Interim St. Cloud State University President Larry Dietz is Stepping Down

(KNSI) – St. Cloud State University will soon begin the search for a new president as Interim President Larry Dietz prepares to step down earlier than expected.

Dietz, who took over in July 2024 on a planned two-year term, announced he will leave the role by December 31st to focus on family health matters. The announcement came in a letter to the campus community on Wednesday.

The Minnesota State system is launching a national search for the university’s next president, with the goal of having someone in place by January 2026. The search will involve input from faculty, staff, students, bargaining units, and community members.

Dietz stepped into the interim role following the departure of President Robbyn Wacker in May 2024, who served for six years. He previously served as president of Illinois State University before retiring in 2021.

During his time at SCSU, Dietz continued leading efforts to reshape the university amid declining enrollment. Last year, the university announced cuts to approximately 90 programs and 50 faculty positions to improve financial stability.

SCSU also launched an ambitious plan to overhaul the campus in the next five to 15 years to realign its layout and eliminate vacant, closed and underutilized space, including demolishing old housing and academic buildings and instead focus on creating green spaces and walking paths throughout the school grounds.

The plan will eliminate the cost of maintaining the unused space.

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