New MSUM president overcame early failures and pushback in becoming a campus leader
By Robin Huebner, Inforum
MOORHEAD — Given his new position as president of Minnesota State University Moorhead, one might never guess Tim Downs had a rough start to his own education.
He said he failed first grade because of poor eyesight and the learning disorder dyslexia.
Once the troubles were remedied, he found the fun in learning to read. “All of a sudden, I’m a learner instead of that kid who’s in first grade twice,” he said.
Downs, 64, has lived on both coasts and many points in between; as a child with his family, and later as a college student, teacher, administrator and university president, each move informing his approach to education.
He’ll be officially installed as MSUM’s 12th president during a ceremony Thursday, Oct. 12, replacing President Anne Blackhurst, who retired in June.
Read Robin’s full story and watch the video interview with President Downs.