DECEMBER 11, 2025 – A discussion in Willmar on expectations included a hope that the future president could continue and expand customized training programs and the relationships between the college and local employers.
WILLMAR — What makes Willmar stand out? What is Ridgewater College’s role in the community? How can the next president of Ridgewater College meet the needs of both the community and the college? These were some of the questions discussed Thursday at Ridgewater College’s community conversation on the Willmar campus.
The conversation was centered around the search for the next president of Ridgewater College. After current president Dr. Craig Johnson announced that he would be retiring in the spring of 2026, the college started its search for the next leader, including scheduling community input sessions on both campuses. Another session is beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the Hutchinson campus.
“We have to interest people in this job. And we know there is a great opportunity here in Willmar and in Hutchinson. It is a great college. It is in good shape. But we want to make sure we are telling the story in a way that’s authentic to the community,” Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson said.
Minnesota State, a system of state universities and colleges that includes Ridgewater College, will hire the next president. Olson is helping to lead the search committee.
Alongside Olson for Thursday’s discussion was Jack Daniels from the Association of Community College Trustees. As a consultant, Daniels utilizes his connections within Minnesota colleges to help find candidates for the job.
“We look to create a profile so that when we talk to potential candidates, we can see what they have and how they fit within this college. That is one of the main things I’ll be doing,” Daniels said.
Community members at the Willmar session discussed the ways in which Ridgewater is engaged with other community organizations and how those relationships could be deepened.
Praise was given for the customized training offered by Ridgewater. This program allows for education to be tailored to the demands of the local community workforce — from development of technical skills to professional growth for career advancement opportunities.
One sentiment from the group was a hope that the future Ridgewater College president could continue and expand those customized programs and the relationships between the college and local employers.
“I hope folks here know what a gem they have here in this community and how wonderful it is of an opportunity for a future president to be able to come to Ridgewater. I think there is going to be a lot of interest in this job,” Olson said.
There was some disappointment that the call for community members to assist with the search process drew only a handful of individuals Thursday.
However, the process is ongoing, and community members can still be involved in the search by volunteering for the committee through the Ridgewater College website.
The search committee will be formed with community members on Dec. 19. To volunteer for the committee, visit ridgewater.edu.
Over the following months, the committee will work through applications and interviews to narrow down the number of candidates before another community event when the final candidates visit the community.
“If you can’t be part of the committee, you can still engage. All those candidates, three or four finalists, are going to come here and stand on the stage and the community is going to be invited to ask anything they want,” Olson said.