St. Cloud State University has announced an interim director for their newly opened School of Public Affairs Research Institute.

Economics professor Dr. Richard MacDonald will step into the position held by now interim dean for the School of Public Affairs King Banaian.

MacDonald is the coauthor of the St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report and has worked with Banaian to obtain a partnership with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State compiling regional economic information.

MacDonald was appointed to his position on Wednesday by SCSU Provost and Academic Vice President Dr. Richard Green.