David Jones will serve as Interim President at SMSU, effective July 1st. Photo from Minnesota State press release.
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees has named David Jones as the interim president of Southwest Minnesota State University, effective July 1.
“David is an experienced leader with an extensive background in enrollment management and student affairs,” said Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson. “He knows our system, our students, faculty, and staff, and our processes and will be a steady and effective leader for SMSU during this year of transition. I am so pleased he has agreed to serve as the interim president at this pivotal time for the university.”
Jones brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education. He currently serves as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he has led strategic enrollment efforts that resulted in significant application growth and improved student retention.
He previously held several leadership roles at the University of Alabama and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jones began his career as a social studies teacher in Carlisle, Iowa.
He holds degrees from the State University of New York at Oswego, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and a doctorate from the College of William & Mary.
Jones succeeds Deb Kerkaert, who has been acting president since the May retirement of Dr. Kumara Jayasuriya.
