Dr. Darrell & Nancy Krueger Scholarship

Darrell W. Krueger became the 13th president of Winona State University in July 1989 and immediately began unfolding his vision for the institution. Following President Krueger’s lead, WSU adopted “The Seven Principles of Good Practice in Undergraduate Education.” In addition, President Krueger brought the leadership concepts of noted author Stephen Covey to Winona State, and in 2001, he accepted for Winona State the prestigious Franklin Covey Community Service Award. President Krueger is a nationally recognized leader in academe for his work in outcomes assessment. He has described Winona State as a “self-regarding institution” constantly measuring itself to ensure efficacy and operation for the public good. Under President Krueger’s leadership, WSU became one of the most technologically advanced universities in the nation. Through the WSU Laptop University program, every student was issued a laptop with access to high-speed Internet service any time and anywhere.

An amazing transformation also took place on the Winona State campus through President Krueger’s vision and a comprehensive campus master plan. Streets once bisecting campus were closed and turned into green space with fountains and beautiful landscaping. A state-of-the-art library was completed in 1999 and named for President Krueger shortly thereafter. In addition, the WSU Foundation East Lake Apartment complex opened its doors and the Science Laboratory Center was completed during President Krueger’s tenure. He retired from as President Emeritus in 2004. President Krueger graduated Summa Cum Laude as co-valedictorian from Southern Utah State College in Cedar City in 1967, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history. He earned a master’s degree in 1969 and a Ph.D. degree in 1971 from the University of Arizona, Tucson.

While a graduate student, Krueger was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and was a Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation Dissertation fellow. Prior to coming to Winona, he was a professor of political science and served as vice president for academic affairs and dean of instruction for 16 years at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville (now Truman State University). Nancy Krueger attended Eastern Arizona College with a focus in art education. During her time in Winona, Nancy was active in the Winona community volunteering her time and talents. She served in various capacities within her church and taught an Institute of Religion class, a program for college students and young adults. As WSU’s “First Lady,” she graciously represented Winona State at university functions on and off campus and served as hostess for many events held at the Krueger home. The Kruegers have four children, William, Tonya, Amy and Susan and four grandchildren, Andrew, Ann Marie, Jonathan and Elizabeth.

During their long and distinguished careers, both Darrell and Nancy Krueger touched the lives of thousands of students. Through their commitment to education, they changed lives and made a positive impact on the future of Minnesota, the region and our world.

Scholarship contacts and Nancy and Darrell, and Karen Northam.