University of Minnesota Names Three Finalists in Presidential Search

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The Summary: The University of Minnesota has named three finalists in their search for a new president according to Board of Regents Chair Janie Mayeron. Jeff Ettinger is currently holding the interim role of president.

What’s Next: The presidential search for the University, will proceed to its final stage with finalists visiting campuses to present their vision and engage with stakeholders. Public forum sessions will be live-streamed and recorded for feedback, with the Board of Regents aiming to select a president-designate following public interviews on February 26.

The Finalists:

Dr. Laura Bloomberg

Current role: Presidient of Cleveland State University

Key Accomplishments: Spearheaded numerous strategic initiatives focusing on campus planning, campus climate, and fostering strong partnerships with local policy and private entities, including her leadership role in the Cleveland Innovation District.

Other Experience: Bloomberg held positions as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Cleveland State and as dean and associate dean at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Educational Experience: Bloomberg earned her doctorate in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Rebecca Cunningham

Current Role: Dr. Rebecca Cunningham is the vice president for research and innovation at the University of Michigan.

Key Accomplishments:: During her tenure, U-M has achieved a record research volume of $1.86 billion annually under her leadership. Cunningham led the design and implementation of the first comprehensive review of the university's research, scholarship, and creative practice enterprise.

Previous Roles Held: Prior to her Vice President role, Cunningham was the Associate vice president for research-health sciences at the University of Michigan. Earlier in her career, she served as associate chair of emergency medicine and director of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Education: Dr. Cunningham holds a bachelor's degree from Fairfield University and a medical doctorate from Jefferson Medical College.

Dr. James Holloway

Current Role: Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of New Mexico.

Key Accomplishments: During his tenure, Holloway has overseen significant growth in various areas, including first-year students, undergraduate enrollment, research expenditures, and philanthropic giving. He played a pivotal role in developing the UNM 2040 strategic planning framework.

Previous Roles Held: Holloway's career path includes roles at the University of Virginia and the University of Michigan, where he served as a research assistant professor, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, and professor of nuclear engineering and radiological sciences.

Education: Dr. Holloway holds a bachelor's degree and master's in nuclear engineering from the University of Illinois. He earned his doctorate in engineering physics from the University of Virginia.

Read more about the candidates at the University of Minnesota website.

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