Rebecca Cunningham, MD, the University of Minnesota’s new president, spoke to a full house for UMRA’s October 2024 forum at Midland Hills. She described UMRA as a gift to her, and expressed gratitude for what we, as retirees, have accomplished for the University.

In her prepared remarks, Cunningham demonstrated a palpable excitement for the opportunities the University presents. She described her personal philosophy as “learning by listening,” and said she has been working closely with University faculty and staff, and the larger community. 

She outlined three top priorities:

• Supporting health writ large, including clinical care, mental health, training, and research as well as animal and plant health
• Providing an affordable, world-class education with flexible pathways to learning 
• Harnessing the power of the University of Minnesota system, where the U is greater than the sum of its parts and touches every part of the state

The forum then switched to a question and answer format—and there were a lot of questions!

Regarding the possible purchase of the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Cunningham described the situation as "a complicated set of options,” and said she believes it is more important to get to the right solution than to meet an arbitrary deadline. She noted that the University trains most of the health care workers in the state, which makes the health system extremely important.

Regarding demographics and a shrinking pool of college-age students, the president said that this year the U of M has its largest incoming class ever—7,300 first-year students—and her administration is working on an enrollment plan across all campuses.

Demonstrations and bias? Cunningham believes that universities are the arena for strong conversations, but that students should feel safe and welcome no matter their beliefs. She has been meeting with students on both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and incoming students are receiving anti-bias training.

Why she chose to accept this job? “The U is amazing!” she said. Cunningham also has some history with the U and the state. Her father-in-law was a long-time faculty member on the St. Paul campus, and she has spent time in the Boundary Waters, summer and winter, with her three daughters. She came to love and appreciate Minnesota and believes that she can have an impact on the U’s public mission.

Plans for state funding? We are no different than other public universities in losing state funding, she said, noting that the U now has a new government relations team telling "our story" at the Minnesota Legislature. She reminded the UMRA audience that our research is statewide, we are in all 87 counties, and the U is an economic engine for the state.

How is artificial intelligence (AI) changing higher education? According to Cunningham, AI is here to stay, and the U is teaching students how to be better informed and think critically. AI is also being put to use in research, and the U is examining its value operationally.

Five years from now? The president said that she and her team are working on a strategic plan, and that her priorities include the U’s national reputation, student opportunities, workforce reinvestment, and leadership in the health area.

When asked, she also commented on her experience as an emergency medicine physician (good management training), the future of the Campus Club (on her list but there are higher priorities right now), and the role of the liberal arts in today’s world (she is a graduate of a small liberal arts college and believes the liberal arts teaches students to think critically).

In conclusion, Cunningham again declared “the U is an amazing asset for the state,” quipping, “Our humility [as Minnesotans] exceeds the data.” 

Together we can help tell the story, she said. And we need to tell the University’s story proudly—just as she intends to do.

—Lynn Slifer