Message

President's Report to the Board of Regents

Thank you, Chair Huebsch.

As I meet with people outside of the University, some of them have asked whether the work of the University slows down over the summer. What I share is that while many classes are not in session, we continue to deliver on our academic mission and to serve Minnesota and the world all year round.

Several federal policy changes on the horizon will significantly impact the University and higher education. We are diligent in our commitment and resolve to ensure the University remains strong for another 175 years. These proposed changes include:

  • A Department of Homeland Security rule that will limit international scholars  and students to four years in the country. This will have broad implications for both undergraduate and graduate students. These are valued members of our community and we’re fully committed to ensuring all feel welcomed at the University of Minnesota.

  • The second proposed rule change from the Office of Management and Budget would change how federal agencies review and select grant proposals. While we support transparent and independent review, the University stands firmly against the current draft because it would impede inquiry and scholarship across all areas of our University. 

    In fact, it could curtail the groundbreaking innovation that’s at the heart of our mission.

    The current draft could put at risk groundbreaking research like SpudCell, a recent discovery from two College of Biological Sciences professors who developed the world’s first synthetic cell that can feed, grow and reproduce.The research, led by Associate Professors Kate Adamala and Aaron Engelhart and their teams, is a major breakthrough in biological engineering. In time, this innovation may provide solutions to some of our most challenging problems in medicine and engineering. And it’s put the University of Minnesota in national and international headlines over the past few weeks. We’ve seen more than 1,500 stories from major media outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, and The Guardian. They all showcase the University of Minnesota as a global leader. We are so proud of Dr. Adamala, Dr. Aaron Engelhart and their teams for their breakthrough innovation and the reputational halo it creates for the University. 

A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of Minnesotans and 8 in 10 Minnesota leaders had a favorable impression of the University. That public trust is earned not only through our academic excellence, but also created through this kind of break-through research. What a bright and shining example of the excellence of the University of Minnesota! 

When it comes to questions I field as President, one topic that people ask me about a lot is artificial intelligence. So I thought I’d talk briefly about our work on AI. 

As you know, to meet this moment, we launched a University-wide AI Hub, led by Galin Jones, our inaugural Vice Provost for Artificial Intelligence. Over the past few months, Dr. Jones and his team have 

  • Convened groups of Minnesota business and government leaders and partners across the country to work on realizing the opportunities AI presents. Those opportunities include building a more resilient workforce, rethinking education, and ensuring ethical AI guardrails are in place.
  • They’ve partnered with local Fortune 500 companies to prepare their teams for this shift. 
  • They’ve worked with University staff and faculty to boost AI literacy on campus, across Minnesota, and nationally. 
  • And they’ve begun work on a University-wide AI blueprint.

What’s exciting about all of this is that we are not just reacting to the changing landscape of higher education—we are actively, intentionally shaping it.

By ensuring our students and citizens can ethically, responsibly, and effectively utilize these tools, we are helping shape a future where Minnesota leads the nation in technological adaptation.

In the months ahead, we will continue to advance our Elevate Extraordinary 2030 strategic roadmap across all five of our campuses. And we’ll continue to work together as One University, modernize our student experience, and invest in our long-term strategic vision.

Because it’s summer, I should also mention that we’re having some good old fashioned fun. 

The College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences recently held a competition to come up with a new ice cream flavor to celebrate our 175th anniversary. And I can tell you first hand that the five finalists were pretty delicious! Beginning in mid-August, the winning flavor will be available in Goldy’s Gameroom, the Gopher Spot and at the Arboretum. 

Before I wrap up, I’d like to recognize Mary Holz-Clause, who is retiring as chancellor of our Crookston campus at the end of the year. Under Mary’s leadership, the University of Minnesota Crookston’s national reputation for innovation, online education, sustainability and rural engagement rose, and the campus achieved record enrollment growth. Thank you, Mary, for all that you have done in your remarkable 40-year career in higher education.

I’d also like to thank Chancellor Nies who, beginning in January, will serve in a dual role as interim Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Crookston, while maintaining his role as Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth. 

Finally, I’d like to share my gratitude with Joanne Billings, who has served as our interim Vice President for Research and Innovation. Joanne has done a wonderful job, and we are looking forward to Cynthia Carnes joining us at the end of the month.

That concludes my report.