February M Pride

Dear friends and colleagues,

I am now more than halfway through my first year as President, and not a day has gone by where I am not struck by the tremendous impact our students, faculty, staff and alumni are having in communities across our state, nation and world.

Take our research community, for example. Teams are working together to find solutions to some of society’s greatest challenges—from the highly pathogenic bird flu that is threatening wildlife to debilitating medical conditions that affect military veterans.

Here at the University of Minnesota, the knowledge, discoveries and innovations that we generate every single day are not confined to our five campuses. They are translated in ways that benefit people and their communities. This is illustrated by the 25 new small businesses we launched last year based on University research, creating new jobs and driving economic growth.

As one of America’s leading public research universities, we remain steadfast in our commitment to improving the health, safety and prosperity of all Minnesotans.

The University of Minnesota and Essentia Health are working together to chart a bold, new solution for the future of healthcare in our state. This new, not-for-profit healthcare entity combines our people, systems, capabilities and expertise so that we can deliver a new level of seamless, expanded healthcare across Minnesota.

This is merely a snapshot of the many great things happening across the University of Minnesota System.

We now have an opportunity to build on our momentum as we work together to reimagine the future of this great institution. And so as we embark on systemwide strategic planning, engaging with countless individuals across the University and beyond, I look forward to partnering with our community so that we can create a roadmap that honors our past, while boldly defining our future.

Rebecca Cunningham
President

A closer look at a startup powerhouse

U of M is a national leader when it comes to startup creation, progressively ranking among the top four universities in the country. In this video, learn more about how innovations in areas like health and sustainability are turning visionary research into real-world impact.

Continuing to make Black history at U of M

Lives and identities are shaped by decades and centuries. They can be forever altered in minutes or seconds. For the individuals and communities who continue to make Black history at U of M and beyond, change starts wherever the powers of creativity, vision and joy meet.

Maroon and gold at the Capitol

The State Capitol was a spirited sea of maroon and gold on February 18, as students, faculty, staff and alumni representing all five system campuses advocated on behalf of the University’s legislative requests at U of M Day at the Capitol.

Tracking bird flu’s threat to Minnesota wildlife

Researchers from the College of Veterinary Medicine are leading a collaborative effort to address highly pathogenic avian influenza (also known as bird flu) and its emerging threat to Minnesota wildlife.