Inauguration ceremony on Oct. 12 to install Dr. Tim Downs as MSU Moorhead’s 12th president
Thursday, Oct. 12 | 2 p.m. | Roland Dille Center for the Arts Hansen Theatre
Minnesota State University Moorhead will officially install Dr. Tim Downs as its 12th president in an installation ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 12. The ceremony, open to the public, will begin at 2 p.m. in the Roland Dille Center for the Arts Hansen Theatre. An ice cream social with live music will follow on the campus mail (rain site: Center for the Arts).
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system Board of Trustees named Downs MSU Moorhead president on March 22, 2023. He began his tenure on July 1.
Dr. Downs brings considerable expertise and keen insights into the changing nature of higher education,” said Devinder Malhotra, who was chancellor of Minnesota State when Downs was named president. “He is a great communicator and a person who is strongly committed to being an ardent supporter of students and the innate missions of a regional comprehensive university anchored in liberal arts and sciences. Without a doubt, he is the right leader at this point in the university’s history.”
The installation is taking place during MSUM’s Homecoming Week activities. A presidential inauguration is a formal and time-honored academic tradition to celebrate a new president’s official installation. Distinguished guests and higher education leaders will gather with students, employees, alumni and community partners to show support for the start of Downs’ leadership tenure.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Tom Jackson, president of Cal Poly Humboldt. He previously served as president of Black Hills State University in South Dakota and has held other leadership roles within higher education. A first-generation student, Jackson is also a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, Texas State Guard and Indiana Guard Reserve.
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system Chancellor Dr. Scott Olson will perform the installation address. Olson served as president of Winona State University since 2012 and began his tenure as chancellor on Aug. 1. Throughout his 20-year career in the Minnesota State system, Olson has been a leader in major strategic initiatives, including development of the Centers of Excellence, transfer pathways, NextGen, and Equity 2030. He advocates for both system-level solutions and campus autonomy to meet local needs.
The program will include musical performances and a presidential address during which Downs will share his vision for the university. During the ceremony, he will receive the university’s presidential medallion.
The university’s website has information about the Presidential Ceremony. For those unable to attend in person, the website will also include a link to watch the livestream of the event: https://youtube.com/live/zyIq6qXavcs.
About President Downs
Dr. Tim Downs has more than 35 years of higher education experience, including progressively successful experience in academic leadership roles. He was president at Northern State University, Aberdeen, S.D., from 2016 to 2021. Before being named MSUM president, he was the Chief of Staff at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt.
Dr. Downs is an ardent advocate for the liberal arts, a champion of professional and faculty development, and a staunch proponent for diversity and equity in higher education and society. As an educator, Dr. Downs is dedicated to creating and sustaining learning communities that prepare students for successful careers and rewarding lives. He and his wife, Mary, enjoy being part of campus life and interacting with students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. You will also see President Downs walking across campus in his signature red tennis shoes as he welcomes the opportunity to visit with students and employees.
MSUM is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend this event, please contact Chuck Eade at Charles.Eade@mnstate.edu. You will be contacted individually to discuss your request.