Brenda Marsteller Kowalewski, Ph.D., began her tenure as Winona State University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs on July 1,
Brenda Marsteller Kowalewski, Provost – Winona State University
2025, bringing with her a dynamic blend of academic leadership, community engagement, and a deep commitment to equity and innovation.
With a career spanning roles from professor to vice provost, Dr. Kowalewski has consistently championed community-engaged learning as a transformative tool for students and institutions alike. Her leadership is grounded in three core principles: reciprocity, democratization of knowledge, and collaborative boundary crossing — values she’s carried from the classroom into every leadership role.
“Learning, like leading, is a two-way street. It happens through community, where the goal is bigger than any one individual in the room.”
A Sociologist’s Lens on Equity and Student Success
Dr. Kowalewski’s academic foundation in sociology shapes her approach to teaching and leadership. She emphasizes the importance of equity over equality, recognizing that students bring diverse experiences and needs to the classroom.
“We serve our students best when we know what their specific needs are and tailor our classrooms, pedagogies, learning assessments, and modes of delivery to meet those needs.”
Her belief in the democratization of knowledge means every learner – whether a traditional student, adult learner, or community partner – has something valuable to contribute. This inclusive philosophy drives her commitment to creating academic environments where all students can thrive.
Evolving to Meet Today’s Learners
Dr. Kowalewski is focused on three essential questions: What do we teach? How do we teach? Who do we teach?
- What we teach must reflect the evolving needs of students, communities, and industries. She advocates for developing future-focused programs that prepare graduates for high-demand fields.
- How we teach should center on real-world, high-impact experiences—internships, research, study away, and community engagement—that give Winona State students a competitive edge.
- Who we teach includes not only traditional students but also adult learners seeking flexible, stackable credentials. She envisions academic pathways with easy on- and off-ramps, allowing learners to start, pause, and continue their education as needed.
“We are one Winona serving three sites: Winona, Rochester, and online. Our complex learners deserve our hallmark high-quality learning environments, tailored to their needs and aspirations.”
Supporting Faculty to Inspire Students
Dr. Kowalewski believes that student success begins with faculty success. She’s committed to understanding and supporting faculty wellness, creativity, and collaboration.
“We can’t be successfully student-centered if our educators are feeling depleted or burned out.”
She hopes to foster communities of practice where faculty can experiment, learn, and inspire each other—especially around high-impact practices like community-engaged learning and student research.
Fun Facts & Unexpected Turns
Dr. Kowalewski’s academic journey has had its share of surprises. Early in her career, she was asked to serve on a university-wide curriculum committee as an untenured faculty member—just as the university transitioned from quarters to semesters.
“I had to read every syllabus for every course in over 200 programs. It was a heavy lift, but it taught me a lot about the university and myself. That experience sparked my interest in academic leadership—and I stopped rolling my eyes when opportunities came my way.”
She’s also an avid outdoors enthusiast, having hiked in every state across the Pacific, Mountain, and Eastern time zones—with Central next on her list. Her hobbies include hiking, camping, snowshoeing, skiing, reading fiction, and spending time with family.
And when it came time to choose where to begin her academic career, her spouse had one surprising request: proximity to an NFL city.
“We landed in Ogden, Utah. Oops! Fast forward 30 years, and my Pittsburgh Steelers fanatic spouse will finally be near an NFL city. Skol!”