University Archives

Presidents of St. Cloud State University Since 1869

Hail to the Chief! An easy guide to the men and women who have served as St. Cloud State president since 1869.

Since 1869, many individuals have served St. Cloud State as its president. These have included alumni, ministers, educators, and women. Those on campus probably are familiar with many of the names, but not with the people behind the name.

Created by University Archives with material held at Archives, this gallery is a simple introduction to past board-appointed St. Cloud State presidents, celebrating each in a small way.

Ira Moore, 1869 - 1875

Was the first person to lead the new St. Cloud State
Before coming to St. Cloud, taught at the Illinois State Normal University, as well as the University of Minnesota
Served as captain during the Civil War, commanding Company G of the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry
During his tenure, "Old Main" (1874), which stood near Stewart Hall, was completed
Resigned in 1875 and moved west, later teaching at the California State Normal School in San Jose, California
In 1883, named the first principal at the California State Normal School in Los Angeles, serving until 1893 - the school would later become UCLA

David Kiehle, 1875 - 1881

Educated at the New York State Normal School in Albany, New York, and the Union Theological Seminary in New York City
Was an ordained Presbyterian minister
Before coming to St. Cloud, Kiehle was county superintendent of schools in Fillmore County, Minnesota, as well as a member of the Minnesota State Normal Board
In 1881, Kiehle resigned as president at St. Cloud State to become the Minnesota state superintendent of public instruction, a post he held until 1903
Kiehle was a faculty member at the University of Minnesota from 1891 to 1902
Kiehle's service at the University of Minnesota was honored when Kiehle Building, the University of Minnesota - Crookston campus library, was named for him in 1912, two years after it opened
Kiehle Visual Arts Center (1952), the former Kiehle Library, is named in his honor

Jerome Allen, 1881 - 1884

Educated at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts, and the Hartford Theological Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut
Was an ordained Presbyterian minister
Was president of the Lennox Collegiate Institute in Hopkinton, Iowa
Taught at the Iowa State Normal School in Monticello, Iowa, and the New York State Normal School in Geneseo, New York
Upon resigning as president at the St. Cloud State, Allen returned to New York state, accepting an academic position at the City University of New York

Thomas Gray, 1884 - 1890

First alum to serve as president of St. Cloud State, graduating in 1872
In 1873, was appointed to teach mathematics and natural science at St. Cloud State
From September to October 1881, served as acting president at St. Cloud State
In 1881, appointed the first president of the St. Cloud Alumni Association
After leaving St. Cloud, moved to Greeley, Colorado and served as the first president of the Greeley Normal School, now the University of Northern Colorado
The Thomas J. Gray Campus Laboratory School (1958), now the Engineering and Computing Center, was named in his honor

Joseph Carhart, 1890 - 1895

Before coming to St. Cloud, taught at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, as well as the Indiana State Teachers College in Terre Haute, Indiana
Oversaw the construction of the south wing of "Old Main" (1874), completed in 1893
In 1892, the first St. Cloud State student newspaper, Normalia, was published
At St. Cloud State, taught courses in psychology and the science of education
After leaving St. Cloud in 1895, became president at the State Normal School in Mayville, North Dakota, a post he held until 1907

George Kleeberger, 1895 - 1902

Educated at the Wisconsin State Normal School in Plattville, Wisconsin, as well as the Sheffield Scientific School, Yale College, in New Haven, Connecticut
Before his appointment as St. Cloud State president, served at California State Normal School in San Jose, California, from 1882 to 1888
In 1897, oversaw the construction of the north wing of "Old Main" (1874)
At St. Cloud State, taught courses in psychology and the science of education
Athletics flourished at the school, including the introduction of college baseball and hockey teams

Waite Shoemaker, 1902 - 1916

Second alum to serve as president of St. Cloud State, graduating in 1881
Right after graduation from St. Cloud State, was appointed to its faculty where he would teach mathematics
In 1897, was granted a leave of absence to attend New York University, where he earned the degree of doctor
Oversaw the construction of Lawrence Hall (1905), the now demolished Model School (1906), and Riverview (1913)
The dormitory Shoemaker Hall (1915) was named in his honor, dedicated shortly after his death in 1916

Isabel Lawrence (acting), 1914 - 1916

First woman to serve as president, acting or permanent, at St. Cloud State
Named acting president while Waite Shoemaker was on leave due to illness
Educated at the Oswego Normal School in Oswego, New York, graduating in 1873
Before coming to St. Cloud in 1879, was the director of the Oswego Normal School training school, assistant superintendent of schools in Yonkers, New York, and director of the training school at the Whitewater Normal School, Whitewater, Wisconsin
The first Lawrence Hall (1885) and the second Lawrence Hall (1905), both women's dormitories, were named in her honor
Retired in 1921, after serving St. Cloud State as director of the training school for over 40 years

