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The Minnesota Legislature named West St. Paul City Council Member Robyn Gulley to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents last night.
“I cannot explain what it means to me to be entrusted with the responsibility to make the U an institution for all Minnesotans,” Gulley said in a Facebook post. “I promise to fight for students and for workers—every day. And when you are ready to organize, I will be by your side.”
Why it matters: With the departure of University President Joan Gabel, regents will be reviewing candidates for interim president later this week.
Priorities: Gulley’s priorities are improving pay and job security for non-tenured faculty and affordable tuition, according to MPR.
- “I really think we need to take a deep look at that and see how that impacts not only the workers, but the students and do the work that we can to lift the conditions for the students and for all the workers on campus,” Gulley said.
University connections: Gulley has been a graduate student, research assistant, Human Rights Fellow, and adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota.
- “I have a long history with the University of Minnesota, so this process has been a labor of love for me,” Gulley said during a committee meeting in March, according to the Minnesota Daily. “Through my time with the University, I’ve seen the best that it has to offer… I’ve also observed the ways the University could grow and be better at serving Minnesotans.”
Other regents: Gulley joins former Allina Health CEO Dr. Penny Wheeler and Minnesota Nurses Association President Mary Turner as newly elected members. The legislature also reelected Tad Johnson, who became the first Native American regent last summer.
What Is the Board of Regents?
The Board of Regents oversees the University of Minnesota, including approving a $4 billion annual budget and major policies.
- It’s a 12-member panel, with eight members representing Minnesota’s eight congressional districts and four at-large members.
- Regents serve six-year terms.
- It’s an unpaid position.
- Regents are selected by the Minnesota House and Senate.
Competition
In March, a joint House and Senate committee selected Gulley to represent the Second Congressional District over Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins, who effectively dropped out and endorsed Gulley:
“I have had an opportunity to go to numerous forums with my opponent, Robyn Gulley, and have listened to her responses… I’m gonna tell you something that will probably surprise you—I think you should appoint her,” Atkins said.
Gulley had previously geared up for a run for Dakota County Commissioner, but dropped out after redistricting meant she’d face Atkins.
WSP represents: Former ISD 197 School Board Member Maureen Ramirez also served on the board of regents from 2007-2013.
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