Meet the four finalists for St. Cloud State president

ST. CLOUD – Minnesota State announced four finalists Thursday in the search for the next president of St. Cloud State University in central Minnesota.

The candidates — recommended by a search advisory committee of students, faculty, staff and community leaders — are Matt Cecil, Lisa Foss, Rodney Hanley and Gregory Tomso.

The candidates are scheduled to visit campus the week of Nov. 3 to meet with members of the university and community. Minnesota State’s board of trustees is expected to consider Chancellor Scott Olson’s recommendation for president at its Nov. 19 meeting.

Cecil currently serves as interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University, a master’s from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a doctorate from the University of Iowa. He previously worked at Mankato as interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, as well as dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.

Foss is the senior director of the University Design Institute at Arizona State University. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. Cloud State University and her doctorate from the University of Minnesota. She previously served at SCSU in several positions, including faculty member, associate provost and vice president for planning and engagement. Foss also served as a chancellor’s fellow for Reimagining Minnesota State.

Hanley is the president of Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. He obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s from the University of Cambridge and a doctorate from the University of Kansas.

Tomso is on sabbatical from his previous appointment as vice president of academic engagement and student affairs at the University of West Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his doctorate from Duke University.