President Kenneth Janz

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.

Inauguration Ceremony

Inauguration Ceremony

Dr. Janz was appointed as the sixteenth president of Winona State University on March 20, 2024. He succeeded Scott Olson, who had served as president of WSU from 2012-2023.

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

Previously, Dr. Janz served at Winona State in several roles.

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

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.