Robert Hoffman
MANKATO — Minnesota State University has tapped former Taylor Corp. executive and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities board chair Robert Hoffman to fill a newly created vice president position.
Hoffman — who spent 18 years with Taylor Corp., and six years with the MnSCU board — has been named MSU's first vice president for strategic business, education and regional partnerships.
He'll begin his duties May 23, and he'll be responsible for leading the university in developing businesses and other groups "throughout the state, region and nation to enhance economic development, research, and cooperative ventures."
Hoffman says he's eager to get started. Technology has greatly changed the way business gets done, Hoffman said, and he wants to help MSU and its students exploit emerging opportunities.
"Back when I was on the MnSCU board, there had been discussion about how the changes in the global marketplace were affecting everything," he said.
At the same time, a couple of other significant things were happening. One was the trip to Colorado taken by a group of Mankato-area residents and public officials. Another was MSU President Richard Davenport's effort to put together a vision for the future of MSU.
"MSU is on the cutting edge in a lot of different areas," Hoffman said. "Davenport's vision is way out there. He understands the global marketplace is here."
Initially, Hoffman says he'll do a lot of listening. He also understands there may be an adjustment period. Hoffman excelled in the business sector where highly motivated executives that can get things done are the most successful.
In higher education, he's likely to find that the road to getting a project completed is a little, um, longer.
"I spent six years at MnSCU, so I do know how the process works," he said. "But I would guess it'll be a challenge. On the other hand, maybe I can bring something to the process that will (speed things up a little)."
Before joining Taylor Corp., Hoffman was senior vice president for sales and marketing with Brown Printing Co. in Waseca. Hoffman also spent a portion of his career in the K-12 education system as superintendent of schools in Waseca, and as assistant superintendent of schools in Worthington.
He earned a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in secondary school administration from MSU, and a doctor of education degree from Utah State University.
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