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The Minnesota State Board of Trustees has appointed Gregory Tomso as the new president of St. Cloud State University.

Tomso is on sabbatical from his previous role as vice president of academic engagement and student affairs at the University of West Florida. He was one of 99 applicants for the St. Cloud State position and beat out three other finalists.

Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson said Tomso has a proven track record of improving retention and graduation rates, growing enrollment and developing community partnerships.

“I believe this leader is going to bring the campus and the community to new heights,” Olson said.

Tomso faces significant challenges, as St. Cloud State grapples with smaller enrollment and budget pressures. He will take over on Jan. 5.

Tomso told the board he’s excited to step into the role. 

“I’ve seen firsthand how faculty, staff, students, administrators and community leaders in St. Cloud are making great strides towards the future,” he said.

 Olson said the St. Cloud campus and wider community were heavily involved in the selection process.

"There was an overwhelming volume of campus feedback from students, faculty, staff, administrators, community members, huge,” he said. “We've never seen the likes of it."

St. Cloud State is the second largest university in the Minnesota State system, with about 10,000 students. It has been without a permanent president since 

St. Cloud State’s president Wacker stepping down early amid expected budget cuts

Tomso was one of four finalists for the position. The others were Matt Cecil, interim provost at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside; Rodney Hansley, president of Oklahoma's Northeastern State University; and Lisa Foss, a senior director at Arizona State University and a former St. Cloud State administrator.

While at the University of West Florida, Tomso established the Office of Workforce Development to partner with local employers and nonprofits. He previously served as director of an honors program, chair of the English department and an English professor. 

Before that, Tomso was an assistant English professor at Ithaca College in New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a doctorate from Duke University.

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Gregory Tomso is on sabbatical from his previous role as vice president of academic engagement and student affairs at the University of West Florida.  He will take over on Jan. 5.

Gregory Tomso is on sabbatical from his previous role as vice president of academic engagement and student affairs at the University of West Florida.  He will take over on Jan. 5.

New president chosen for St. Cloud State University

A person wearing a graduation cap and gown while walking on campus.

New president chosen for St. Cloud State University

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