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Dr. Minné was a graduate of St. Olaf College and held a Ph.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin in chemistry. He had been a member of the Winona State faculty since 1932 and had proven himself an apt instructor and a dedicated professional. Minné was the fourth member of the faculty to assume the presidency of the college and was destined to be second only to president Maxwell in years of service in that position.
During his first year or two, Minné made changes in the organizational structure, recommended the appointment of a dean of the college, and strove to upgrade the faculty. |
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During Minne's presidency in the 1950's there was a "building boom." Memorial Hall, Somsen Hall, Phelps-Howell, Richards Hall, Conway Hall, and Pasteur Hall as well as a major addition to the library were completed. The building boom continued into the 1960's. The heating plant, Gildemeister Hall, Watkins Hall, Prentiss-Lucas Hall, Kryzsko Commons, and Sheehan Hall were all finished before 1968.
The continued acquisition of these buildings was a result of the efforts of President Minne and his staff.
Citing personal reasons and a desire to return to teaching, Nels Minne, at age 65, asked to be relieved of his duties as President of Winona State College. At the beginning of the fall term in 1967, he was once again a professor of science, teaching chemistry and physics until retiring in 1970. |
