Listen to the audio of the Chancellor's Speech

Download a written version of the Chancellor's Speech: Rosenstone Strategic Framework

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Chancellor Steven Rosenstone said Tuesday he is prepared to make tough choices and design new ways of doing business to keep tuition affordable.

“Our role as a driver of Minnesota’s economy is more important than ever, and the priorities we set over the new few weeks must help create a globally competitive position for Minnesota - one that will enrich our students, create jobs and contribute to the prosperity of businesses and communities across the state,” Rosenstone said to the Board of Trustees.

He called for three new approaches - redesigning processes to focus on outcomes and incentives, empowering faculty and staff to be entrepreneurial and joining in new ways with businesses and others to better meet the state’s workforce needs.

“These three approaches - to redesign, to empower, to partner - will allow us to achieve new heights of service and quality,” Rosenstone said in his first major address to the Board of Trustees.  He took office Aug. 1.

Rosenstone emphasized that Minnesota is counting on the state colleges and universities to prepare a skilled workforce and to keep the door open to educational opportunity - despite serious fiscal challenges.

“We must think differently and work together differently. The biggest risk we face is the risk of business as usual.”

Outlining his strategic framework, he said the system has three core commitments:

• Ensuring access to an extraordinary education for all Minnesotans
• Being the partner of choice to meet Minnesota’s workforce and community needs
• Delivering the highest value and most affordable option for higher education to students, employers, communities and taxpayers.

According to Rosenstone, “The strategic framework I am suggesting emphasizes the quality of our product and controls price to produce the highest value and most affordable higher education option in the state.”

Board of Trustees Chair Scott Thiss commended Rosenstone for his leadership. “We look forward to hearing the chancellor’s recommendations about putting this strategic framework in motion. It’s an exciting and challenging time.” During the next few months, Chancellor Rosenstone will work with the presidents, faculty, staff and students to identify priorities to present to the board.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 31 state universities and community and technical colleges serving more than 430,000 students each year.