MARSHALL — Dr. David Jones has been approved by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees as the 11th permanent president of Southwest Minnesota State University, following seven months serving in the interim role.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled,” Jones said of stepping into the position permanently. After spending months learning the campus and community, he said applying for the role was “a pretty easy decision.”
Jones and his wife have found Marshall welcoming and full of promise. “To know that the title has shifted from interim to president feels really good,” he said, adding that the permanence allows the university to more fully address challenges such as enrollment shifts and financial pressures facing higher education.
Originally drawn to SMSU’s strong identity and leadership, Jones said the university was not a turnaround project but a campus with clear strengths and opportunities. Growing up in a small town in upstate New York, he said Marshall fits his lifestyle and values.
During his interim term, Jones said he gained a deep appreciation for SMSU’s history and its close ties to the community. Unlike older institutions with centuries of tradition, he described Southwest’s story as “a living history,” shaped by generations of local families who helped establish and grow the campus.
He also pointed to what he called a campus and community “ethos,” a belief that “we can do it and we can do it together.” That mindset, he said, is a “superpower” that positions both SMSU and Marshall for continued success.
Jones cited the university’s strong facilities, modern learning spaces and dedicated faculty as key assets. He hopes to grow on-campus enrollment while continuing to expand online programs, which have recently seen strong demand.
Looking ahead, Jones said a major priority will be developing the next strategic plan as the current plan sunsets this spring. The process will involve campus members, alumni and community stakeholders in shaping the university’s direction for the next five to 10 years.
“I’m super excited about that conversation,” he said, emphasizing the opportunity to reaffirm SMSU’s mission and identify shared priorities.
He also envisions deeper integration between the university and the city, suggesting Marshall itself can serve as “yet another classroom” where students apply what they learn. Strengthening those ties benefits both the campus and the broader community, he said.
Asked to describe SMSU in one word, Jones responded: “Rising.”
He encouraged students to engage directly with faculty, including visiting office hours to build relationships. “Make sure that you’re engaging with your faculty,” he said, noting those connections can lead to mentorship and future opportunities.
As he begins his presidency, Jones said he welcomes conversations with community members and hopes residents feel comfortable introducing themselves, whether at campus events or the grocery store.
“I’m trying to say hi and meet as many people,” he said.