Joseph Brown, 1916 - 1927

Before coming to St. Cloud State in 1916, worked in education in Indiana and Illinois, including as a high school teacher and superintendent of schools, as well as a stint in the mathematics department at University of Illinois
In 1901, received an undergraduate degree from Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana
The Chronicle newspaper and Talahi yearbook were established during his tenure as president.
In 1921, the name of the school changed from the State Normal School at St. Cloud to St. Cloud State Teachers College
The J. C. Brown Athletic Field (1927) and J. C. Brown Science and Mathematics Building (1960) were named in his honor

George Selke, 1927 - 1946

Third alum to serve as president of St. Cloud State, graduating in 1913
Before returning as president at St. Cloud State, worked in education in the states of Minnesota and North Dakota as a teacher, superintendent of schools, and as a faculty member at the University of Minnesota
For the first time, St. Cloud State offered a four year program to train teachers
During his tenure as president, Eastman Hall (1930) was built, and the Beaver Islands (1933) on the Mississippi and Carol Hall (1936) were purchased
Selke Field (1937) was named in his honor
In 1943, went on leave to serve country during World War II, and returned in 1946, serving less than a month as president

Dudley Brainard, 1943 - 1947

Came to St. Cloud State in 1925, teaching history and school administration
Before his faculty appointment in 1925, served as superintendent of schools in the towns of Slayton, Redwood Falls, and Fairmont, Minnesota
Elected as acting president in February 1943 and in August 1943 elected president and to serve until the return of President George Selke from military leave
After President Selke's resignation in 1946, continued to serve as president until 1947 when John Headley arrived on campus
Brainard Hall (1947), a men's dormitory located near Selke Field, was named in his honor
Retired in 1953, after serving 28 years at St. Cloud State

John Headley, 1947 - 1951

Before becoming president at St. Cloud State, taught in South Dakota public schools, as well as president of the State Teachers College in Mayville, North Dakota, from 1945 to 1947
Joseph Carhart, SCSU president from 1890-1895, also served as president at the State Teachers College in Mayville, North Dakota
When construction was completed on Stewart Hall (1950), "Old Main" (1874), which was demolished soon after
Planning for the new library, Kiehle Library (1952), now the Kiehle Visual Arts Center, began during Headley's tenure
Headley Hall (1963) was named in his honor
Left St. Cloud State to become president of South Dakota State University, where he served until 1957 when he died from an accidental gunshot wound while hunting.

George Budd, 1952 - 1965

Educated at Buffalo Teachers College and Columbia University, worked as a teacher in New York state and director of guidance at Cortland State Teachers College in Cortland, New York, as well as coordinator of field services at Oneonta State Teachers College in Oneonta, New York
Thanks to the GI Bill® after World War II, witnessed a 500% increase in enrollment from 1952 to 1965
During his tenure, oversaw a major expansion of campus, including Kiehle Library (1952), Whitney House (1956), Mitchell Hall (1958), Brown Hall (1960), Thomas J. Gray Campus Laboratory School (1958), Hill Hall (1962), Headley Hall (1963), Garvey Commons (1963), and Case Hall (1964)
Graduate program formalized in 1953, offering master's degree in education and later expanded to include other disciplines, such as Master of Business Administration
In 1957, the name of the school changed from St. Cloud State Teachers College to St. Cloud State College

Robert Wick, 1965 - 1971

Served as acting president from August 1965 to April 1966, when he was appointed president of St. Cloud State
Arrived in 1948 at St. Cloud State as a faculty member in the department of Speech
Just before becoming acting president, appointed as the Vice President of Academic Affairs
In 1967, KVSC began broadcasting at St. Cloud State
The building boom, which started under Budd, continued under Wick: Halenbeck Hall (1965), Holes Hall (1965), Atwood Center (1966), Stearns Hall (1966), Benton Hall (1967), Business Building (1968), Performing Arts Center (1968), and Sherburne Hall (1969)
In 2005, the Math-Science Building (1973) was renamed the Robert H. Wick Science Building

Charles Graham, 1971 - 1981

Educated at the University of Illinois, was a professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater when appointed president of St. Cloud State
In 1975, the school name was changed from St. Cloud State College to St. Cloud State University
Campus continued to grow, including Centennial Hall (1971), Education Building (1971), Alumni House (1973), Math-Science Building (1973), and Administrative Services (1975)
In the 1976/77 academic year, St. Cloud State students participated for the first time in the study abroad program began at Alnwick Castle in northern England
Served as president of Hamline University from 1981 to 1987 and as acting president of Metropolitan State in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the 1988/89 academic year.

