The University of Minnesota Alumni Association presented its annual report to the Board of Regents today, highlighting the impact of more than 650,000 living University of Minnesota alumni and announcing the One Alumni Community, Five Campuses framework, a new strategy for alumni engagement across the University.
With approximately 62% of alumni living in Minnesota, the framework will help connect and mobilize one of the University’s most powerful networks to advance student success, advocacy, community engagement and the University’s long-term impact across all of Minnesota and beyond.
Guided by insights from alumni leaders representing all five campuses — and developed in collaboration with the University of Minnesota, including President Rebecca Cunningham and the chancellors of Crookston, Duluth, Morris and Rochester — the strategy framework advances a shared vision where all alumni champion the University of Minnesota, the value of a University of Minnesota degree, and the distinct strengths of each campus.
More than 100 meetings and listening sessions with University alumni, students, faculty, staff and leaders informed the framework’s development. It also aligns with the Elevate Extraordinary 2030 University Strategic Plan.
“More than 650,000 University of Minnesota alumni are making a difference every day as champions, mentors, advocates and volunteers of the University,” said Lisa Lewis, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. “The One Alumni Community, Five Campuses framework aims to uplift alumni and the unique identities of each campus. It will expand alumni access to opportunities, strengthen connections across campuses and help more alumni contribute their time, talent and expertise in ways that benefit the University and the communities we serve.”
The framework maintains campus-based engagement and leadership, and strengthens connections among alumni of all five campuses. It improves coordination of communications and engagement efforts across the University and enables better connections between alumni and the University, including impacting student career development, mentorship and other strategic priorities to support its mission.
“Alumni are a vital part of the University of Minnesota community,” said Cunningham. “By strengthening alumni engagement across all five campuses, we can better connect alumni to each other, to our students, and to our mission and strategic priorities. This framework will elevate alumni and their impact on every campus and advance the University’s mission across Minnesota and beyond.”
In addition to Regents expressing their support for the new structure during the annual report, the Board also formally approved an updated memorandum of understanding that establishes the new framework, following unanimous support from the Alumni Association Board of Directors in June 2026. Implementation begins in 2027.
Board extends President Cunningham’s contract through 2031
The Board of Regents approved on a vote of 10 to 1 a two-year extension of President Cunningham’s contract, retaining her leadership through June 30, 2031. At the June meeting, the Presidential Performance Review Committee highlighted her work during her first two years as University president, including navigating a challenging financial and political environment, developing the University’s Elevate Extraordinary 2030 strategic roadmap, completing agreements that advance health and healthcare for Minnesota, and committing to statewide stakeholder engagement in shaping the University’s future.
“Over the past two years, President Cunningham has demonstrated exceptional leadership by tackling complex, longstanding issues head-on and building a top-notch team,” said Board of Regents Chair Doug Huebsch. “In a time of significant national and local challenges across higher education, maintaining steady, proven leadership is critical to the University’s long-term success. President Cunningham has performed exceptionally well. She has brought remarkable energy to our University and set a strategic direction that will serve Minnesota for decades. The Board has complete confidence in her leadership and looks forward to what we will achieve together in the years ahead.”
Cunningham expressed gratitude for the Board’s confidence and strong enthusiasm for the University’s future.
“I am deeply grateful for the Board’s confidence and for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary University and Minnesota,” said Cunningham. “I am proud of the continued progress we have made over the past two years. There is tremendous momentum across our University, and I am excited about what we will accomplish together for our students and for Minnesota in the years ahead.”
The Board also:
- Received updates on the University of Minnesota Gophers and University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs athletics programs.
- Honored Bulldogs men’s hockey sophomore Max Plante, the 2025-2026 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner.
- Acted on the Board of Regents Policy: Reservation and Delegation of Authority regarding appointment authority for specific Division I head coaches.
- Recognized the service of Gregg Goldman, outgoing executive vice president for finance and operations, and elected Michael Volna as interim treasurer in addition to his role as interim executive vice president for finance and operations.
- Acknowledged Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause’s retirement and approved Chancellor Charles Nies’ appointment as interim chancellor of the University of Minnesota Crookston while continuing to serve as chancellor of the Duluth campus.
The Board’s Virtual Forum accepts audio, video and written input, which is shared directly with Regents and included in the Board’s public materials. The public is encouraged to visit the Virtual Forum to submit their comments.
The Board of Regents is scheduled to meet next Oct. 8–9, 2026. Visit regents.umn.edu for more information.
