Today marks a significant moment for the University of Minnesota as Dr. Rebecca Cunningham officially steps into her role as the new President of the university system. Appointed as the 18th President, Cunningham assumes the position with a promise to actively engage with the community and focus on the "Driven to Discover" ethos that she sees as a reflection of both herself and the broader university community. In her inauguration statement, Cunningham said, "I could not be more excited to join this thriving and passionate University community," as reported by the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus news.
Dr. Cunningham's appointment follows an extensive nationwide hunt, one that saw her rapidly get up to speed on the workings of the university by collaborating with the interim President Jeff Ettinger. During this transition period, Cunningham made it a point to frequently attend Board meetings and other key events, a reflection of her commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the U of M's five-campus system. According to the Twin Cities campus news release, Cunningham engaged with "hundreds of people, on U of M campuses and beyond," to gather insights on what they expect from this public research university.
Janie Mayeron, Chair of the Board of Regents, expressed optimism about the new presidency stating, "A new presidency is an opportunity to reintroduce the powerful ways we serve Minnesotans in all aspects of the University’s mission: our teaching, our research and our statewide community engagement." As per the University of Minnesota, Mayeron noted that Cunningham's distinctive experiences and perspectives are anticipated to strengthen the institution's foundations, confront challenges, and propel the university's mission forward, ultimately benefiting both Minnesotans and the global community.
Before shifting to Minnesota, Cunningham's track record at the University of Michigan includes roles such as the vice president for research and innovation. Her leadership there involved an extensive review of the university's research, scholarship, and creative practice, as well as steering their research volume to a remarkable $1.86 billion annually. The University of Minnesota highlighted her past academic and research appointments which spanned over a quarter-century, and her affiliation with the National Academy of Medicine, underscoring her deep-rooted connection with academic and innovative research advancements.
The formal inauguration ceremony for President Cunningham is scheduled for September 18, but even as the university prepares to formally celebrate its new leader, Cunningham is already at the helm, keen on steering the institution toward a future aligned with discovery and societal betterment. For more details about the upcoming inaugural events, the university urges the public to stay tuned to the president's official webpage.
