Terry Gaalswyk Named President of Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Posted: May 20, 2015

Contact: Doug Anderson, doug.anderson@MinnState.edu, 651-201-1426

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 20, 2015 – The Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities today appointed Terry Gaalswyk as president of Minnesota West Community and Technical College. His appointment becomes effective July 1, 2015.

Terry Gaalswyk

Terry Gaalswyk

“With a professional background in both industry and higher education, Terry Gaalswyk understands the challenges facing rural communities and rural colleges,” said Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. “No stranger to colleges with campuses spread out over a wide area of the rural Midwest, Dr. Gaalswyk is ready to partner with stakeholders on all of Minnesota West’s campuses to deliver the programs that ensure student success and meet the workforce needs of communities in Southwest Minnesota.”

Gaalswyk has served Western Nebraska Community College as executive vice president since 2014 and vice president of educational services from 2009 to 2014. Previously, he served Iowa State University as a mathematics instructor; and Western Iowa Tech Community College as dean of instruction, associate dean of instruction, division chair, and mathematics instructor. He served South Dakota State University as a mathematics instructor and Southeast Technical Institute (SD) as an adjunct instructor and customized mathematics instructor. Prior to his career in higher education, he was a craftsman, manager, and field representative for S&G Laminates (IA). He holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College (IA), two master’s degrees from South Dakota State University, and a doctorate from Iowa State University.

For over 75 years, Minnesota West Community and Technical College has served Southwestern Minnesota with campuses in Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestone, and Worthington; centers in Luverne, Marshall, and Redwood Falls; and flexible program delivery options through leadership in online delivery. Students can earn associate degrees, diplomas, or certificates in more than 60 disciplines. Minnesota West also delivers career, transfer, workforce development, and workforce education options that advance the lives of learners and meet the needs of communities.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities include 24 two-year community, technical, and comprehensive colleges and seven state universities serving more than 410,000 students. It is the fifth-largest higher education system of its kind in the United States.


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