Technical Education program,[13] achieved Hunger-Free Campus status,[14] and secured major grants from the National Science Foundation[15] and the Department of Defense.[16]

We completed a twelve-million-dollar energy-conservation project,[17] earned ABET accreditation for our General Engineering program[18], increased undergraduate enrollment for the first time since 2011[19], and embarked on transformative work with the Higher Learning Commission and AASCU’s Student Success Equity Program.[20]

We continue to be Number One, once again being named the top school in the Minnesota state system by U.S. News & World Report.[21] These accomplishments reflect both our commitment to progress and the incredible work of our students, faculty, staff, and supporters.

Each initiative we pursue adds to our shared flame. I ask you today: How will you add to that flame?

Today, I challenge you to take the torch. I challenge you to ask yourself—each day— how do my actions make this vision a reality?

Winona State University strives to be Minnesota’s preeminent student-centered academic community.

Together, we will be leaders, driving real-world solutions.

We will light the way forward, ensuring that Winona State University continues to build a brighter future for all.

I have one final request for our entire Winona State community today. I ask you to consider a simple question as you go about your days and encounter Future Warriors in our world. “Have you thought about Winona State?”

YOU are our greatest advocates and can offer an authentic experience of what it means to be a Warrior. By sharing what makes Winona State a first-choice institution, you can pass the torch to the next generation and continue building a brighter future for all.

While WE might still be considered underdogs in some circles, there is one thing about underdogs—THEY NEVER GIVE UP. For 166 years, Winona State has embraced challenges with determination and resilience.

Winona State University is a light, a beacon of knowledge. Our flame burns with the light of our shared commitment, and the promise of a brighter future.

Thank you again for your trust in me and for this opportunity to serve our community of learners, at Winona State University. Let us take up this torch to light the way and build a brighter future!

[11] Winona State University (2024). eWarrior:  Digital Life and Learning Program. https://www.winona.edu/student-life/support/tech-support/ewarrior-laptop-program/

[12] Winona State University (2024). Feedback from October 2024 MEA Weekend Survey.

[13] Winona State University (2024). New Career and Technical Education Program Takes Off at Winona State. https://news.winona.edu/21744/new-career-and-technical-education-program-takes-off-at-winona-state/

[14] Winona State University (2024). Winona State Receives Hunger Free Campus Designation. https://news.winona.edu/22030/winona-state-receives-hunger-free-campus-designation/

[15] National Science Foundation (2024).  Award Summary by Institution: Winona State University. https://dellweb.bfa.nsf.gov/awdlst2/default.asp

[16] Winona State University (2024). Winona State Receives $1.1 Million to Support Civic Engagement. https://news.winona.edu/21939/winona-state-receives-1-1-million-to-support-civic-engagement/

[17] Winona State University (2024). Leading Energy Savings and Sustainability. https://www.winona.edu/about/news-events/leading-energy-savings-sustainability/

[18] Winona State University Communications (2024). Winona State Engineering Degree Receives ABET Accreditation. https://news.winona.edu/22020/winona-state-engineering-degree-receives-abet-accreditation/

[19] Office of Institutional Planning, Assessment and Research (2024). Enrollment Report – Fall 2024.

[20] Edmonds, Kellee. (2024). Eight AASCU Institutions Chosen for Latest Student Success Equity Intensive Program Cohort. https://aascu.org/news/eight-aascu-institutions-chosen-for-latest-student-success-equity-intensive-program-cohort/

[21] Winona State University Communications (2024). Winona State Moves Up in US News Rankings. https://news.winona.edu/21869/winona-state-moves-up-in-us-news-rankings/