Winona State University will celebrate the inauguration of Kenneth Janz as the sixteenth president of the university at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, in Kryzsko Commons Ballroom.
The inauguration ceremony is free and open to the public. It will be followed immediately by a public reception in Baldwin Lounge.
The inauguration celebration will continue Saturday, Nov. 2, with Warrior Game Day Experience from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Johnson Street south of Somsen Hall; Warrior Football vs University of Minnesota Duluth at 1 p.m. at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium; and Warrior Volleyball vs Minnesota State University, Mankato at 4 p.m. in McCown Gym, Memorial Hall.
Janz was appointed to the presidency on March 20, 2024. He succeeds Scott Olson, who served as president of Winona State from 2012 to 2023.
Janz brings over 30 years of management and administrative experience working in K-12 and public higher education institutions. As president, he provides strategic and operational leadership and engages with stakeholders to advance the university’s mission and strategic objectives during the transition.
Janz’s previous roles at Winona State include: Interim President (2023-2024), Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs (2008-2023), CIO (2008-2023), and Dean of the Library (2015-2023). He is known for his work around digital equity; his leadership and vision in the planning and implementation of information services that support the teaching, learning, and research mission of the university; and his strategic planning efforts working collaboratively with faculty, staff and students.
Prior to joining Winona State in 2008, Dr. Janz served at Indiana State University as the director of the Center for Instruction, Research, and Technology from 2003 to 2008, and as the director of information technology — College of Education from 1998 to 2003.
He holds bachelor’s degrees from Dickinson State University (ND), a master’s degree from North Dakota State University, and a doctorate from Indiana State University.
For more information, call Linda Waldo at 507-457-5020.
