Minnesota State trustees approve presidents for Normandale and Ridgewater after unanimous votes

Trustees of Minnesota State unanimously approved two presidential appointments Thursday after the Workforce & Organizational Effectiveness Committee forwarded Chancellor Olsen’s recommendations.

Chancellor Olsen told the board the Normandale search drew 65 applicants and four campus finalists, and he recommended Dr. Paku Yang based on campus feedback and her interim leadership. After a committee motion and a roll-call endorsement, the full board voted to appoint Yang as Normandale’s president with an anticipated effective date of April 22, 2026, subject to completion of an employment agreement. "Paku Yang is a strong leader who has successfully guided Normandale as interim president over the last 10 months," Olsen said when making the recommendation, and the committee reported unanimous, enthusiastic support.

Dr. Yang, who served as Normandale’s interim president for 10 months and previously held senior roles at Century College, addressed the board after the vote. "I accept this role with pride, joy, and a strong commitment to lead with integrity, care, and partnership," she said, describing the college’s Japanese garden as a symbol of community and resilience.

Trustees also advanced Chancellor Olsen’s recommendation for Dr. Cheryl Norman as president of Ridgewater College. The Ridgewater search included 47 applicants and four finalists; trustees who participated in interviews and campus forums endorsed the recommendation. The board’s recorded vote was unanimous; the appointment is expected to take effect July 1, 2026, pending an employment agreement. Chancellor Olsen said Norman’s record in enrollment management, workforce partnerships and accreditation readiness made her a strong choice for Ridgewater.

In committee and in the board meeting the trustees also heard two first readings of policy amendments: proposed changes to board policy 1.C.4 on the board’s fiduciary duty for system pension plans (which would allow up to three retirees to serve on the pension advisory committee and prompt trustee fiduciary training next year) and an updated nepotism policy (4.1) that would clarify prohibited hiring/supervisory relationships and restore language about nephews/nieces following public comment. Vice Chancellor Davis presented both first readings and answered trustees’ procedural questions; both items will return for second reading.

The board additionally considered and approved a resolution to rename Minnesota North Colleges’ Building B on the Hibbing campus to Januzic Hall in recognition of Jerry Janosic’s service; trustees voted the resolution on the record.

The appointments and the naming resolution were forwarded as formal actions and will be finalized in accordance with the system’s employment and naming procedures. The board noted that employment agreements must be completed before the appointments become fully effective.