In July 2021, Dr. Marsha Danielson became the ninth president of Minnesota State College Southeast. Danielson sees the college as a vital resource in meeting the need for qualified employees in the region, and she believes that its students must graduate either career ready or prepared to succeed in a four-year college/university environment.

Danielson’s career includes more than 25 years of experience in higher education. From 2015-2021, she served South Central College (SCC) in Mankato and Faribault, Minnesota as vice president of economic development. Previously, she was senior associate to the president and dean of economic development at SCC.

From 1996-2007, she served in development, alumni relations, external relations, and marketing and communications at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Danielson is active in education, civic and charitable organizations. Much of her passion is focused on racial justice; she has served as a racial justice facilitator since 2004. Danielson volunteers her time for various diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives: serving in leadership for the Trans-Atlantic Technology and Training Alliance, American Association of Community Colleges Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, NOCTI Board of Trustees, Winona Chamber of Commerce, Winona County Workforce Development Board, 7 Rivers Alliance, and the Lake City Chamber of Commerce.

Danielson earned a bachelor’s in business administration and management and a master’s degree in higher education/higher education administration from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She also holds a doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University.

Danielson and her partner, Bruce, have three adult sons and six beautiful grandchildren.