2025-03 From the President: I have seen the future regents, and the future looks good.

I have seen the future regents, and the future looks good. On February 4, I attended a public forum at the capitol hosted by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association (UMAA) to present 14 candidates for four open seats on the Board of Regents. The candidates ranged from the recent interim U of M interim president to an impressive array of four graduate students vying for the student regent seat. 

Of the four seats to be filled, two are at-large, open to candidates living anywhere in the state. One seat is for a resident of the 5th congressional district. The final seat is designated for a U of M student who resides anywhere in the state. All candidates noted their strong support for the University, although the type and actual number of their connections varied widely.

The Board of Regents has 12 members. Their six-year terms are staggered so that four regents come up for appointment every two years. Potential candidates are screened by the Regent Candidate Advisory Committee (RCAC). The 14 candidates (of 22 selected to be interviewed) were recommended by the RCAC to the Regent Nomination Joint Legislative Committee, which will select one candidate for each open seat for final consideration by the full Legislature. The 14 candidates will now meet with as many members of the Legislature as they can to campaign for the final vote sometime in the spring.

Why does this matter? Regents provide critical support for and oversight of the University president, especially with new leadership. They help connect the University with residents across the state and with legislators, always with an eye towards funding. They will guide the new strategic plan development along with President Cunningham.

As you’ve undoubtedly heard, the University administration is treading delicately in these politically sensitive times. Wise counsel will be valuable. One candidate noted that the regents remaining in office have at most four years of experience as regents. Several candidates emphasized their corporate, board governance, or financial management experience. Others leaned on their community or agricultural connections. 

At the evening event, I introduced myself to several candidates as the president of UMRA. I informed them of our interest in strong leadership for the U, letting them know that retirees are still connected. I also thanked Lisa Lewis, current UMAA president and CEO, for hosting the event and for signing the latest version of our Memorandum of Understanding between UMRA and UMAA. 

If you want to know more, UMAA produced an excellent 2025 Regent Candidate Guide with written statements by the candidates and a video recording of the meeting. Both are available here. 

Thank you to the Alumni Association for providing this opportunity to meet and learn about the candidates who want to help lead the University of Minnesota.

—Julie Sweitzer, UMRA president 2024–25