The University of Minnesota has named Dr. Rebecca Cunningham as its 18th president, a move coming after a meticulous search that engaged community members across all five campuses. Cunningham, bringing a wealth of experience from the University of Michigan, where she currently serves as vice president for research and innovation, will succeed Interim President Jeff Ettinger come July 1, according to the University of Minnesota.
The Board of Regents led a comprehensive selection process that spanned several weeks and included input from thousands of students, faculty, and staff. Chair Janie Mayeron expressed the board's excitement for Cunningham's upcoming tenure and her anticipated contributions, stating, "Her strong leadership and relationship-building skills stood out throughout this process." In a gesture of continuity and anticipation, Mayeron shared her confidence that Cunningham will "maximize the positive impact the University delivers for Minnesota and beyond every day," as reported by the University of Minnesota.
"It’s the thrill of a lifetime to be appointed the next president of the University of Minnesota," Cunningham told the University of Minnesota. She relayed her eagerness to form a partnership with the interim president and to associate herself with the university's students, faculty, staff, and the wider Minnesota community.
The selection of Cunningham culminated in a nationwide search that initially considered 46 applicants, with 12 candidates making it past initial interviews. The advisory committee unanimously recommended four lead candidates to the full Board, which were then whittled down to three public finalists, each touring the state and participating in numerous public engagements. Ultimately, Cunningham was the final choice, signifying a fresh chapter for the University of Minnesota. Her incoming presidency follows the transitional period presided over by Ettinger, who gracefully steps down at the end of his interim term on June 30, as was scheduled upon his appointment in May 2023.
