Dr. Kenneth Janz was officially inaugurated as the 16th president of Winona State University on Friday, November 1st.  Janz has served as the president of Winona State since March of 2024, after spending the previous year as the interim president after Dr. Scott Olson left the position to become the Minnesota State Chancellor.  

One of the biggest hits of the afternoon was the speech from Dr. Darrel Kreuger, former president of Winona State and the namesake of the Darrel Kreuger Library here on campus. Now 81 years old, Dr. Kreuger expressed his love for Winona State and his support for President Janz.  

The crowd listened intently as Kreuger addressed Janz, saying, “May you continue to cultivate deep understanding of the core values that define education, leadership, and human connection.” 

At the end of his speech, as Kreuger once more expressed his love for the community in a breaking voice, the crowd shot up into a standing ovation for the dearly beloved former president. Janz’s mentor from Indiana State University, Dr. Susan Powers, also spoke. She noted that Janz was appointed due to ‘not only his inherent, thoughtful leadership, but his innate ability to also make sure there’s a level of joy throughout the institution.’ Other speakers included the mayor of Winona, Scott Sherman; the president of the interfaculty union, Patrick Clipsham; the Winona State Student Senate president, Alizabelle Carman; and the Minnesota State Chancellor, Scott Olson.  

In his speech, Olson began talking about how the Mississippi River has been around for 70 million years, which is a long time compared to the 166 years of Winona State; but he said that the river of learning at Winona State should “flow on forever and ever,” much like the Mississippi. Olson noted that “the Mississippi may rise and fall, change its banks— undoubtedly it will; but its direction never wavers.”  

Similarly, Janz separately remarked that one battle he faces daily as president is ‘making sure everyone is going in the same direction…and making sure we’re all really pushing forward and trying to move forward with the same goal in mind.’ Olson seemed to know exactly the advice Janz needed to hear. 

President Janz has been at Winona State for 17 years; he has held positions as the associate vice president of academic affairs, dean of the library, and the CIO. Prior to Winona State, he worked at Indiana State University as the director of information technology and director of the Center for Instruction, Research and Technology. What drew him to Winona State back in 2008 was the university’s laptop program.  

“I’ve done some work around digital equity, and I think for student success, there are some amazing things that go on when everyone has the same technology in their hands, of how it helps move an institution forward.” Janz said.  

When 15th president of Winona State Scott Olson became Chancellor of Minnesota State in 2023, Janz decided to step in as the interim president.  

“I remember telling myself, I can do anything for a year. And I thought I would be good since I understood the campus,” Janz said. “And then it was about a couple months into the interim presidency, I said, I feel like I can do this job. I think I have the skill sets to do it.” 

Despite stepping into the position of having to contend with the $7 million dollar budget deficit, as well as other issues leftover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Janz quickly got to work to solve the issues. Under Janz’s leadership, the university has seen its first increase in enrollment since 2011. Already, plans are underway for Winona State 2035, an initiative to further pursue academic excellence, close equity gaps, and foster overall student success.  

Executive Assistant to President Janz, Ingrid Spies, says that Janz is ‘go-getter—when he wants something done, he gets it gets done immediately.’ Janz believes this about himself, too, as well as the whole Winona State community. His address at the inauguration centered around the idea of Winona State as the underdog, although the university has received many accolades and awards as of late.  

“Though we lack the resources of larger research institutions, we have something way more powerful—166 years of history and tradition and a community of learners that keeps propelling us forward for a brighter future.” Janz said. 

President Janz walked out to the Winona State jazz band playing “Gonna Fly Now,” the theme song from Rocky—the classic underdog anthem was left ringing in the ears of the inspired, dancing audience.