Interim president, vice chair discussed during Thursday’s Board of Regents meeting

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents held a special meeting Thursday, with two major items on the board’s agenda.

One of those items was to select a new vice chair for the board following the resignation of Ken Powell, who served as chairman for the Board of Regents. Powell’s resignation announcement was made earlier this week.

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Janie Mayeron, the previous vice chair on the Board of Regents, will step into the role of chairperson and serve out the chair’s term of office. However, Powell will continue to serve as a regent through the end of his term, which expires this year.

In addition, a discussion regarding the next steps in the process of selecting an Interim President to replace Joan Gabel will be held.

As reported earlier this month by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS, Gabel announced she is leaving the system for the Chancellor role at the University of Pittsburgh. She will start her new position on July 1.

“Selecting and appointing an interim president is the Board’s most immediate priority. Today’s discussion initiated a thoughtful and transparent series of steps that clarify what the University needs from this important role and who is well positioned to serve our University community and state,” said Mayeron.

According to a statement, the Board is considering both internal and external candidates that would be focused on the responsibilities of the interim president and not be distracted by the permanent position.

The Board is also looking for someone with executive-level leadership experience and the ability to communicate with the University community and elected leadership.

The process for selecting an interim president would begin with requesting letters of interest from candidates, holding a public Board meeting to narrow down the candidates, and finally interviewing finalists at a subsequent Board meeting.

Mayeron indicated that the Board intends to hold a special meeting next week to continue the search for an interim president.