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Past Issues
Board of Regents presented certificates of appreciation to President Yudof and his wife, Judy, July 12 for 5 years of service to the U and state. Regents meeting marked Yudof's last before leaving for the U of Texas July 31. "The board greatly appreciates all they have done," said Regent Reed. "We wish them the best and extend our sincere thanks for their many contributions to the University."
Yudof thanked the board for its support and said the future looks bright for the U. "It has a lot of momentum, and all indicators are on the rise," he said. "There are a lot of reasons why the University is on the right track: the leadership of the Board of Regents and Executive VP and Provost Robert Bruininks, the faculty who work hard every day, and the students who are hungry to learn. We've accomplished a lot, and we've had a lot of fun."
Regents will act as the official search and selection committee for new U president. "Our goal for the next 6 months is to find the finest person for the position," said Regent Metzen. However, during the 90-minute discussion, some regents expressed concern about being able to attract "the best person" because of the state's open meeting law. They questioned whether qualified candidates, especially standing or current university presidents, would stay away to avoid making their interest public.
Korn/Ferry International consultant Bill Funk, who helped the U find President Yudof 5 years ago and has been hired to help find his replacement, said that although the law is "problematic," it would not keep interested and qualified candidates away. "The list is a long one," he said. "There are many interested in taking an already good university and making it a great one." Top on the regents' list of 14 characteristics for a new president are having "impeccable integrity" and ability to connect with alumni, donors, and community leaders.
Regents unanimously approved VP for research and Graduate School dean Christine Maziar as executive VP and provost (EVPP) effective July 15. Current EVPP Bruininks will begin role as interim president Aug. 1 and continue until a new president is hired. David Hamilton, genetics and cellular biology professor, was named interim VP for research. Victor Bloomfield, associate dean, vice provost, and assistant VP of the Graduate School, is interim Graduate School dean. Both appointments were also effective July 15.
New Medical School dean is Deborah Powell. She is the first dean in nearly 90 years to come to the position from outside the U and is one of just 9 female deans among the 125 U.S. medical schools. Powell, who was executive dean of the U of Kansas School of Medicine and vice chancellor for clinical affairs, is a board-certified pathologist.
New athletics director is Joel Maturi, who will begin at the U Aug. 2. Maturi was director of athletics at Miami U, where he was responsible for budgets, policies, and procedures for 19 men's and women's programs with more than 600 student-athletes. "We were asked to find someone very special with integrity and who strongly supported men's and women's athletics," said Mary Jo Kane, search committee chair. "It has not been the easiest task…but we found someone who encompasses all the qualities we were looking for, someone who will lead one department into the future."
Maturi said his first priorities will include meeting with individual athletes, coaches, and staff members of the newly merged athletic department; focusing on continuing the smooth transition to one department; and attending to the department's financial condition.
NCAA committee on infractions has accepted the U's self-imposed corrective actions, extended its 4-year probationary period by 2 years on the Gopher athletics program, and imposed additional penalties on Gopher women's basketball program. Committee's findings are based on the U's own investigation of allegations in April 2001, which led to the termination of head coach Cheryl Littlejohn. For report, see www.ncaa.org.
U is missing opportunities and falling short of its potential in the environmental arena, according to report by U Commission on Environmental Science and Policy. The 32-member commission, led by College of Natural Resources Dean Sullivan, offers 27 recommendations in 3 areas—communication, coordination, and capacity—that, "with refinement," could become a new academic initiative for the U.
Recommendations include a centralized effort to gather information about the U's many environmental teaching, research, and outreach projects; to develop an environmental Web portal; to create an Environmental Science and Policy Council to guide further efforts; and to provide funding for environmental grant proposal writing. Report, at www.umn.edu/enviro, was influenced by comments at 3 public forums that drew more than 100 participants.
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Tours of MINOS, U's neutrino experiment in the Soudan Underground Mine (off Hwy. 169, Soudan, MN), are available 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. every day through Labor Day. Tours operate on first-come, first-served basis. For tour information, call Department of Natural Resources at 218-753-2245. For information about MINOS, see www.hep.umn.edu/minos.
