Dr. Terry Gaalswyk

Bio

Dr. Terry GaalswykTerry Gaalswyk serves as President of Minnesota West Community & Technical College, where his work is centered on a simple idea—being “Our Communities’ College” and doing what is best for our students.

Over the past decade, his leadership has focused on strengthening student success, growing enrollment, ensuring sound financial stewardship, and aligning programs with the needs of students, employers, transfer institutions, and the region. During that time, completion rates have increased and enrollment has grown through intentional pathway development and expanded programming in high-demand fields, reflecting a strong connection between the college and the communities it serves.

Terry is known for his steady, practical leadership style and his work with coalitions of the determined—partners aligned around shared goals. Through board service and regional engagement, he focuses on developing and retaining the region’s talent while advancing community vitality through intentional educational offerings. He believes education is the pathway to social and economic mobility for students and the communities they call home. He works closely with governing boards, faculty, staff, and partners, emphasizing listening, clear communication, and follow-through. His experience spans locally elected board environments in Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

Before becoming president, Terry held executive and academic leadership roles at Western Nebraska Community College and Western Iowa Tech Community College, along with experience as mathematics faculty community & technical colleges and universities. He also spent part of his early career working in a family-owned business building custom cabinetry and countertops—an experience that continues to shape his appreciation for technical education, transfer pathways, and the value of hard work.

He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University. His work reflects a clear and consistent focus—strengthening opportunity for students while supporting the communities the college represents.

Summary of Experience

A community college president grounded in service, guided by partnership, and focused on outcomes that strengthen students, families, and the communities we call home

Executive Profile

  • Community college president aligned to elected board governance and public accountability
  • Recognized for transparent communication, responsiveness, and collaborative leadership
  • Track record of advancing enrollment, completion, workforce alignment, and fiscal stewardship
  • Focused on doing what’s best for students while serving the communities the college represents

Key Appointments

  • President – Minnesota West Community & Technical College
  • Executive Vice President / Vice President – Western Nebraska Community College
  • Executive Dean of Instruction / Division Chair / Faculty – Western Iowa Tech Community College
  • Mathematics Faculty - Southeast Tech, South Dakota State University, and Iowa State University

Board Partnership, Civic Leadership & Public Engagement

  • Experienced partner to elected Boards of Directors; emphasizes trust, clarity, and accountability
  • Supports informed decision-making through data, communication, and shared governance
  • Aligns institutional strategy with board priorities, public expectations, and fiscal responsibility
  • Vice Chair and Governance Chair - Southwest Initiative Foundation Board
  • Board Member - Southwest Private Industry Council; Minnesota Ag Education Leadership Council
  • Serves as a visible connector across college, community, employers, legislators, and stakeholders

Strategic Leadership, Programs, and Student Success

  • Completion increased from 52.8% to 68.9%
  • Enrollment growth exceeding 23% through strategic enrollment management and student pathways
  • Expanded workforce-aligned programs in healthcare, trades, agriculture, and emerging technologies
  • Strengthened advising, early alert systems, success coaching, and targeted support initiatives
  • Added roles in counseling, career navigation, and student success coordination
  • Implemented student-athlete retention strategies, basic needs support, and wellness resources Student-Centered Culture & Engagement
  • Integrated academics, athletics, and student support to strengthen recruitment and retention
  • NJCAA Division III Women’s Basketball National Champions
  • Expanded access, engagement, and campus connection through programming and services

Financial Stewardship

  • Realigned $10.8M in operational resources to strategic priorities
  • Strengthened financial position through grants, partnerships, and disciplined resource allocation
  • Experience with public funding models, legislative advocacy, and foundation alignment

Professional Foundation

  • Ph.D., Educational Leadership – Iowa State University
  • Career grounded in teaching, academic leadership, and the community college mission
  • Early career as craftsman and small business operator shaping a practical leadership approach