The new Duluth dean starts June 29 pending final approval from the Board of Regents. 

Weil will assume the role on August 24, 2026.

The U.S. News & World Report ranking examined 266 master’s degree programs in public affairs and administration at colleges and universities across the country.

The program also ranked fourth among Nursing-Midwifery programs among nearly 200 accredited nursing schools.

Among the rankings, four programs ranked in the Top 10 among public universities.

The Center for Urban & Regional Affairs director will be recognized for his research that focuses on issues of race and poverty and how they affect housing.

Raptor Center Medical Director Dana Franzen-Klein was honored with the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association’s Significant Achievement Award for her contributions to avian influenza response.

The professor and chair of the Social Sciences Division was recognized for her research toward decreasing health disparities through partnership with Dakota Wicoh'an and increasing the multicultural sensitivity and competence of health professionals.

The eight recipients were recognized for their excellence in research and scholarship, leadership, potential to build top-tier programs and ability to advance University of Minnesota priorities.

The clinical associate professor in the School of Nursing and associate professor in the Medical School received the honor for their outstanding achievements and recognized them as leaders in their professions.