MARSHALL, Minn. — David Jones was formally inaugurated as the 11th president of Southwest Minnesota State University Thursday afternoon, with university officials, students, faculty, staff, community leaders, alumni, family and friends gathering on campus for the ceremony.
Jones has served as SMSU’s interim president since 2025 and was named the university’s permanent president in February. He previously held leadership positions at the College of William and Mary, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Alabama. Before coming to SMSU, he served as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Minnesota State University Mankato.
The inauguration marked the formal transfer of authority and responsibility to Jones and included the presentation of the presidential medallion and university mace.
Jones said having members of the university and Marshall communities attend the ceremony made the occasion particularly meaningful.
“I feel super honored to be in this position to help move this university forward,” Jones said. He said one of the things that makes SMSU and the surrounding community special is the sense of community and the opportunity to bring together students, faculty, staff, friends and family.
Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson said presidential inaugurations provide an opportunity to recognize both new leadership and the continuing mission of higher education.
Olson highlighted SMSU’s history of providing educational opportunities, serving southwest Minnesota and preparing graduates who contribute to their communities.
“President Jones has demonstrated a deep commitment to students, collaboration, innovation, and public service,” Olson said.
Olson also formally charged Jones with placing students at the center of his work, strengthening partnerships throughout southwest Minnesota and leading with integrity, wisdom, courage and compassion.
Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes said the city looks forward to continuing its longstanding partnership with SMSU under Jones’ leadership.
“Together we will continue creating opportunities, strengthening our region, and shaping a bright future for those we serve,” Byrnes said.
SMSU Student Association President John Haler highlighted Jones’ involvement with students during his time as interim president. Haler said Jones has participated in Student Association meetings, accessibility walks and campus events while maintaining regular communication with student leaders.
Haler said Jones’ approach has made students comfortable bringing ideas and concerns to him and praised his student-centered approach to problem solving.
Jones used his inaugural address to look ahead to the future of SMSU while reflecting on the university’s history.
He said SMSU was founded in 1967 with a spirit of possibility, openness, experimentation and creativity. Jones said that spirit continues to define the university and that SMSU should remain willing to experiment, listen, learn and adapt.
“We are not here simply to preserve the university we inherited,” Jones said. “We are here to build upon it.”
Jones also acknowledged that challenges and difficult decisions will be part of the university’s future, but said SMSU has a history of facing challenges.
“We were created because people believed something new was possible. Now it is our turn,” Jones said.
As he formally accepted the presidency, Jones made a commitment to listen, work and lead with purpose while celebrating successes and confronting challenges.
“And I will never lose sight of why this university exists: Our students,” Jones said.
The ceremony concluded with the SMSU Chorale performing the university alma mater, followed by a reception in the Student Center.
During the reception, Jones spoke with Marshall Radio News and said he was grateful to have the university and Marshall communities come together for the ceremony.
“You know, that’s one of the wonderful things about this university and this community is it’s about community. I feel super honored to be in this position to help move this university forward.”
