St. Cloud State has narrowed its presidential search to four finalists, with a final decision set for November 19 and a new president taking office January 1, 2026.

St. Cloud State University has narrowed its presidential search to four finalists—Matt Cecil, Lisa Foss, Rodney Hanley, and Gregory Tomso—following a review by a search committee. The candidates will visit campus November 5–7, with the Minnesota State board expected to approve the final choice by November 19. The new president will take office January 1, 2026, succeeding interim leader Larry Dietz, who stepped down due to family health concerns. The search follows a period of budget cuts, program eliminations, and a 5% enrollment decline at the university.