U of M highlights impact of groundbreaking research, world-class education and statewide community collaboration

Annual performance and accountability report emphasizes UMN progress advancing its mission, commitment to Minnesotans

Ensuring an affordable University of Minnesota education to as many students as possible continues to be a top priority as the University delivers on its promise to advance the U of M’s 170-year public mission and statewide service. This week, the University’s Board of Regents reviewed how that priority is being met, along with many other achievements of U of M students, faculty and staff over the past year during the annual performance and accountability report.

Systemwide, enrollment is up — the U of M welcomed more than 70,000 students for the first time ever this fall. That total includes nearly 50,000 Minnesotans, the highest number of Minnesota resident students at the U of M in more than 40 years. Many of these students enrolled at the U of M because, no matter which of its five campuses is right for them, they’ll find it has the lowest net cost among all Minnesota four-year institutions for households earning less than $110,000 annually. This is possible, in part, because the University is investing more than ever in University-provided financial aid — which doesn’t have to be repaid — committing approximately $325 million to student support in 2024. 

Access and affordability at the U of M remains a priority, for the state and for the University. Many U of M students graduate and become a significant portion of Minnesota's workforce. Among those U of M students entering the workforce, three-quarters work for companies and organizations in Minnesota.

Students are graduating at some of the highest levels in U of M history — the Duluth campus set a new record four-year graduation rate last year while the Twin Cities did the same for its six-year rate. More than 92% of graduating students are employed or are continuing their education, an impressive 7.8% above the national average. 

The significant contributions of U of M research and innovation to the state and the nation were highlighted for the Board’s Mission Fulfillment Committee and many were reflected in the accountability report, including $1.35 billion in research expenditures systemwide and the Twin Cities campus ranking No. 12 among U.S. public research universities. Most of this funding came from federal awards, which University researchers and collaborators earn over many other highly competitive proposals. U of M researchers brought $628 million in federal grants that would not have flowed to Minnesota without faculty leadership and hard work. 

The University has launched 260 startups over the past two decades and a record 25 startups in 2024, including Niron Magnetics, which is producing the world’s first high-performance sustainable magnet with several EV and clean energy applications; and DIYTree, which markets the hybrid poplar InnovaTree developed through the NRRI program on the Duluth campus.

Collectively, these statistics represent the power to transform lives, communities and economies across Minnesota. In addition to its five campuses, University researchers and students are working in community centers, labs, field stations and clinics in hundreds of Minnesota cities and towns. U of M Extension maintains nearly 1,900 community-level partnerships dotting each of Minnesota's 87 counties — up 25% over the past three years. This extensive, statewide work is also being conducted in environmentally sustainable ways that can help ensure success for future generations of Minnesotans. The U of M System tied for 5th in the U.S. and is in the top 10% worldwide in the Times Higher Ed Sustainable Development Goals Impact Rankings, an extraordinary achievement in the state’s northern climate.

Strategic planning

President Rebecca Cunningham advanced discussions with the Board about a year-long process to collaboratively develop the U of M’s next systemwide strategic plan. The University’s current strategic plan, MPact 2025, is drawing to an end next year with many milestones reached. While celebrating those achievements, Cunningham set the stage for an ambitious vision: Maroon, Gold & Bold. 

“It’s time to dream even bigger,” said Cunningham. “It’s time to set a bold new vision for the University of Minnesota’s future, one that pushes boundaries and redefines what’s possible for our five strong campuses. As the state’s original and only research university, the U of M has been unwavering in our commitment to Minnesotans. ”

The Board considered Cunningham’s vision for comprehensive engagement in the strategic planning process. Plans include opportunities for faculty, staff, students, alumni and all Minnesotans to help chart this next chapter. Cunningham shared examples of how this work will be done, such as establishing working groups to bring content expertise and a broader array of voices together, and open calls for feedback. 

“We are unapologetically proud of the University’s history of excellence that extends to globally recognized prominence across an impressive array of critical fields today,” said Cunningham. “Together, we can boldly define the future and reflect the very best of who we are and who we can become.”

The Board also:

• Received the annual report on the University of Minnesota research enterprise, which detailed a record-breaking year.
• Reviewed fiscal 2026 budget variables in an annual presentation from Julie Tonneson, vice president and budget director — one of multiple steps the Board takes during the year to review the University’s budget before taking action on the final version in June.
• Approved the health sciences strategic plan, which the Board reviewed with U of M health science deans and other U of M leaders at previous meetings.
• Reviewed amendments to Board of Regents Policy: Conflict Resolution Process for Student Academic Complaints. 
• Reviewed the Crookston campus plan with Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause.
• Reviewed amendments to Board of Regents Policy: Code of Conduct for Members of the Board of Regents and Bylaws of the Board of Regents.
• Received the report of the senate, faculty, civil service and P&A consultative committees with Chairs Jennifer Goodnough, Stacy Maher and Kit Breshears.

Paul Bunyan’s Axe

On Nov. 29, the Golden Gophers football team reclaimed Paul Bunyan’s Axe by defeating Big Ten rivals Wisconsin Badgers 24-7. Senior Linebacker Derik LeCaptain and Senior Defensive Lineman Jalen Logan-Redding brought the trophy to the Regents meeting Friday, where President Cunningham invited the Board to join her in congratulating the team's commitment to excellence — both on the field and in the classroom. Credit: University of Minnesota.

The Board’s Virtual Forum accepts audio, video and written input, which is shared directly with Regents and included in the Board’s public materials. The public is encouraged to visit the Virtual Forum to submit their comments. 

The Board of Regents is scheduled to meet next on Feb. 13-14. Visit regents.umn.edu for more information.