Dr. Rebecca Cunningham Announced as U of M’s Next President

MINNESOTA — The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has chosen Dr. Rebecca Cunningham to be the U of M’s 18th President.

Cunningham is currently the University of Michigan’s Vice President of Research and Innovation. She said a recent campus tour at UMD impressed her. But she is no stranger to the area. She and her family have been to the Boundary Waters many times.

Cunningham’s late father-in-law was on the Twin Cities faculty for 40 years. She said that led to many visits over the decades, including the best smoked fish she’s ever had right in Duluth.

“It’s the thrill of a lifetime to be appointed the next president of the University of Minnesota. I want to thank the Board of Regents for this opportunity and the trust they are placing in me to advance the U of M’s mission and incredible legacy,” said Cunningham in a press release.

Interim President Jeff Ettinger will remain in his role through June 30. Cunningham will work alongside of him and is expected to begin her new role July 1.