Ridgewater College seeks a committed, approachable, and enterprising president who places students at the center of the institution’s mission, fosters a culture of collaboration and engagement among faculty, staff, and administrators, and strengthens partnerships with business, governmental, and educational communities.

Ridgewater College operates two campuses in Willmar and Hutchinson and offers high quality academic programs in liberal arts, the skills trades, agriculture, and health sciences. The college plays a vital role in the region’s economic vitality and workforce development through sustained partnerships with business, government, education, service organizations, and other nonprofit entities.

Central Minnesota offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience. With scenic lakes, vibrant communities, and a strong sense of connection, it’s a region where quality of life truly shines. Residents enjoy affordable living, excellent schools, and easy access to outdoor recreation year-round—making it an ideal place to live, work, and play.

Willmar is a thriving hub in the heart of Kandiyohi County, known for its beautiful lakes and welcoming atmosphere. The community boasts strong healthcare facilities, a regional airport, and a growing economy supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and education. With family-friendly neighborhoods and a rich mix of cultural events, Willmar offers a dynamic lifestyle in a picturesque setting.

Hutchinson, often called “Minnesota’s Hometown,” combines small-town warmth with modern amenities. Nestled along the scenic Crow River, it’s a paradise for outdoor lovers with miles of biking and hiking trails, golf courses, and nearby lakes. Excellent schools, strong healthcare services, and a robust business community make Hutchinson a great place to work and raise a family—all while enjoying the charm and convenience of a close-knit community.

The president will continue to lead and advance Ridgewater College’s 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. This includes regular assessment of progress, incremental refinement of strategies, and meaningful engagement of faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to further institutional effectiveness and student success.

A central priority will be sustaining enrollment growth and aligning resources to support that growth. The president will provide fiscal stewardship by aligning financial planning with enrollment trends, program development, instructional innovation, and facility maintenance. Balancing in-person and online learning modalities, enhancing academic offerings, and responding to regional workforce needs will remain essential. The president will continue to strengthen relationships with regional employers and support customized training initiatives, while fostering collaboration, employee engagement and readiness for emerging technologies.

At Minnesota State, we provide the opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities.

With 26 community and technical colleges and seven state universities on 54 campuses, Minnesota State serves nearly two-thirds of the entire state’s undergraduate student population, and we serve more Black, Indigenous, and students of color than all higher education providers in the state, combined.

We are committed to equitable outcomes for all our students, and in 2019 committed to eliminating educational equity gaps at every Minnesota State college and university by the year 2030. Achieving this goal, called Equity 2030, is a moral imperative, and an economic imperative for our state as our population continues to grow more diverse, and will ensure Minnesota has the workforce it needs for generations to come. We are working toward meeting our Equity 2030 goal through hard work, robust data analysis, targeted programs to improve outcomes, and partnerships with community organizations, employers, and the state legislature.

The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and listener, a values-driven leader who is visible at campus, community and system level, and a proactive change agent deeply committed to student success. Demonstrated fundraising ability and building relationships with key stakeholders is desired, in addition to a record of building public/private partnerships between education and business and industry, government entities, and philanthropic and community organizations. The next President will have a willingness to work with K-12 systems and other Minnesota State colleges and universities. An earned doctorate is preferred, but not required.

How to Apply

ACCT Search is assisting Ridgewater College in this search. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality of candidates until finalists are selected. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than February 6, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

To apply, go to acctsearches.org and upload the required documents. Candidates will need to have the following information or materials available to complete the application:

1. A letter of application (not to exceed 5 pages) that succinctly demonstrates how the candidate’s experience and professional qualifications have prepared them to serve as the President of Ridgewater College.
2. A current resume including an email address and cellular telephone number.
3. A list of 8 references. For example, 2 to 3 supervisors, 2 to 3 direct reports, and 2 to 3 faculty and/or staff members from current and former institutions.

For additional information, nominations, or confidential inquires, please contact:
Jack Daniels, Ph.D, Search Consultant, ACCT, jedaniels30608@gmail.com or (217) 415-1950.

To learn more about Ridgewater College, please visit ridgewater.edu

Minnesota State is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator.

To learn more about Minnesota State, please visit MinnState.edu