Dr. Robert DuFresne, was chairman of the education and psychology divisions at Kearney State College in Nebraska before replacing Nels Minné as president at Winona State. He had graduated from St. Cloud State, had received his master's degree from the University of Colorado and a doctorate degree from the University of North Dakota. During his time as Winona State's president, DuFresne handled a significant influx of students and their needs for new classes, new programs as well as more and better facilities.

Winona State was able to avoid major problems which confronted higher education in the 1960's and 1970's due to DuFresne's stable and effective leadership, his personal approach and manner in dealing with people, and his candor and integrity.

In 1976, the President gave his letter of resignation in response to the State University ruling that Presidents should serve a maximum of ten years. He stepped down from the Presidency of Winona State University and assumed a teaching role at his request.

In 1985, DuFresne published the book, Winona State University: A History of 125 Years. He continued to serve the university as a distinguished service professor until the late 1980s