Travis Thul

Building a thriving university community requires more than just academic excellence – it demands intentional efforts to connect students with opportunities that support their personal and professional growth. This philosophy is central to the work of Travis Thul, Vice President for Student Success and Engagement at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

In today’s conversation, Travis sat down with Jack Eagle, Co-Host of The Interview, to discuss his unique career journey, fostering a strong campus community, and innovative strategies for student engagement and career readiness.

Travis's Journey 

Jack: Can you start by introducing yourself and your institution?

I’m Travis Thul, the Vice President for Student Success and Engagement at Minnesota State University, Mankato. We’re the second-largest university in Minnesota and the largest within the Minnesota State system – which is actually the fourth-largest system in the US. My role is to ensure that our students have robust opportunities for personal and professional development, along with meaningful integration into the community. The goal is to maximize the collective return on our investment in education, not just for our students but for the broader community.

Jack: You’ve been in this role for six months now. How has the transition been?

It’s been great! Our division is brand new, so we’re essentially building a team from the ground up, which is both challenging and exciting. The directive is clear – ensure every student has access to high-impact practices like internships, co-ops, and community integration opportunities. I’ve been fortunate to work with incredibly capable and motivated team members, which makes this journey even more rewarding.

Jack: Your path to Higher Education (HE) leadership sounds unique. Can you share more about your career journey?

Definitely. My journey into HE has been quite non-traditional. I started out as an electrical engineer and military officer. Eventually, my passion for education led me to teaching and administrative roles on the East Coast, specifically in Baltimore. Later, I transitioned into administrative leadership roles in Minnesota, including a position at the University of Minnesota’s Technological Leadership Institute. There, I focused on blending leadership and technology education – everything from cybersecurity to electrification. When the role at Minnesota State University opened up, it aligned perfectly with my passion for integrating education, community, and industry. This role allows me to contribute to the community while supporting students in meaningful ways.

Jack: How have you been working to build a unified and positive campus environment?

Although I’m still early in this role, we recently completed our division’s strategic plan. This plan connects various units – Career Development, Workforce Professional Education, Advising, Student Success, and the Small Business Development Center – into a cohesive system. It’s about creating a continuum of support, starting with high school students taking college credits and extending to alumni and community members seeking to upskill or launch entrepreneurial ventures. This holistic approach strengthens the bond between the university and the local community, ensuring students feel connected beyond the classroom.

Jack: You’ve emphasized holistic engagement. How do you ensure students across different disciplines find relevant opportunities?

It’s about finding the right tool for the right job. Not every student fits into the same mold. For example, while engineering students might thrive in manufacturing internships, students studying literature or history might be better suited for roles in nonprofit organizations or community outreach. We recently launched an initiative that connects students with nonprofits for internships, lowering barriers for these organizations while giving students hands-on experience. It’s a win-win – students gain valuable experience, and nonprofits can better serve their communities.

Jack: Career readiness is a recurring topic on this series. How are you preparing students for life beyond university?

Career readiness is central to what we do. Our Career Development Center is pivotal in helping students build essential skills. However, I frame it more broadly: where we work is part of our community. Our goal isn’t just to prepare students for specific jobs but to help them build relationships and skills that contribute to a sense of belonging in the workplace. When students feel connected to their employer and community, they’re more likely to stay, thrive, and contribute long-term. This perspective ensures our graduates are not only career-ready but also community-oriented.

Jack: Innovation in HE can be challenging. How are you encouraging innovative thinking within your team?

Empowering my team to be creative is a priority. Since we’re a new division, it’s the perfect time to revisit old ideas or pursue ambitious initiatives. For instance, our Small Business Development Center partnered with the Secretary of State’s office to compile a comprehensive list of businesses in Southern Minnesota. We’re now using that data to connect local businesses with our Career Development Center, offering internships, co-op programs, and professional training – including topics like AI. This proactive outreach strengthens community ties and expands learning opportunities beyond traditional student populations.

Jack: What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

One piece of advice that stuck with me came from my time as a young military officer: “Never be the senior person with a secret.” Whether it’s good news or bad, transparent communication is vital. People often hesitate to share information, but open and honest communication builds trust, resolves issues faster, and strengthens relationships. At the end of the day, success – in education, work, and life – comes down to positive relationships and effective communication.