Learn About MSUM President Tim Downs!
Meet President Tim Downs of MSUM—from student to leader, learn how President Downs made his way to the Moorhead campus!
From his first steps into higher education to now leading Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), Tim Downs has dedicated his career to fostering human potential. As the current president of MSUM, he’s committed to amplifying the university’s role as a cornerstone for the Fargo-Moorhead region’s economy, workforce, and community growth. For President Downs, MSUM is much more than a place of learning and is rather a regional asset driving change and development.
Meet MSUM President Tim Downs!
President Tim Downs brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role at Minnesota State University Moorhead. With a career spanning various leadership positions in higher education across the United States, he is deeply committed to fostering student success and community growth. Tim holds a master’s degree from West Virginia University and a doctorate from the University of Oklahoma. He and his wife, Mary, are thrilled to call Moorhead home, appreciating the balance of opportunity and quality of life in the region. A champion of education’s transformative power, Tim is dedicated to enhancing MSUM’s visibility and impact in the Fargo-Moorhead area.
Early Years: A Journey to Appreciating Education
Tim Downs’ passion for education was shaped early in life, though the road wasn’t always easy. Born with dyslexia and struggling with vision issues, which resulted in three corrective eye surgeries, Tim faced significant challenges in his younger years. These hurdles led to academic difficulties early on, like repeating first grade after failing to keep up with his peers.
“I sat in the front row and I couldn’t see what was written on the board,” Tim said. “I also had dyslexia, so even when I could see, sometimes the letters were upside down.”
At one point his teachers urged him to move on in school, but seeing that he wasn’t ready, his mother fought for him to repeat a grade. Moving up to a level that he wasn’t ready for could have been the first step in putting Tim behind in his education. Despite these obstacles, Tim’s mother was determined to ensure he succeeded. She worked tirelessly with him at home, using reading and eye-training books to help him catch up.
“My mom said, ‘No, you’re not going to push him up to second grade because he got all D’s in first grade.’ She believed in me, and that made all the difference,” he said.
By the time he reached fourth and fifth grade, Tim began to thrive academically. He credits those early struggles with teaching him resilience and the value of hard work—qualities that would shape his future career in higher education.
Education didn’t come easy to Tim. “I had to train my brain to learn. That gave me an understanding of what a lot of students go through, and it’s why I care so much about systems that help students overcome barriers.”
“You change the trajectory of a family through education. When a student walks across that stage, it’s not just their success- it’s a family milestone.”- President Tim Downs
The College Journey: From Teller to Teacher
Tim’s transition from high school to college marked a pivotal chapter in his life. He began his undergraduate studies while working full-time as a bank teller to support himself. Balancing a full-time job with a rigorous academic schedule—as many modern students do—Tim developed his strong work ethic and learned the value of perseverance at this time.
“I worked full-time and went to school full-time my last two and a half years of college. That taught me a lot about managing my time and setting priorities.”
During his senior year, Tim was offered a management training position at Bank of America, but an unexpected conversation with his college advisor changed his path. Recognizing Tim’s potential, the advisor encouraged him to pursue graduate studies. Tim applied to West Virginia University and was accepted into a master’s program.
“I’d never been to West Virginia, but I knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. It was blind faith,” he said. “Sometimes you just have to take a leap.” .
His experience in the master’s program deepened his interest in education and inspired him to continue his academic journey. Tim decided to pursue a doctorate at the University of Oklahoma, where he combined teaching with advising students, further solidifying his passion for helping others succeed.
“I learned I that really liked working with students, helping them figure out their path and navigate challenges. It was rewarding, and it made me want to stay in higher ed,” Tim said.
“Communities are built with people… I tell everybody, we’re your workforce development partner and your economic development partner. MSUM is one of the engines that ensure sit gets done.” – President Tim Downs
From the Classroom to Leadership
Tim earned his master’s at West Virginia University, his doctorate at the University of Oklahoma, and discovered a love for teaching and mentoring along the way.
“I kind of backed into this career,” Tim said. “But, I learned that I liked helping students learn how to learn. That’s what hooked me.”
From there, his career took him across the country, from Cal State Los Angeles to administrative roles in Kansas, Pennsylvania, New York, and South Dakota. Along the way, he was impacted in discovering the power of education in transforming lives, particularly for nontraditional and first-generation students.
“You change the trajectory of a family through education. When a student walks across that stage, it’s not just their success—it’s a family milestone,” Tim said.
How He Got to MSUM
We know Tim’s journey to MSUM was shaped by his extensive experience in higher education and his admiration for the Midwest’s commitment to education. But, after years of leadership roles across the United States, including serving as president at Northern State University in South Dakota and as Chief of Staff at a university in California, Tim was eager to return to a region that resonated with him.
“I knew this region, and I knew this campus,” he said. “And, I knew the Minnesota State system as being outstanding.”
