Dr. Tim Downs officially introduced as 12th president at MSUM; replacing retiring Anne Blackhurst

(Moorhead, MN) -- MSUM's outgoing President Anne Blackhurst is reacting after her replacement was officially introduced to the campus community. 

"He just believes in education and is committed to doing everything he can to help students succeed and that combined with his experience I think makes him the ideal next leader," said Blackhurst.  

Blackhurst commented Friday morning after Dr.Tim Downs was introduced to members of the campus community who packed the theater. After a nationwide search and selection process, Downs will officially take over for the retiring Blackhurst July 1st. Downs currently serves as Chief of Staff at Cal Poly Humboldt. He previously served as President and CEO at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

"I think our job is to always work to create opportunities for everyone on campus to grow and develop. I consider it imperative for us to figure out and understand that we are in the human development business," said Downs.