February 28, 2024

Inside This Issue

Rebecca Cunningham named as University’s 18th president.
Fungi may be the key to biocontrol for emerald ash borer.
Awards and Recognition: Announcing the 2023-24 recipients of the John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising; and more.

Rebecca Cunningham named as University’s 18th president

On Feb. 26, the Board of Regents publicly interviewed three finalists and selected Rebecca Cunningham to serve as the University of Minnesota’s 18th president. This selection was the culmination of a comprehensive, highly transparent national search launched in the fall of 2023. It is anticipated that Cunningham will start July 1.

Fungi may be the key to biocontrol for emerald ash borer

Minnesota is grappling with the relentless onslaught of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB), a beetle species responsible for the demise of countless ash trees. The beetles’ feeding frenzy weakens trees and facilitates the spread of disease-causing fungi. But researchers have found hope among the ecological mayhem caused by these beetles and their companion fungi: some EAB-associated fungi have special traits that can harm or kill insects.

Awards and Recognition

Announcing the 2023-24 recipients of the John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising; Teaching Support has named 16 faculty fellows as part of the Emerging Technology Faculty Fellows Program; the School of Dentistry has received a grant to improve care for dental patients with complex conditions; Christy Haynes’s 2022 TEDx Minneapolis talk has been re-edited and elevated to the main TED website; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.

Awards and Recognition

U-Wide News

Discrimination, sexual misconduct, and related retaliation reporting

The University responds to concerns of discrimination, sexual misconduct, and related retaliation in ways that are fair, compassionate, and effective. Report your concerns so that the University can take appropriate steps to address them. Contact the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office with any questions.

Duo Security gets a new look on March 19

Beginning on March 19, Duo Security, the tool used to verify your identity before you access many applications, will have a new look for most applications. Some applications will continue to use the traditional Duo prompt web page. Both of these Duo prompt pages are safe, secure, and appropriate to use. Learn more about Duo's new look.

Study finds bias-based bullying amplifies emotional distress in youth with multiple marginalized social positions

Youth who share similar social positions of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender have much greater levels of emotional distress if they have experienced bias-based bullying—defined as racist, homophobic, or transphobic bullying—according to a new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School.

March 6 - Accessibility Across Contexts

The Office of Distributed Learning invites faculty and staff across the University of Minnesota to a discussion on designing through inclusive lenses. The event will also include a panel discussion with University experts on increasing inclusion acumen across the U of M System. Registration is required to attend virtually or in person (131A Bruininks Hall, Twin Cities). 10 a.m.-noon.

March 12 - Teaching with Writing Panel: Generative AI: Embrace, Allow, or Restrict?

This panel will bring together instructors to share what they have learned about generative AI in the classroom and discuss how their AI policy choices have influenced student learning and student writing in their courses. Noon-1:30 p.m., 101 Walter Library or online via Zoom.

March 18-21 - Fulbright U.S. Scholar information sessions

The U of M Global Programs and Strategy Alliance will host virtual information sessions about the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, which offers awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research, and carry out professional projects around the world. Interested faculty and professionals from all campuses are encouraged to attend. Registration is required.

Crookston

2+2 Vietnamese student enjoying new experiences at U of M Crookston

Thao Nguyen making heart sign with her hands

In August 2023, Thao Nguyen traveled from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to the University of Minnesota Crookston as part of the 2+2 Joint Program with Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Learn more about her experiences at Crookston.

Johnson named the WCCHA Coach of the Year

The Western Collegiate Club Hockey Association (WCCHA) has announced that Steve Johnson has been named the WCCHA Coach of the Year for the 2023-24 season. Johnson is in his fourth year as the head coach of the Golden Eagles and has led the program to a better season each year.

Duluth

Weird, warm winter impacts birds, but just how is unclear

Warm winter weather in northern latitudes can have both positive and negative effects on well-known and beloved resident bird species, like the Canada jay, boreal chickadee, and black-capped chickadee. Alexis Grinde, wildlife ecologist, and Steve Kolbe, avian ecologist, both at the Natural Resources Research Institute at UMD, weigh in on what this weather means for the birds.

March 1 - Double feature: Duluth for Mandela and Nana’s Porch

a graphic illustration of people of all colors in a crowd

A “Shades of Africa” screening event will be held on campus featuring two films: Duluth for Mandela, by Gerri Wiliams, and Nana’s Porch, by Daniel Oyinloye. Free and open to the public. 7 p.m., Weber Music Hall.

Two new exhibitions on display at the Tweed

The Tweed Museum has two new displays. “Willie Little: Miles To Go Before I Sleep,” a new Tweed acquisition, is a sculptural installation of 12 contemporary African-inspired, carved walking sticks. “From Where They Came” is a photography installation of images taken by Katherine Turczan while she was in Ukraine in the ’90s.

Morris

Opening Feb. 29 - Juried student art exhibit

student artwork from studio vibes exhibit

“Studio Vibes,” the 2024 Juried Student Art Exhibition, will feature more than 60 works from majors and non-majors who took part in studio art courses from spring 2023 to spring 2024. The opening reception, featuring an ice cream social, will take place at 7 p.m., Edward J. and Helen Jane Morrison Gallery.

March 3 - Instrumental Incorporated: Music To Light You Up

U of M Morris Camerata Strings and Symphonic Winds will present "Instrumental Incorporated: Music to Light You Up." 3 p.m., HFA Recital Hall.

Rochester

Beyond the Nest alumni podcast

beyond the nest text graphic with raptor in background

This episode of Beyond the Nest features Sabrina Fluegel '17 and Professor Shanna Altrichter, who reconnect to discuss Fluegel’s academic journey since graduating. Fluegel shares how she discovered a passion for linguistics at science-based UMR and how lessons she learned in Altrichter’s class have stuck with her throughout her education.

Twin Cities

Finding her place

As a first-generation student, Yusra Hassan felt out of place during her first year at the University of Minnesota. Now, with a degree in political science and a double minor in African American & African studies and global studies from the College of Liberal Arts, Hassan is ready to pursue a career that will give her the skills to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Her story is part of the "Where it Starts" series.

Dear Minnesota: Amanda’s Gopher Pride

Amanda, a woman in maroon and gold sweater

The U of M has been at the core of Amanda’s upbringing. What she’s learned in Minnesota has impacted her journey out of the state, connecting with Gopher alumni and showing the rest of the United States how exceptional the U of M is. “I’ve been molded, educated, loved by, and grown by the University of Minnesota.” Read Amanda’s story, explore the Dear Minnesota series, and share your own story.

March 4-10 - Free RecWell membership trial for faculty and staff

Faculty and staff can try out RecWell during a week-long membership trial, open to new and returning faculty/staff. Stop by the member services desk at the RecWell Center or St. Paul Gym to activate the free trial. Those who purchase a membership within one week of the free trial will receive 50 percent off the enrollment fee for a payroll deduction membership.

RecWell summer programming for youth

Youths ages 6 to 15 are invited to participate in summer youth programs and educational camps at RecWell. Camps run weekly from June to August with offerings such as swimming, rock climbing, art instruction, themed activities, and recreational games.