Study under way to assess higher educational needs in southwest Minnesota
Interim president will be appointed next year at Southwest Minnesota State University
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system has launched a study of regional higher educational needs in southwest Minnesota to determine if there is a better way to align educational programs and services offered by Southwest Minnesota State University and Minnesota West Community and Technical College, officials said Friday.
The study will include consultation with residents, business leaders and other interested parties in the 18-county region as well as all campus constituencies. Results of the study are expected to be announced in the spring or summer of 2011.
The study follows the announcement of Southwest Minnesota State University President David Danahar to retire June 30, 2011. Chancellor James H. McCormick said, “Given the time needed to properly assess how educational programs and services are delivered, it would be most effective to appoint an interim president at Southwest Minnesota State University for one year.” The chancellor will bring a recommendation for an interim president to the Board of Trustees in spring 2011.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College has campuses in Jackson, Worthington, Pipestone, Canby and Granite Falls. Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall.