- Board of Regents February meeting highlights.
- Fairview Health Services and U of M sign letter of intent.
- Feature: Caring for Mary Lou: Treatment for facial pain.
- Awards and Recognition: Announcing the recipients of the 2024-26 McKnight Land-Grant Professorship Award; and more.
Board of Regents February meeting highlights
At its February meeting, the Board of Regents named Laura Bloomberg, Rebecca Cunningham, and James Holloway as finalists to be the 18th President of the University of Minnesota System. Finalist visits to all campuses are ongoing with details at the Presidential Search website. Following campus visits, the Board will hold a special meeting Feb. 26 to publicly interview finalists and appoint a president-designate. The Board also discussed the Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the University of Minnesota, received an update on Higher Learning Commission Accreditation for the Rochester and Twin Cities campuses, and approved the University performance and accountability report.
Fairview Health Services and U of M sign letter of intent
Fairview Health Services, the University of Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Physicians have signed a letter of intent outlining the University’s intent to purchase the four key academic health facilities that make up the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center. This strategic decision aligns with the University of Minnesota's public mission of advancing the health of all Minnesotans.
Caring for Mary Lou: Treatment for facial pain
After 10 years of experiencing unpredictable episodes of searing facial pain, Mary Lou Peterson finally found relief with the help of associate professor and neurosurgeon Andy Grande. All it took was innovative research to develop life-saving medicine mixed with simple human compassion.
Awards and Recognition
Announcing the recipients of the 2024-26 McKnight Land-Grant Professorship Award; Catherine French and Timothy Lodge have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering; Cargill has awarded $2.5 million to the U of M Forever Green Initiative to support research into two novel oilseed crops; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Understanding evacuation and sheltering procedures
Understanding how to evacuate and shelter during an emergency properly is imperative to your safety. Review this video and self-paced training to improve your response in case of emergencies on campus.
Opening Feb. 19: Social Justice Impact Grants
The Social Justice Impact Grants (SJIG) program will start accepting applications Feb. 19. Administered by the Research and Innovation Office (RIO), the SJIG program is aimed at catalyzing rigorous, solution-oriented research on social justice topics, including criminal justice reform, housing segregation/gentrification, systemic racism, achievement gaps, health disparities, environmental justice, and related topics. The program will fund three to six awards with total budgets of $25K-$50K for a 12-month period. Applications are due March 11. See additional RIO funding opportunities.
Now accepting nominations: 2024 Sara Evans Faculty Woman Scholar/Leader Award
This award of $5,000 to support research or artistic activities is open to women faculty from any U of M campus who have been promoted to the rank of professor within the past five years (between 2018 and 2023) and who have been at the University for at least five years (fall 2018 or earlier). Two awards are available each year, one in science and engineering and one in humanities, arts, and social sciences. The deadline is March 15, 4:30 p.m. See selection criteria and required materials.
Nominations for U of M equity and diversity awards now open
Nominations are open for the systemwide Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award and the Outstanding Unit Award for Equity and Diversity. The Josie R. Johnson Award honors U of M faculty, staff, and students who exemplify Johnson’s commitment to creating respectful and inclusive living, learning, and working environments. The Outstanding Unit Award honors exemplary campuses, colleges, departments, or units demonstrating leadership in equity and diversity work. Nominations are due Apr. 3.
Undergraduate Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity Award applications open
The Office for Equity and Diversity is now accepting applications for the systemwide 2024-25 Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Award. This award honors underrepresented undergraduate students doing outstanding work to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Minnesota and in the community. Undergraduate SEED Awards range from $3,000 to $5,000. Applications are due Apr. 3.
Dear Minnesota: Mapping passion into a career
“I owe all of it to the geography and anthropology department staff at the U of M,” says Jim, a 1985 Twin Cities College of Liberal Arts graduate. His degree, and the staff who helped along the way, propelled him to work for nearly 40 years in mapping and geographic information systems. Read Jim’s story, explore the Dear Minnesota series, and share your own story.
U of M’s Polar Geospatial Center provides support for research at the ends of the Earth
The only center of its kind in the U.S., the Polar Geospatial Center’s role in polar science research includes high-resolution mapping and elevation models, customized data products, and ongoing contributions to Antarctic place naming procedures and policies spearheaded by User Services manager Cole Kelleher. The center has also worked hard on preserving historical data, including an archive of aerial photography of the polar regions.
