MSC Southeast welcomes its ninth president, Dr. Marsha A. Danielson
On July 1, 2021, Minnesota State College Southeast welcomed its ninth president, Dr. Marsha A. Danielson. She comes to the college with 25 years of higher education experience in the Minnesota State system at South Central College and Minnesota State University, Mankato.
"I have been waiting for the opportunity to become the president of Minnesota State College Southeast. I am not just looking to be a college president, I want to be your president," Dr. Danielson said.
President Danielson succeeds Dr. Larry A. Lundblad, who served as interim president of Minnesota State College Southeast from February 2018 to June 2021.
"The college has done great work under Larry Lundblad's leadership. It is poised for growth, and I am a builder," said President Danielson.
From 2015-2021, Dr. Danielson served South Central College in Mankato and Faribault as vice president of economic development, advising the president on corporate education, economic development, and growth opportunities for the college, and providing leadership in many functional areas including government and international relations, grants, communications, and comprehensive workforce solutions.
Previously, she was senior associate to the president and dean of economic development at South Central College. At Minnesota State University, Mankato she worked in several areas including development, alumni relations, external relations, and marketing and communications from 1996 to 2007.
Dr. Danielson attended North Hennepin Community College, then earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management at and a master's degree in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She holds an Ed.D. in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University (MI).
MSC Southeast is an ideal fit for Dr. Danielson both professionally and personally.
"The small size of the college, its rural location, entrepreneurial spirit, and its ability to keep up with the rapid pace of change are important to me," said Dr. Danielson. "Personally, I am excited to be here and appreciate the beauty of the bluff country. We are outdoor enthusiasts and love the lakes, river, biking, arts, and festivals."
Student Success and Workforce Development
President Danielson is ready to lead a group of dedicated faculty and staff in helping students reach their full potential.
"The faculty are at the core in helping students attain their personal and professional goals," she stated. "We need to be student-ready, and there is a culture of caring and wraparound services here. The college is driven by the goal of student success."
Moreover, she added, "The region's economic engines -- manufacturing, health care, transportation, and tourism --need employees, and our students must graduate ready for a career or prepared to succeed in 4-year college or university environment."
While her focus this summer is on getting to know community leaders in business, industry and education throughout Southeast Minnesota and nearby Wisconsin, President Danielson is also looking forward to enjoying outdoor activities with her family. "Every year we bike the Cannon Valley Trail and the Root River Trail, and we kayak from Cannon Falls to Welsh on the Cannon River."
This year, she won't have to travel as far to enjoy the regions bluff's and rivers -- and she is likely to encounter MSC Southeast students, faculty, staff, and alumni along the way!
Welcome Dr. Marsha Danielson, President of Minnesota State College Southeast!