ST. PAUL — Devinder Malhotra, chancellor of Minnesota State, announced that he plans to retire upon the completion of his current contract on Aug. 1. The announcement was made Thursday during a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

“Serving as chancellor of Minnesota State over the past six years has been a singular honor and the greatest privilege of my professional life,” Malhotra said. “I continue to be humbled and inspired by the grit, determination and resilience of our students, who often must overcome many challenges to persist and complete their educational journey.  It is exhilarating to have unwavering support from the Board of Trustees, and to work alongside 14,000 committed faculty and staff who provide exceptional stewardship for the educational experience of our students, and for the communities our colleges and universities serve.”

Malhotra has served either as chancellor or interim chancellor of Minnesota State since 2017. Under his leadership, Minnesota State launched Equity 2030, a key strategic initiative that set a critical goal of eliminating educational equity gaps, including by race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and first-generation status at every Minnesota State college and university by the year 2030. This work is currently underway and has received broad support throughout the system including presidents, bargaining units, faculty, staff, and students.

“Eliminating educational equity gaps is not only a moral imperative,” Malhotra said. “It is also imperative for the vibrancy of Minnesota’s economy, as well as an imperative for meeting Minnesota’s workforce needs.”

According to Minnesota State press release, Malhotra led the system through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Minnesota State was able to complete the 2020 spring semester using alternative modes of delivery for more than 95% of course sections. Since then, Minnesota State has continued its service both on campus and online to students without any significant outbreaks on its campuses, and has awarded 80,171 degrees, certificates, and diplomas.

“Under Chancellor Malhotra’s leadership, Minnesota State has navigated tremendous challenges,” said Roger Moe, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.  “The system has emerged stronger and more committed than ever to providing an opportunity for all Minnesotans to create a better future for themselves, for their families, and for their communities.  His service has been nothing short of exemplary, and on behalf of the board, we are grateful for his service.”

Previous roles within the Minnesota State system include serving Metropolitan State University as interim president from 2014 to 2016, and St. Cloud State University as provost and vice president of academic affairs from 2009 to 2014. He also served the University of Southern Maine and the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Akron.