Research Brief: COVID-19 deaths during core pandemic years were likely under-counted
The number of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. may have been under-counted during the first two years of the pandemic. A new study shows about 1.2 million excess deaths in the pandemic’s first 30 months. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Spring 2024 (In)Justice Series and Spotlight Series events
The Institute for Advanced Study, Northrop, and partners have announced the spring (In)Justice Series and Spotlight Series event lineup. The (In)Justice Series brings together scholars, artists, activists, and community leaders to discuss different visions for what justice might look like. The first event, Strings of Resilience: A Puppetry Celebration, takes place Feb. 22. All events take place in person and online.
U of M Crookston signs agreement with Northwood Technical College of Wisconsin
U of M Crookston and Northwood Technical College of Wisconsin are paving the way for graduates to earn their bachelor’s degree after an agreement was recently signed between the two institutions. Students who receive a machine tool technician technical diploma from Northwood will now have the opportunity to continue their education and receive a degree from U of M Crookston’s manufacturing management program.
Room to thrive
Renovations to A.B. Anderson Hall have positively impacted both faculty and students. Work began in December of 2021 and is now mostly complete, allowing departments in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences to move back into offices and classrooms last semester. Learn more and watch a video about the success.
Planted in research
Mady Larson, a first-year chemistry master’s student at UMD, is researching what causes certain plants to produce a waxy coating that makes them more tolerant to drought. The ultimate goal, Larson says, is to transfer those traits into agricultural crops to reduce the amount of water needed for irrigation. Learn more about Larson’s illuminating research.
Dragons Love Tacos opens Feb. 16
This adaptation of the wildly popular children’s book answers the question, “What could go wrong when you give a dragon spicy salsa?” This deliciously funny story promises fun for all ages. Kid-friendly, with activities starting in the Marshall Performing Arts Center lobby 45 minutes beforehand and with a 45-minute run time. Performances take place Feb. 16-18 and 21-24.
U of M Morris launches ‘Degree in Three’ program
Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen has announced the launch of the “Degree in Three” program for the Morris campus. U of M Morris is one of 13 institutions participating in a nationwide pilot program to create three-year bachelor’s degree programs.
Swimming and diving programs receive CSCAA Academic Award
The Cougar men's and women's swimming and diving teams were recognized by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) as a Fall Scholar All-America Team. This is the inaugural year of the men’s program at U of M Morris.
UMR receives $200,000 Strada gift
U of M Rochester has received a $200,000 gift from the Strada Education Foundation for the Chancellor’s Fund for Innovation. The gift will support UMR’s continued co-facilitation of the national College-in-3 Exchange with a project manager, website, a second convening of campus pilots in Boston this spring, and ongoing coaching for campus pilots as they design and seek external permission for their reimagined degrees.
Fall 2023 Chancellor’s List
Each semester, UMR recognizes undergraduate students of high academic achievement with a Chancellor's List designation. To earn this academic honor, a student must have earned a 3.666 GPA or higher and have completed a minimum of 12 credits graded A-F in UMR’s rigorous health sciences curriculum. Fall 2023 saw a record 39.8 percent of undergraduate students earning this designation.
Search for vice provost and dean of undergraduate education
Executive Vice President and Provost Rachel Croson recently announced the search for a new vice provost and dean of undergraduate education, following Professor Robert McMaster’s decision to return to his faculty position after 16 years in the role. The provost invites applications and nominations of tenured faculty for this academic leadership position. Applications will be reviewed beginning Feb. 29 and accepted until the position is filled.
Where It Starts: So that children can grow into flowers
As an aspiring teacher and a woman of Ethiopian descent, Hermela Solomon wants to leave a lasting imprint on children and guide them toward success and, as she says, “expose students to the beauties of a diverse world.” Read more about Solomon’s experiences at the U of M and what teaching children means to her. The story is part of the "Where it Starts" series.
Feb. 21 - Climate resilience and adaptation open house
The Office of Sustainability and working groups will host a climate resilience and adaptation open house. Participants are invited to review and provide insights on the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, including what was missed or what resonates with you. 3-5 p.m., Room 175, 1425 University Ave, Minneapolis.
Vote in the BTAA Data Viz Championship
Faculty and staff are encouraged to vote in the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Data Viz Championship by noon on Feb. 16. Visit the faculty/staff and the student data galleries to vote. Entrants will present their work at the Data Viz Showcase (register to watch) with the winners named at its conclusion.
Featured events
Ongoing - The Everlasting Legacy of MLK - A Peace of My Mind
Feb. 15-18 - Il Cinema Ritrovato on tour
Feb. 16 - What Kind of Thing is a Potato? Agriculture and the Aims of Science
Feb. 20 - The Immigration Act of 1924: Rethinking its Origins & Impact 100 Years Later
Feb. 24 - Goldy vs. Cancer at the Science Museum of Minnesota
Feb. 27 - Addressing Climate Impacts by Monitoring Winter Changes