Interim President Ashish Vaidya
For the past two years, I have been proud and grateful to be your interim president at St. Cloud State, and before that your provost. Now I must bid a bittersweet farewell as I depart for a new adventure as president at Northern Kentucky State University.
While I came into the presidency in the most unfortunate way following the passing of President Earl H. Potter III, I leave with the satisfaction of knowing that we kept the university moving forward in a positive, hopeful and meaningful way. I know that under the direction of President Robbyn Wacker, you will continue to advance the university toward a successful future into our 150th year and beyond.
Thank you for your support, encouragement and commitment. Our successes have been because of the team we are all a part of. I am deeply touched by the way you embraced me and shared this journey with me and my wife Nita.
St. Cloud State University – its students, faculty, staff and alumni – and the greater community have left an indelible impression on me. More than anything, it has reinforced in my mind the value proposition of a public higher education institution committed to transforming students and the communities in which they live, work and play.
That value proposition for St. Cloud State was celebrated in the most recent Best Colleges in Minnesota study by Seattle salary-watcher PayScale.
The study showed that a St. Cloud State bachelor’s degree is a top investment for students in Minnesota, ahead of degrees at 26 Minnesota colleges including Carleton College and Augsburg College, and we lead the Minnesota State system on this measure.
We should all take great pride in that honor.
This is but one measure of how we unleash potential, opportunity and mobility for the state of Minnesota. This is part of St. Cloud State’s nearly 150 year legacy and will continue to be part of the university’s amazing future ahead.
St. Cloud State University has given me so much and I will be forever grateful for your partnership, support and dedication to student success.
Thank you and go Huskies!
