The new president of St. Cloud State University, Gregory Tomso, is eager to bring fresh energy to the campus while honoring his predecessor, Larry Dietz. Tomso appreciates Dietz’s initiatives, like modernizing the campus and enhancing its natural beauty by the Mississippi River. “He had the right vision, reflecting what the community needs,” Tomso said.
Tomso’s first days have been busy. He’s reached out to major donors to fund the demolition of unused buildings. However, he acknowledges that convincing them might be challenging. “It’s not the most exciting project, but we need to start somewhere. We’ll also need state support,” he explained.
Tomso’s office has seen a steady flow of visitors, including local media. His focus is clear: he wants SCSU to thrive, especially with the semester’s drop/add date just a week away.
He’s also meeting with local educators, like Lori Kloos from St. Cloud Technical and Community College. They’re exploring partnerships for “Two Plus Two” programs, where students complete two years at a college and then two at the university. This approach could extend to internships, helping graduates find jobs with local companies, like CentraCare.
Tomso is keen to address missed opportunities from the past, especially regarding a new medical school campus. He’s committed to working closely with CentraCare to ensure SCSU has a prominent role in health education moving forward.
He believes the school’s primary goal should be to prepare students for the workforce. “Healthcare is a big focus in our community, and we need to train the next generation of healthcare workers. Manufacturing and engineering are also important here,” he noted.
Beyond these fields, Tomso also sees value in education, business, and communication programs. He hopes to foster a full college experience for students, emphasizing enrollment and retention. His vision includes setting up an endowment for student success, which would require reaching out to students directly, ensuring they get the support they need.
Additionally, Tomso wants to maintain open communication with local government leaders. He’s already working to establish regular meetings with city officials and plans to publish performance indicators online for transparency.
His approach includes creating a strategic plan that aligns the university’s goals with the needs of the St. Cloud community. “I’m not just looking for a job; I want to build a home here,” he said, emphasizing his commitment.
As he settles into his role, Tomso finds joy in the local climate, which he appreciates after years in warmer places. His early morning walks provide him with inspiration, essential for leading the university into a promising future.
Tomso’s ambitious plans highlight a desire to transform SCSU into a vibrant hub for education and community engagement, fostering growth and innovation in central Minnesota.
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