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ST. PAUL -- The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities appointed Scott Olson to serve as the next chancellor of Minnesota State, effective Aug. 1.
Olson will succeed Devinder Malhotra who has served as chancellor of Minnesota State since 2017 and has announced his intention to retire, effective July 31.
"Scott has deep roots in Minnesota State and is known throughout the system as a collaborative and strategic leader," Roger Moe, Minnesota State board chair, said in a Minnesota State press release.
"He has amassed an outstanding reputation in every role he has played, and has the skills needed to build a common vision of what Minnesota State can become. We are very pleased that he has accepted our offer to serve as the next chancellor of Minnesota State."
Olson has higher education professional experience as tenured professor and as a senior administrative leader.
"I am both honored and humbled to be selected to serve as chancellor of the Minnesota State system," Olson said. "I will work diligently to meet the opportunities as well as the challenges that lie ahead. What our colleges and universities do every day is nothing short of remarkable, and I look forward to working collaboratively with our faculty, staff, business partners, community leaders, and especially our students, towards a prosperous, inclusive, and innovative future."
Olson served as president of Winona State University since 2012.
Prior to his appointment to WSU, Dr. Olson served Minnesota State University, Mankato as provost and vice president for academic and student affairs from 2003 to 2012. He also served the Minnesota State system office as interim vice chancellor for academic and student affairs for 13 months from 2010 to 2011. Previous engagements include Ball State University in Indiana between 1998 and 2003, and Central Connecticut State University between 1985 and 1998.
Olson holds a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a doctorate from Northwestern University.