Dr. Gregory Tomso began his term as St. Cloud State University’s 26th president on January 5, 2026 bringing a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success.

A native of Chesapeake, Virginia, Dr. Tomso grew up in a community known for its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and its strong naval shipbuilding tradition. His family’s story reflects resilience and opportunity—his mother was the youngest of 11 children from a Kentucky farming family, and his father was a World War II refugee from Czechoslovakia. While college was not part of his family’s history, his parents encouraged him to pursue higher education, promising support if he earned good grades.

Dr. Tomso attended the University of Virginia, where he discovered his passion for the humanities, history, and literary studies. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and History with a concentration in American Studies and a minor in German.

His academic journey continued at Duke University, where he earned a Ph.D. in English with a specialization in American literature. Immersed in an interdisciplinary and vibrant intellectual environment, Dr. Tomso embraced emerging fields such as cultural studies and gender studies.

Dr. Tomso brings passion for learning and innovation to St. Cloud State University, guiding the institution toward a future of excellence, equity, and opportunity for all students.

Dr. Gregory Tomso began his professional journey in higher education in 2001 as an assistant professor of English at Ithaca College in New York. The small college environment and heavy teaching load allowed him to refine his craft and discover the profound impact students would have on his mission as an educator. That influence became especially clear during his first semester, when many students were personally affected by the events of September 11.

In 2004, Dr. Tomso joined the University of West Florida (UWF), where he spent two decades shaping academic programs and student experiences.

At UWF, Dr. Tomso advanced from associate professor and department chair to director of the Kugelman Honors Program, and ultimately to Vice President for Academic Engagement and Student Affairs. In this role, he embraced complex challenges, including improving staff morale and fostering collaboration across divisions.

When the national search for St. Cloud State University’s next president began, Dr. Tomso was drawn to the institution’s mission and values and campus values of embracing belonging, inclusion, and the success of every student.