Ryan Schmiesing named Vice President for Strategic Initiatives

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that, following a nationwide search, the University of Minnesota has selected Ryan Schmiesing to serve as vice president for strategic initiatives. Pending approval from the Board of Regents, which will meet March 14, Ryan will join the University on March 31.

As vice president for strategic initiatives, Ryan will play a primary role in advancing multiple cross-cutting initiatives that elevate the University’s shared mission and goals. This includes supporting the Maroon, Gold and Bold systemwide strategic plan, in partnership with the steering committee and the broader University community.

He also will collaborate and coordinate with senior leaders and stakeholders in shared governance, along with academic and administrative units, to identify and advance key systemwide priorities. Ryan will report directly to me and will serve as part of the University’s senior leadership team.

Ryan brings a wealth of experience to Minnesota, having spent the past three decades serving in leadership roles at the Ohio State University and in government. Ryan most recently served as senior vice provost of external engagement, where he led the design and implementation of external engagement strategies that connect Ohio State expertise, scholarship and service to local, statewide, national and international communities. At Ohio State, Ryan also provided leadership of regional campus strategy and operations, in close collaboration with its deans and directors.

Based on the vast knowledge Ryan has acquired while working for a fellow Big Ten institution, I am confident he will excel in this new leadership role. Please join me in welcoming Ryan to the University of Minnesota community.

I also would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the search committee co-chairs—Vice President Shashank Priya and Dean Jamie Prenkert—and the entire search committee for their tremendous support, collaboration and service.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Cunningham
President