The University of Minnesota has hired Dr. Rebecca Cunningham to be the University’s 18th President, the Board of Regents announced on Feb. 26.

A former ER doctor, Cunningham currently serves as Vice President of Research and Innovation at the University of Michigan. Prior to that role, she was a professor of Emergency Medicine. Cunningham will start her new position on July 1, 2024. 

Six days before the announcement, Cunningham said she was excited about the opportunity. 

“I have a deep passion for public education specifically,” Cunningham said.

“Public higher education is what lifted my family out of economic hardship. I’m a first generation to go to residential school. I went on Pell Grants and really am passionate about providing opportunity to students, wherever they may be, to help them reach their optional potential at a public university.”

Cunningham received her Bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and went on to get a medical doctorate from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA. In 1999, she completed her residency at the University of Michigan, where she has served in a teaching or administrative role ever since. 

The University of Minnesota has spent several months finding and interviewing candidates. In an email sent to University community members, Board of Regents Chair Janie Mayeron said that Cunningham will work with Interim President Ettinger and the board to ensure a smooth transition. 

Declining enrollment and budget shortages will be hallmark issues for Cunningham to tackle. During an interview with the Bark, Cunningham discussed additional issues regarding the university. When asked about funding allocation for the University of Minnesota Duluth, she said that while she is new to the data, she understands the task ahead. 

“So I can see what a value and what a gem of a university campus this is, and how it’s meeting… really specific needs of both the region and of the state,” Cunningham said.

“I’m just beginning to understand what the funding models are here. But obviously, the system president is responsible for ensuring that each campus and each Chancellor is able to realize their full potential for their campus.”

Funding has been an issue for the University of Minnesota Duluth in particular, with many students and faculty insisting the university is underfunded. Students at UMD pay the second-highest tuition in the system, yet the campus faculty is paid the least. 

When asked about her priorities as President, Cunningham said it all begins with listening. 

“We start out by listening, and understanding really much more in-depth conversations than I’ve been able to have here in a few days,” she said.

“More traveling around again to meet and talk. It’s been really valuable to be here on campus. Only when I come here and walk around, can I see what’s really going on.”

The President of the University was one of the most prominent positions to fill for UMD. At a more local level, the position of UMD Chancellor has entered its final stages as the university has introduced its three finalists: Dr. Dwight Watson, Dr. Charles Nies and Dr. Fernando Delgado. UMD has spent the last week holding a public forum with each candidate and will decide on a chancellor in the coming weeks.