When the position at MSUM became available, Tim immediately recognized its potential. He appreciated the university’s strong foundation and the state’s dedication to providing accessible education for all.
In 2023, Tim was named president of MSUM, a role he embraced with enthusiasm. Moving to Moorhead with his wife, Mary, the couple quickly felt at home in a community that offered a balance of opportunity, livability, and strong educational values.
“The state believes in education. Philosophically, I’ve been in states where they marginally believe in education. They know it’s a necessity, but they don’t see it as essential… For me, the cultural fit was really big to know that I have a state that wants to provide everybody who wants to go to college the opportunity, and then once they get there, building all the systems, projects, and people in the model there to be your support network and system to make sure you can succeed.”
Outside of work, Tim and his wife, Mary, are thrilled to call Moorhead home. Having lived in busier cities like Los Angeles, they appreciate the Fargo-Moorhead region’s balance of opportunity and quality of life.
“This area has everything you need without the stress of a major metropolitan area. It’s a great place to live and work,” he said.
For Tim, being rooted in a community means engaging with local organizations and residents to understand their needs and aspirations. Whether it’s attending local events or collaborating with city leaders, Tim sees his role as a bridge between MSUM and the Fargo-Moorhead community.
Building Community Through Higher Education
Since his arrival at MSUM, Tim has emphasized and embraced the university’s integral role in the region. He believes that higher education institutions like MSUM are academic hubs as much as they are engines of economic and workforce development.
“Communities are built with people. If we can keep students here, graduate them here, and connect them to jobs here, we’re building a stronger workforce and community.”
He’s driven by the idea that MSUM’s success is intertwined with the region’s growth. By partnering with local industries, creating new programs, and boosting retention rates, MSUM is shaping the future of Fargo-Moorhead one student at a time.
“I tell everybody, we’re your workforce development partner and your economic development partner. MSUM is one of the engines that ensures it gets done,” Tim said.
A Vision for Growth
What is the Moorhead Scholars Program?
The Moorhead Scholars Program is an MSUM initiative that provides free tuition for four years to eligible students from Moorhead High School. The program is designed to support local students by reducing financial barriers.
Who Qualifies?
- Graduates of Moorhead High School (Class of 2025 and beyond).
- Minimum high school GPA of 3.0.
- Complete the FAFSA by May 1.
- Enrolled full-time at MSU Moorhead in the fall following high school graduation.
Learn more here!
Under his leadership, MSUM is enhancing its visibility and reinforcing its role as a regional asset. New initiatives, such as increased community engagement and campus-based high school partnerships, are central to this vision.
“We want to be in the headspace of the community as an asset that’s always here, whether for education, arts, or partnerships. We want people to think of MSUM first,” Tim said.
A prime example is the recently launched Moorhead Scholars program, which offers free tuition to qualifying local students. The program has already gained significant traction, with families expressing their gratitude for the opportunities it provides.
“Parents have come up to us, nearly crying, saying, ‘This is life-changing for our family.’ That’s the impact we’re making,” he said.
Beyond scholarships, Tim is focused on creating more touchpoints between the university and the community, ensuring that MSUM remains a cornerstone of regional development and innovation.
Human Development at The Core
Academics are central to higher education, but more than that, to Tim, higher education is about human development. He often describes his work as being in the “human development business,” helping students not only learn but gain the confidence to tackle challenges and achieve their goals.
“Everyone’s brain is wired differently,” he said. “Our job is to help students overcome their barriers so they leave ready to succeed.”
That philosophy is reflected in MSUM’s robust student success programs, which have contributed to a 5% increase in freshman-to-sophomore retention rates and a jump in spring semester enrollment retention from 86% to over 90%.
“It’s our ethical imperative to help every student to every degree possible. When students succeed, the community succeeds,” he said.
Tim’s commitment to student development goes beyond the classroom. He’s an advocate for programs that provide practical support, from tutoring centers to career counseling services, to ensure the students and community have what they need to succeed.
Looking Ahead
As MSUM continues to grow under Tim’s leadership, he remains focused on fostering strong partnerships with local industries, enhancing the university’s visibility, and creating innovative pathways for students to thrive. No matter the avenue, MSUM is doubling down on its commitment to the region.
Universities are a critical part of the Fargo-Moorhead community, and the sub-communities they create build lives, careers, and a stronger future.
As MSUM moves forward, Tim’s passion for higher education and community building continues to drive the university’s mission: creating opportunities, fostering development, and helping the region thrive.
Tim believes that when institutions and communities come together with purpose, everyone benefits—just like the rising tide that lifts all boats.
“We raise the boat one level higher, and that’s how communities are built. It’s not magic, it’s intentionality.”
Learn more about MSUM and the opportunities for you, your family, and your community here!
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Published March 25, 2025
