Three Finalists for SMSU Presidency Announced
ST. PAUL, Minn., January 22, 2026 – Minnesota State has announced three finalists in the search for the next president of Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU). The candidates are Amy Clark, David Jones, and Shadow Robinson.
A search advisory committee, made up of students, faculty, staff, and local leaders, recommended these candidates. Ginny Arthur, president of Metropolitan State University, chaired the committee. The candidates will visit the campus the week of January 26, giving everyone a chance to meet them and provide feedback.
Candidate Profiles
Amy Clark has a strong background in academic leadership. She was the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Nebraska Methodist College until October 2025. Before that, she was the dean of health professions and worked as a clinical researcher. She earned her degrees from Nebraska Wesleyan University, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Clark’s campus visit is set for January 27, 2026.
David Jones is currently the interim president of SMSU, a role he took on in July 2025. He previously worked at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he held various positions related to student affairs and enrollment management. Jones has extensive experience in higher education and has taught at several universities. His visit is scheduled for January 28, 2026.
Shadow Robinson has served as provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith since 2022. His previous positions include dean at the University of Tennessee at Martin and various roles at Millsaps College. He holds multiple degrees, including two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Kentucky and a doctorate from Rutgers University. Robinson will visit SMSU on January 29, 2026.
The Board of Trustees is set to meet on February 18, 2026, to consider Chancellor Scott Olson’s recommendation. The new president is expected to start on July 1, 2026.
What’s Next for SMSU?
Southwest Minnesota State University plays a vital role in preparing students for modern challenges as active participants in their communities. With a rich offering of degree programs rooted in the liberal arts, SMSU aims to connect students’ education to real-world impacts. As the university moves forward, the influence of the new president will be key in shaping its future direction.
Minnesota State, the umbrella organization for SMSU, includes 26 community and technical colleges and seven state universities that serve around 270,000 students, making it one of the largest educational systems in the United States.
For more information about SMSU and the presidential search, visit SMSU Presidential Search.
For Media Inquiries:
Noelle Hawton
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
651-728-8156
noelle.hawton@minnstate.edu
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