David Jones Approved as Permanent President of SMSU

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Dr. David Jones has been approved by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees as the 11th permanent president of Southwest Minnesota State University, following seven months serving in the interim role. Jones said he is "couldn't be more thrilled" to take on the role permanently after gaining a deep appreciation for SMSU's history and close ties to the Marshall community.

Why it matters

The appointment of a permanent president provides stability and allows SMSU to more fully address challenges facing higher education, such as enrollment shifts and financial pressures. Jones' background and vision for the university position him to build on SMSU's strengths and lead it into the future.

The details

During his interim term, Jones gained a deep appreciation for SMSU's history and its close ties to the local community. He described the university's "ethos" of believing "we can do it and we can do it together" as a "superpower" that positions both SMSU and Marshall for continued success. Jones cited the university's strong facilities, modern learning spaces and dedicated faculty as key assets, and hopes to grow on-campus enrollment while continuing to expand online programs.

• In February 2026, Jones was approved as the 11th permanent president of SMSU.
• Jones served as interim president for seven months prior to being appointed permanently.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Jones said a major priority will be developing the next strategic plan for SMSU as the current plan sunsets this spring. The process will involve campus members, alumni and community stakeholders in shaping the university's direction for the next five to 10 years.