Terry Gaalswyk

PRESIDENT'S WELCOME

Greetings and welcome to Minnesota West Community & Technical College! For over 75 years, we have proudly served the diverse needs of southwestern Minnesota, offering career, transfer, and workforce education in a caring and inclusive environment. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to your success, providing flexible programs, support systems, and enrichment activities to help you achieve your goals.
Under the leadership of President Terry Gaalswyk, who has served since 2015, Minnesota West has continued to expand its mission of advancing social and economic mobility through education. With a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University and over 30 years of experience in both faculty and administrative roles across South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota, Terry is a passionate advocate for community colleges.
Terry’s leadership focuses on steering the college’s strategic vision, enhancing student services, and building strong community partnerships. He also advocates for educational needs at regional and legislative levels, particularly in southwest Minnesota. His blend of academic excellence and vocational experience, having grown up working in his family’s cabinetry business, underscores his commitment to career and technical education.
Terry currently resides in Worthington, MN, with his family, including his wife Sherry, who works in the District 518 schools, and their daughter Gracie. He is actively involved in regional workforce and economic initiatives, serving on multiple boards, including the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council Workforce Development Board and the Southwest Initiative Foundation. He resides in Worthington, MN, with his wife, Sherry, and their daughter, Gracie.
Explore our five campuses and two learning centers, where we offer a wide range of programs and services designed to help you succeed! We look forward to helping you build a pathway to your dreams.