Board of Regents outlines U of M presidential transition process

During a wide-ranging discussion at a special meeting today, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents charted a course for how it will identify an interim president to guide the University in the year ahead.

“Selecting and appointing an interim president is the Board’s most immediate priority. Today’s discussion initiated a thoughtful and transparent series of steps that clarify what the University needs from this important role and who is well positioned to serve our University community and state,” said Board Chair Janie Mayeron. “Despite the uncertainty any leadership transition presents, we are confident that the University of Minnesota will continue to deliver its mission at a very high level in service to our students, state and all Minnesotans. We are committed to maintaining that momentum while proceeding expeditiously. Selecting the right person to serve as interim president is our first imperative.”

The Board’s discussion covered what they will expect from the person who serves in this position, an array of characteristics Regents are seeking in an interim president candidate, and how the selection process will proceed. 

Broadly, points raised in discussion included:

• Setting objectives for the interim president to accomplish.
• Establishing expected characteristics and other attributes of the interim president candidates.
• Setting a timeline for selection and appointment.
• Weighing the value of different approaches for identifying and engaging candidates.

Among the outcomes of Thursday’s discussion, the Board agreed that a broad candidate pool was in the best interest of the University, and that Regents would consider both internal and external candidates for the interim president role. It was also agreed that the Board wants candidates who are not interested in the permanent position, with several Regents emphasizing the need for the interim president to be wholly focused on the interim’s responsibilities without potential distraction from seeking the permanent position.

The Board also generally agreed that it would ask an interim president to embrace the existing systemwide strategic plan, MPact 2025, and continue significant momentum toward achieving the many goals and commitments detailed in that plan. Recognizing this interim president will have to lead the day-to-day work at one of America’s leading research universities, the Board prioritized the need for candidates to have executive-level leadership experience and an understanding of the magnitude of the leadership role, in addition to identifying needed characteristics such as adept communications skills and an ability to connect with the University community, the state’s elected leadership, and Minnesotans as a whole. Other characteristics, such as competence with diversity, equity and inclusion issues and a commitment to the University’s mission and values, were also determined as important. 

Regents described a process for candidates to come forward, one that would begin with requesting letters of interest and supporting materials from candidates. Next, the Board would hold a public Board meeting during which de-identified candidate information would be discussed and candidates would be selected for interview. The process then would conclude with public interviews of finalists at a subsequent Board meeting and the Board’s appointment of an interim president. 

Mayeron and other Board members reiterated that they have received and continue to welcome feedback about the presidential transition from within the U of M community and from the broader public as well. That input will be solicited throughout the presidential transition process. Those who have feedback to share can do so through the Board’s online comment form or by sending messages to [email protected].

At the conclusion of Thursday’s meeting, Mayeron indicated the Board’s intention to have a special meeting next week to advance the search for an interim president. That meeting will be publicly noticed in the near future. Visit regents.umn.edu for more information.