As an alumnus, current doctoral candidate and member of the Board of Regents, I have conversations almost every day with students, faculty and staff who emphasize that Minnesota must have a strong public university that uses its limited resources wisely. The University of Minnesota is committed to achieving excellence in all that we do — including adoption of operational best practices that are driving more resources into activities that directly benefit students.

From day one, University President Eric Kaler has partnered with the Board of Regents to change the University’s operating culture.

Administrative cost savings means reinvestment in the people and work that make our university great. This money will help fulfill our land-grant mission by improving education for students, holding down the cost of tuition, enhancing research to bolster state industries and maintaining our commitment
to outreach.

In two years, the University has realized ongoing annual savings of $32 million, plus $2 million in one-time savings. This is a great start, but we can’t stop there. From this foundation, we will cut $90 million in administrative costs by 2020.

We applaud Kaler’s leadership and ambitious plan to improve the University. Together with his administration, we will continue to work to ensure excellence and affordability at the state’s only public research land-grant university.