Saying Farewell with Gratitude and Appreciation
Dr. Marsha Danielson, President Minnesota State College Southeast
I’m entering uncharted territory in my professional life. Retirement.
In a few weeks, I will wrap up my 30-year career in higher education, including the last five as President of Minnesota State College Southeast.
The portraits of past presidents of this institution line the walls of our formal conference rooms in Red Wing and Winona, a reminder of those who came before. As of July 1, someone else will be gazing up at that lineup.
Those photos served as silent reminders that above all else it was my responsibility to leave the college stronger than I found it. Reflecting on my time at Southeast, I think I have passed that test.
Among the things I’m most proud of:
Southeast has grown its enrollment four years in a row. A lot of the credit for those gains belongs to the Red Wing College Promise and the College Opportunity Program, which incentivized more high school students to choose Southeast and helped more families afford college.
During my tenure, Southeast has worked to address the nursing shortage in our region by earning ACEN accreditation and opening new simulation centers on both campuses. Most importantly, our students are succeeding, with our nurse graduates scoring NCLEX pass rates above the state and national average.
This spring, we opened the University Center, a resource where advisors help students map clear transfer pathways—designed to minimize both time and debt—so they can earn a bachelor’s degree as efficiently as possible.
Perhaps most importantly, Southeast is positioned for long-term financial success. After years of challenges, on my watch Southeast improved its Composite Financial Index (CFI) from below 1.0 to 7.11, the second-highest score in the state system. The college’s reserve fund balance increased from 18% to 31%, providing a financial cushion.
Late last month, comedian Conan O’Brien delivered the commencement address at his alma mater, Harvard. He told the graduates: “I endeavor to remind myself that I have done absolutely nothing alone.”
I couldn’t agree more.
As I reflect on these accomplishments, they are the result of the collective efforts of so many people, including our dedicated faculty and staff.
To our community partners: thank you for your collaboration and your trust. Together, we built programs and opened doors for people who needed them most. That work will continue, and I’m grateful to have been part of it. I trust that you will continue to embrace and support Southeast’s mission and role within our communities.
In many ways, I am still that young woman who grew up in a single‑parent, low‑income household in rural Southwest Minnesota. I was fortunate to become the first in my family to attend college, transfer to university, and ultimately earn advanced degrees. Those early experiences, along with my faith, have shaped me and informed how I’ve approached my professional career. To paraphrase 1 Corinthians 10:31— I have strived to do every task, no matter how small, in a way that honors God rather than draws attention to myself.
Every decision I made was grounded in what would help students succeed. That’s the part of the job I’ll miss most.
I have been fortunate—truly fortunate—to spend my life’s work helping to improve the lives of others. To support students and their families. To champion the power of education to create upward mobility and economic opportunity.
Looking back, I recall countless stories—students who arrived unsure of their path and left with confidence, purpose, and a credential that changed their lives.
While there is more I’d like to do, that will be an opportunity for those who follow.
As I step away from the presidency, I do so with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude. Serving Minnesota State College Southeast has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m even more excited about what lies ahead for Southeast.
I may be retiring from this role, but I will never stop cheering for Southeast and the extraordinary people who make it what it is.
Posted at 06/09/2026