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St. Olaf promotes Kneser to VP status

By David Gonnerman '90
July 16, 2007

St. Olaf College President David R. Anderson '74 has announced the appointment of Greg Kneser to the position of vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the college. Kneser, who has worked at St. Olaf since 1989, has served as dean of students for the past seven years.

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Kneser
"You all know Greg," wrote Anderson in a recent message to the college community. "So you can understand why the title of vice president is appropriate given his passion for the college and his abilities and accomplishments while serving as dean of students." In the same message, Anderson explained that at an "intensely residential" college like St. Olaf, where the student life component is so critical to the overall St. Olaf experience, it is important for that part of the college to be led by a vice president who reports directly to the president. "The president," he wrote, "should take responsibility for direct engagement with that piece of the college."

Kneser says his job is all about students. A crucial year for him was 2001, when a total of five St. Olaf students died in three separate incidents. "That was pretty dramatic," he recalls. "It just put into focus that this is a people business and that your day starts and ends with your students. You've got to embrace them because it can all turn on a dime." Kneser was later a member of the team of faculty and staff that built the Windchime Memorial Tower, located in the center of campus near Boe Chapel, that is dedicated to all students who have died while enrolled at the college.

Making St. Olaf and Northfield work for students and their families is key to Kneser's job, and in the past year he's become more involved in Northfield issues. "The ongoing housing issue [regarding city policies on rental units] has been positive for St. Olaf because I've gotten more engaged with Northfield leadership, connected with the grassroots efforts and gotten to know the landlords better," he says.

But the best part, he adds, is that he's hearing positive feedback from local residents about how St. Olaf students are contributing to Northfield, including teaching in local classrooms and swimming pools, mentoring kids and working in local businesses. "Hearing about all they're doing can be pretty stunning." In turn, he adds, the students appreciate the experiences they have in Northfield.

Kneser says his goal is to help keep Northfield and St. Olaf mutually beneficial. "We want people in Northfield to think of St. Olaf as being their institution. The college's contributions make the quality of life better for the town, and students get a lot out of Northfield."

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.