Larry Dietz Named Interim President of St. Cloud State University

The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has named Larry Dietz to serve as interim president of St. Cloud State University (SCSU). The appointment will be effective beginning July 1, 2024.

"I am pleased that Dr. Dietz has agreed to come out of retirement and lead St. Cloud State University as interim president for the next two years," said Scott Olson, chancellor of Minnesota State. "Larry's extensive knowledge and experience in public higher education are the perfect combination for SCSU at this time, and I am confident that under his leadership, the university will move forward to serve its students and employees successfully, the Central Minnesota community, and the entire state."

Dr. Dietz served Illinois State University as president from 2014 until his retirement in 2021. As president, he advanced the vision established for the university in Educating Illinois and the Campus Master Plan in consultation with shared governance groups. Under his leadership, the university added and refined many undergraduate and graduate programs, received approval for a new College of Engineering, stabilized enrollment while increasing the diversity and retention of all students, forged relationships with stakeholders in business and industry, enhanced relationships with state leaders, and completed a comprehensive campaign raising over $181 million. He managed a budget in excess of $480 million and worked with a faculty and staff of 3,600.

He also served Illinois State University as vice president for student affairs from 2011 to 2014, a role in which he served as key advocate for over 20,000 students and provided leadership on university-wide strategic planning and long-range financial planning initiatives. He was also a tenured associate professor from 2011 to 2021.

Previously, he served Southern Illinois University Carbondale as vice chancellor for student affairs and special assistant to the chancellor from 2006 to 2011, and as vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management and special assistant to the chancellor from 2000 to 2006. In these roles, he managed a budget of over $68 million in personnel, program, and operating expenses and a staff of over 500. He was also a tenured associate professor from 2000 to 2011.

He served the University of Missouri-Kansas City from 1985 to 2000 in various capacities, including as vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management from 1998 to 2000, and associate vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management from 1995 to 1998.

He also served Iowa State University from 1972 to 1985 in various capacities in financial aid administration and in the office of the vice president for student affairs.

He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and a master's in college student personnel and a doctorate in higher education administration from Iowa State University.

Dietz succeeds Robbyn Wacker who has served as president of SCSU since 2018 and announced her intention to depart from the university at the completion of her contract.