U scientists are seeking patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease within the last 10 years to participate in 16-day study to determine if forced limb-use therapy is effective. Study will begin in early August. For more information, call 612-625-7973.
Deadline for annual reporting of external sales activity by Resource Responsibility Center managers and department administrators is July 31. Send forms to External Sales Office, 334 Morrill Hall, or fax to 612-626-2278. Questions, call George Ogbonna at 612-625-2415 or e-mail ogbon001@umn.edu.
Series tickets for 2002–03 Northrop dance and jazz seasons are now available. Faculty and staff can save 22%–27% and make payments by payroll deduction. For performance schedule, see www.northrop.umn.edu or call 612-624-2345.
Pay statements are online at hrss.umn.edu. Printed direct deposit slips will be discontinued July 24. See www.umn.edu/ohr/hrss or call 612-625-2016.
International travel grants for faculty are available from Office of International Programs, China Center, and McKnight Arts and Humanities Fund. Deadline is Aug. 1 for activities Sept.–Dec. For guidelines and application, call 612-624-5580.
CROOKSTON—Scott Oliver will step down as head football coach July 28 to take on role as associate development officer with UMC athletics fund-raising responsibilities. Shannon Stassen, current assistant football coach and offense coordinator, will serve as head coach for 2002 season. Goal of staffing change is to bring amount raised annually for athletic scholarships from $170,000 to $250,000 over the next 3 years.
Annual Teambackers Golf Classic will be July 20, Crookston Minakwa Golf Club. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with start at 11 a.m. Cost is $65 per person. Proceeds go to student scholarships.
DULUTH—Twenty scientists from around the nation attended the Large Lakes Workshop hosted by UMD Large Lakes Observatory July 14–16. Guests included Congressman Oberstar, Chancellor Martin, and Herman Zimmerman, director of the National Science Foundation's Earth Sciences Division. Outcome of the workshop will include an informative science and implementation plan in mid-September addressing the basic research needs in the biology, chemistry, geology, and physics of large lake systems.
Annual UMD Educators Institute offering 29 one- and two-day courses and workshops, runs through Aug. 2. Courses are available for undergraduate and graduate credit or noncredit. Call 218-726-6536.
ROCHESTER—U and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System signed an agreement that will direct the future development of higher education opportunities in southeastern Minnesota. Agreement covers leadership role at U Center Rochester for UMR provost, development of new programming, and delivery of student services for upper level undergraduate and graduate or professional students.
TWIN CITIES—President Yudof thanked students, staff, and faculty for their hard work and "for making me look good" at "Hat's off to Yudof" event. More than 5,000 people gathered on Northrop plaza for a Texas barbecue. A proclamation from Gov. Ventura was read declaring July 16 Mark G. Yudof Day.
Seven students have been charged with felony damage to campus property following April 7 NCAA championship hockey game. U Police Department has also submitted 5 other complaints against students to the Minneapolis City Attorney's Office and are investigating leads to 9 more people whose photos are at www.umn.edu/umpolice/help-id.htm. Anyone who can identify them is asked to call Troy Buhta at 612-624-1036 or the UMPD Anonymous Tip Line at 612-378-1914.
Street closures: Delaware St. from Washington Ave. off ramp to the Basic Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Building is closed. Construction will continue through Aug. 28. Ramp from Washington Ave. to East River Road will be closed until Aug. 16. East River Road from Oak St. to Church St. will be closed from Aug. 28. For detours, see www.facm.umn.edu/facm/construction.htm.
Earn $15 in a 25-minute study by U political science professor involving an anonymous survey on political preferences. E-mail study@polisci.umn.edu.
July 3 Brief gave incorrect title for Kathy Brown. She is the new associate vice provost in the Office of Student Affairs.
Lecture: Allan Petterson, an MFA student, will speak on iron sculpture July 20, 7-8 p.m., Coffman Union. To learn more about his work, see www.storysouth.com. |
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