Independent file photo SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya addresses the audience gathered for 2024 commencement ceremonies. On Thursday, Jayasuriya announced that he plans to retire, effective after 2025 commencement.

MARSHALL — He led Southwest Minnesota State University through a period of enrollment growth and new programs. But on Thursday, President Kumara Jayasuriya said he will be saying goodbye to SMSU this spring.

In a letter sent to SMSU employees, Jayasuriya announced his retirement as university president, effective after the May commencement. He said the change was something that brought up mixed emotions.

“Serving as your president has been an incredible honor, and I am deeply proud of all that we have accomplished together. During my tenure, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing remarkable growth and achievement across our university,” Jaysuriya said. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has embraced my leadership and supported me throughout the years.”

Jayasuriya was hired as SMSU president in 2019. Before coming to SMSU, he served as the provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, and as a professor of mathematics, at West Virginia State University. Further back in his career, he served at Purdue University-North Central Campus, and Indiana University East.

During Jayasuriya’s time at SMSU, the university saw its enrollment increase when many Minnesota colleges and universities saw enrollment fall.

“Last fall, we recorded our highest enrollment in 14 years, and that momentum continues,” Jayasuriya said. He said the university has also forged strong partnerships with regional industries and businesses, and has introduced new programs to go along with the changing needs of SMSU students.

In a statement Thursday, Scott Olson, chancellor of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities, thanked Jayasuriya for his service to the region.

“Dr. Jayasuriya has led SMSU for the past six years with a focus on innovation and creativity. Together, the university community has experienced enrollment growth during challenging times. He has been an active member of the Marshall and surrounding communities, emphasizing partnerships,” Olson said. “He leaves SMSU with a solid foundation from which to continue to grow and succeed.”

“I have had the pleasure of witnessing Dr. Jayasuriya from the beginning of his tenure with Minnesota State, having served as the search chair back in 2019. I have been able to call him a colleague and a friend,” Olson said.

Along with innovation in university programs and enrollment growth, Jaysuriya’s emphasis on community partnership was a positive aspect of his leadership, said Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes.

“I wish Kumara all the best in his retirement, but it certainly will be a loss for the SMSU and the Marshall community,” Byrnes said.

On Thursday, Olson said he had consulted with the chair of the Minnesota State Board of Trustees about the search process for a new SMSU president. Olson said Minnesota State will start with a search for an interim president.

Minnesota State put out a call for internal candidates to apply or be nominated for the interim president position. Nominations or applications are due May 12, with Olson inviting potential candidates for interviews on May 29.

“I hope to bring my recommendation for an interim president to the June 2025 Board of Trustees meeting, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025,” he said.

Olson said he intends to launch a search for a permanent SMSU president this fall. As part of the process, he will meet with students, faculty, staff and community members.