Former Illinois State University president Larry Dietz is a finalist for an interim presidency at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.
Dietz, who was president at ISU from 2014-2021, is one of two candidates being considered for the top job at a university beset by declining enrollment, a growing budget deficit and staff and programming cuts over the past year.
St. Cloud University’s current president, Robbyn Wacker, announced in November she would leave the position in June once her contract expires, opening up the position for interim leadership.
Dietz is the only candidate outside of Minnesota’s state university system who is in the running; the second finalist is Henry Morris, currently the senior diversity officer and the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Morris has been with that institution since 1990, according to a news release.
Dietz retired from ISU in 2021, seven years after he was appointed to the presidency in 2014. His tenure oversaw the development of a new strategic plan, renovations of Bone Student Center, the opening of the Center for Civic Engagement and a Redbirds Rising fundraising campaign that continues annually.
Dietz is scheduled for an on-campus visit on Thursday, April 4, to meet with administrators, students and employees.
Chancellor Scott Olson, who oversees the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is expected to make a recommendation to the system’s board of trustees during an April 17 meeting.
The person selected for St. Cloud University’s interim presidency is expected to start on July 1.
