Posted: March 16, 2005
Contact: Doug Anderson, doug.anderson@MinnState.edu, 651-201-1426
Judith A. Ramaley today was appointed president of Winona State University by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees.
Ramaley (pronounced rah-MAY-lee), 64, has served as president of the University of Vermont and president of Portland State University. Currently, she is a visiting senior scientist at the National Academy of Sciences and is Presidential Professor of Biomedical Sciences and a Fellow of the Margaret Chase Smith Center for Public Policy at the University of Maine. Previously, she was assistant director for education and human resources at the National Science Foundation.
Ramaley holds a Ph.D. in anatomy from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a bachelor's degree in zoology from Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pa.
"We are delighted that Dr. Ramaley, with all her talents and experience, will be the next leader of Winona State University," said Trustee Ivan F. Dusek, who presented the board committee's recommendation for her appointment. "I have no doubt that we have made an outstanding choice."
"Dr. Ramaley brings a wealth of experience to the university and to the entire Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system," said Chancellor James H. McCormick. "Her background as a scientist is particularly fitting for this university and this state with its biotech industry. As a higher education administrator, she has a passion for creating high-quality programs that will build on the many excellent programs already in place."
In accepting the appointment, Ramaley said, "The path ahead for Winona State University is exciting and its ambitions match my deepest hopes. We will explore our future together and find new ways to educate our students, conduct research that can be put to good use and join our colleagues in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to serve the people of Minnesota."
Ramaley has two sons and six grandchildren. An avid birdwatcher, she said she looks forward to watching eagles along the Mississippi River.
Ramaley will replace Darrell Krueger, who is retiring after 16 years as president of Winona State. Ramaley will take office on July 18.
Winona State University is located in Winona and also serves the higher education needs in Rochester through the Winona State University-Rochester Center. Winona State University was founded in 1858 as the first college in the present system of state universities and the first teacher preparatory school west of the Mississippi River. Students can earn bachelor's and master's degrees in more than 80 undergraduate academic areas and 16 graduate-level programs.
