Board of Regents Welcomes New President, Board Leadership

What and when: University of Minnesota Board of Regents Meeting, 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 11

Where: Sixth floor, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents will begin its meetings for the 2019-20 academic year on Thursday, July 11, with new Board leadership and a new University president.

The meeting will be the first led by the Board’s newly elected Chair, Regent Ken Powell, who served as the Board’s Vice Chair for the past two years. Regent Steve Sviggum will now serve as Vice Chair. The two will join fellow Regents in welcoming Joan T.A. Gabel to her first Board meeting since she officially assumed office as the University’s 17th president on July 1.

"The beginning of a new year for the Board of Regents, combined with transitions of Board and University system leadership, provide us with an opportunity to build on previous successes and set new priorities,” Powell said. “President Gabel and my Regent colleagues have already signaled commitment to student success and affordability, while focusing on research and outreach excellence with everyday benefits and applications for Minnesotans. I share those priorities and will do everything I can to make our work together successful.”

Gabel added she is committed to partnering with the Board, as well as engaging directly with the University’s many internal and external stakeholders.

“Over recent months, I’ve had the pleasure to engage a broad cross-section of our University community, and I’m excited to apply what I’ve heard in working with the Board, students, faculty and staff to turn ideas into action,” Gabel said. “Together, we will achieve greater success and discovery for our University and beyond.”

Regents Learn the Latest Happenings with Twin Cities Campus Alumni Association
The Board will also hear from University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) President and CEO Lisa Lewis, who, along with UMAA 2018-19 Board Chair Doug Huebsch (B.S. ’85) and 2019-20 Board Chair Laura Moret (B.A. '76, M.B.A. '81), will present the organization’s annual report. UMAA represents the 493,000 living alumni of the Twin Cities campus. The 115-year-old organization connects alumni with each other, supports student success and advances the University of Minnesota.

The Board is also expected to:

• Hear the first reports of Powell and Gabel in their new roles as the Board’s Chair and University President, respectively. 
• Review and act on several proposed real estate transactions, including the sale of property located at 2642 University Ave. in St. Paul and parcels of land in Carver and Carlton counties.
• Hear the annual report from Gopher Athletics. Board policy requires an update on academic and athletic achievements, among other items Athletics Director Mark Coyle will discuss with the Board.

For more information, including future meeting dates, visit regents.umn.edu.  

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