placeholder

President Kenneth Janz

Dr. Kenneth Janz was appointed the 16th president of Winona State University on March 20, 2024.

President Janz brings more than 30 years of management and administrative experience working in K-12 and public higher education institutions. He is widely recognized for his strategic leadership skills.

He is known for his work around digital equity and has leveraged that work toward the Minnesota State Equity 2030 goal: eliminating educational equity gaps at every Minnesota State college and university.

Hear about campus news and learn more about President Janz through his blogs.

Leadership Positions

Dr. Janz has been serving as interim president at Winona State since August 2023. He succeeded Scott Olson, who had served as president of WSU since 2012 and was appointed chancellor of Minnesota State in 2023.

As interim president, Dr. Janz provided strategic and operational leadership and engaged with stakeholders to advance the university’s mission and strategic objectives during the transition. 

Previously, Dr. Janz served at Winona State as:

Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs

2008-2023

Chief Information Officer (CIO)

2008-2023

Dean of the Library

2015-2023

In these roles, Dr. Janz provided leadership and vision for the planning and implementation of information services that support the teaching, learning, and research mission of the university. He also led strategic planning efforts by working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.  

Prior to joining Winona State in 2008, Dr. Janz served at at Indiana State University as:

  • Director of the Center for Instruction, Research, and Technology
  • Director of Information Technology – College of Education
Fun Fact about the President
President Janz is an enthusiastic player of Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) and has an impressive personal gaming setup.

He even ran a mini campaign for Winona State students to join during Welcome Week.

President Janz playing DnD with students.
Education

President Janz holds bachelor’s degrees from Dickinson State University, a master’s degree from North Dakota State University, and a doctorate from Indiana State University.