Richard Davenport

Richard W. Davenport (born 1946) is a former speech language pathology professor and university administrator. He was the president of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Davenport led the university through a number of challenges including numerous budget shortfalls in the 2000s, large increases in enrollment during the economic crises of 2007-2010 and through statewide efforts to increase the status of the Minnesota State system. Career and background Davenport was the president at a university of approximately 15,000 students, 1,500 staff across 130 collegiate programs. His administration had identified a policy vision that became the university slogan, that is 'going further then you thought possible'. Two major priorities from this vision include increased service to the state, the south central region and the global community as well as further developing graduate research and graduate programs by being a major provider of graduate programs in Minnesota. He is a board commissioner of the Minnesota Center for Rural Policy and Development which was established by the Minnesota Legislature to develop resources and support the economic development of rural areas across Minnesota. He is also the Chairman of Board of Directors for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, a member of Greater Mankato Growth, a member of the national American Council on Education and a board member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Council for Advancement. Prior to becoming the 12th full President of Minnesota State University, Mankato he was provost and vice president for academic affairs at Central Michigan University and Dean of the graduate school and associate vice president for academic affairs at Western State Colorado University. Prior to this he was the tri-college coordinator for Communicative Disorders housed by Winona State University and open to students from Winona State, St. Mary's University of Minnesota and the College of St. Teresa.