Lowell (Ted) Gillett (acting), 1981 - 1982

When appointed acting president in May 1981, was dean of Graduate Studies at St. Cloud State
Earned degrees from Gustavus Adolphus, the University of Minnesota, and the University of North Dakota
Arrived at St. Cloud State in 1963 as a faculty member in the department of Psychology
After Brendan McDonald was named president of St. Cloud State, left to become president of Bemidji State University, a post he held until 1990

Brendan McDonald, 1982 - 1992

Fourth alum to serve as president of St. Cloud State, graduating in 1954
Before becoming president at St. Cloud State, headed Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska
Sung Won Son was selected to become the new St. Cloud State president over McDonald in 1982, but resigned before taking office
Saw St. Cloud State Husky hockey program move to Division I, adding credibility to the hockey program when Herb Brooks was hired for the 1986/87 season and oversaw construction of the National Hockey Center (1989)
Stewart Hall (1950) received a $8 million renovation, which provided for more offices and classrooms
Enrollment hit an all-time high in the fall of 1990 when 17,076 students were at St. Cloud State
In 1994, the ice rink at the National Hockey Center was named "The Brendan J. McDonald Ice Rink" in honor of his service to St. Cloud State

Robert Bess (interim), 1992 - 1995

Educated at Tufts University, Columbia University and University of California, Los Angeles
In 1979-1980, was acting president at California State University, Fresno
Spent nearly entire academic career within the California State University system, retiring in 1991 as the Executive Vice President at California State University, Sacramento
Intended to serve for two years at St. Cloud State, but stayed an additional year to give more time to conduct a presidential search
The internationalization of St. Cloud State continued when, in 1994, nearly 400 international students from more than 50 countries were in attendance, more than double from two years earlier

Bruce Grube, 1995 - 1999

Received degrees from University of California-Berkeley, California State University-Los Angeles, and University of Texas-Austin
Before being appointed as president at St. Cloud State, was at the California State Polytechnic University from 1977 to 1992, and provost at University of Southern Colorado-Pueblo from 1992 to 1995
The newly remodeled Ritsche Auditorium in Stewart Hall (1950) opened in 1995, while construction on Miller Center (2000) began in 1998
During his tenure, St. Cloud State's first capital campaign was launched
St. Cloud State women's hockey began play in the fall of 1998

Suzanne Williams (interim), 1999 - 2000

Before coming to St. Cloud in 1997 as the vice president for academic affairs, was dean of the graduate school and director of organized research at Arkansas State University, as well as interim vice president for academic affairs
Educated at Randolph-Macon Woman's College and Duke University
Named Interim President after Bruce Grube left to become president at Georgia Southern University
During her tenure as interim president, KVSC began streaming its broadcasts over the Internet
The College of Business was renamed the G. R. Herberger College of Business

Roy Saigo, 2000 - 2007

Before coming to St. Cloud State, was chancellor at Auburn University Montgomery and served in academia at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, University of Northern Iowa, and Southeastern Louisiana University
St. Cloud State's first capital campaign ended, drawing $27 million in donations
Miller Center (2000), Husky Stadium (2004), and the Student Recreation Center (2004) were completed, as well as renovations of Lawrence Hall (1905) and Atwood Center (1966)
In 2001, the men's hockey team won the Broadmoor Trophy, presented to the winner of the WCHA's Final Five playoff tournament
Continued the internationalization of St. Cloud State, when 959 international students from 93 countries attended in the 2006/07 academic year, a 40% increase from 1999/2000
Persons of color employed by St. Cloud State increased 36% during his tenure

Earl Potter, III, 2007 - 2016

Earl Potter, III

Became St. Cloud State president in July 2007
Before coming to St. Cloud State, was executive vice president and provost at Southern Oregon University
Educated at Williams College and University of Washington, served in academia at Eastern Michigan University, Lesley University, Cornell University, and the U.S. Coast Guard
Served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1969 to 1993, retiring with the rank of captain
The new ISELF building and Coborn Plaza were constructed, as well as a major renovation of Riverview and addition to the National Hockey Center
Strengthened relationships with the local community, state, and around the world
Died in a car accident in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on June 13, 2016

Ashish Vaidya (interim), 2016 - 2018

Appointed to a two year term as interim president 10 days after the untimely death of St. Cloud State president Earl Potter
Arrived at St. Cloud State in the summer of 2015 as provost and vice-president of academic affairs
Before coming to St. Cloud State, was provost and vice president for academic affairs at California State University, Los Angeles, 2010-2015
Served as dean of the faculty and MBA advisor at California State University, Channel Islands, 2003-2010
Earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree from St. Xavier College in Mumbai, India
Earned a master's degree and doctorate from University of California, Davis
Became president at Northern Kentucky University in July 2018

Robbyn Wacker, 2018 - 2024

First woman to serve as permanent president at St. Cloud State University
Earned bachelor's and master's degrees in gerontology from University of Northern Colorado, while receiving doctorate from Iowa State University
Helped institute the "Unleash the Future" campaign that raised $39.8 million
Established Huskies Advance designed for students on different curricular tracks to explore their interest and goals with a faculty member or mentor
Instituted the "It's Time" comprehensive plan to highlight campus academic strengths
Served during the global COVID-19 pandemic

Larry Dietz (interim), 2024 -

Raised on an Illinois dairy farm
Earned bachelor's degree at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, while receiving master's degree and Ph.D. from Iowa State University
Served as Vice President for Student Affairs at Illinois State University from 2011-2014
Served as Illinois State University president from 2014-2021
Administrator at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, University of Missouri - Kansas City, and Iowa State University