Today Regent Patricia Simmons announced her resignation from the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.
"Serving the University of Minnesota has been a great privilege," said Simmons. "The University is an extraordinary institution of inestimable value to the people of Minnesota, and in fact is a great asset to the nation and the world. The University of Minnesota drives our economy and contributes greatly to the quality of our lives."
Simmons was first elected in 2003 from the First Congressional District in Southern Minnesota, and is now in her third term, a rare commitment of service in modern times. Her current term ends in 2021. Among other leadership positions, she has served as Chair of the Board of Regents.
"The responsibility of a regent is to assure that our talented faculty and staff can fulfill their potential and deliver the mission of the University, holding the University accountable to the people, and successfully fulfilling the promise to our students and to Minnesotans," said Simmons.
Board of Regents Chair David McMillan said Simmons' dedication to Minnesota and to the University and her thoughtfulness during Board deliberations have been significant assets.
"Patty has provided an invaluable perspective about board governance, history, the health sciences, and the University's impact on Minnesota that will be hard to replace," said McMillan. "I want to thank her for her 15 years of service to the University and our state. Through every issue and debate, she has helped guide this board, reminded us of our responsibilities, and sought ways to catalyze the boundless talents we have across the University to deliver great benefits to Minnesota and beyond."
Simmons is a retired physician, executive, and professor who was the founding chair of the Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology at the Mayo Clinic, where she has also served in multiple leadership roles. She has been recognized as a national leader in her medical field and contributor to her community. She has served on the boards of Minnesota Public Radio, American Public media, the Guthrie Theater, the Minnesota Business Partnership, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Greater MSP, and the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library. She holds a bachelors of arts degree from Carleton College and a medical doctorate from the University of Chicago. She completed her residency and fellowship at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine.
Regent Simmons plans to leave the board this spring.
Consistent with how the University Charter incorporated in the Minnesota Constitution has been interpreted in the past, the University anticipates that a joint convention of the Minnesota Legislature will elect Simmons' replacement to the 12-member Board of Regents.
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