Dr. Gregory Tomso, who has been on sabbatical leave from his job as the University of West Florida’s vice president of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs, has been named the 26th president of St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.
- The Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities announced Tomso’s appointment today. He will begin his new role on Jan. 5, 2026, succeeding interim president Dr. Larry Dietz.
“I came home from my campus and community visits inspired and energized because of all the wonderful people I met and their enthusiasm for St. Cloud State and the region,” Tomso told the Board. “It’s quite a special place, and I truly look forward to calling it home.”
- Background: St. Cloud State University (SCSU) is a public university in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and is one of the largest institutions within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Founded in 1869, SCSU provides over 200 undergraduate academic programs and more than 60 graduate programs, including specialist, master’s, and three doctoral degrees.
His Leadership at UWF
During his tenure at UWF, Tomso led a division of over 160 full-time employees across 34 departments and programs. His priorities included improving student success, increasing enrollment, creating campus culture initiatives, and building community partnerships.
- He conducted an extensive divisional self-study that resulted in a five-year strategic plan focused on student well-being, academic success, experiential learning, civility and inclusion, and staff development. According to St. Cloud State, these initiatives led to significant gains in student retention and enrollment.
Tomso also established UWF’s Office of Workforce Development and developed new internship programs and partnerships with local employers and nonprofits.
- Before becoming vice president, Tomso served as director of the Kugelman Honors Program (2017-21) and English department chair (2014-17) at UWF. He was a tenured professor of English at the university from 2010 to 2025.
UWF Unrest
Tomso took his leave as Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz became UWF’s interim president. In late July, Diaz named Dr. Mary Anderson as interim vice president for the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Affairs. Under Anderson’s leadership, we have seen growing controversy over proposed changes to student conduct policies, particularly regarding definitions and protections for sexual harassment, which have drawn opposition from students, faculty, alumni and community members.
Bright Future
“Dr. Tomso has the vision, experience and leadership skills to lead St. Cloud State University into a bright future,” said Scott Olson, chancellor of Minnesota State. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the success of students, to partnering with faculty and staff and to building strong relationships with the community.”
Tomso was selected from four finalists who visited the St. Cloud State campus earlier this month. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a doctorate from Duke University.
