Timothy Downs, who has served as Cal Poly Humboldt’s Chief of Staff since Spring 2022, has been named the new President of Minnesota State University Moorhead.
His appointment was announced today during the Minnesota State College and University system Board of Trustees meeting. He officially takes on the new role starting July 1.
He will continue through May in his current role as Humboldt’s Chief of Staff as well as Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreational Sports.
“Minnesota-Moorhead is getting an amazing and talented person in Tim Downs. Tim is a person of character and integrity. He was an incredible President in South Dakota and a fantastic leader and administrator for us at Humboldt. His professional background truly has helped us become a much better university,” said Cal Poly Humboldt President Tom Jackson Jr. “Tim, and his spouse Mary, will always be Lumberjacks.”
Dr. Downs has many decades of higher education experience as a scholar, educator, and leader, and as an advocate for diversity and equity. He has a strong commitment to creating learning communities that prepare students for careers and rewarding lives.
“I could not be more honored and excited to accept this position as President of Minnesota State University-Moorhead” said Dr. Downs. “Mary and I are excited to join the MSU-Moorhead campus this summer. The Moorhead campus has a very distinct and special culture and the faculty and staff do an outstanding job serving the needs of students and the community.”
Tim Downs took on the role of Chief of Staff at Cal Poly Humboldt following the appointment of Sherie Gordon as Vice President for Administration & Finance. “It has been my honor to work with President Jackson and the Cal Poly Humboldt administrative team this year. I know this campus has a great future in store as the polytechnic transformation continues over the next several years. This university is a special place and I wish all of my Cal Poly Humboldt administrative and faculty colleagues the best.”
He came to Humboldt after serving from 2016 to 2021 as President of Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. In that role, he oversaw an update of the campus strategic plan, stabilization of enrollment enrollment and increased student retention. He also led a capital campaign to help build new facilities and create new endowed scholarships, and he facilitated efforts to establish 20 new academic programs and partnerships.