Ten candidates are vying for five open seats on the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents. State legislators will vote on the Regent-hopefuls this spring, deciding who receives the spots.
(Also see: Candidate pool flawed, students say)
Earlier this month, the Regent Candidate Advisory Council — comprising state leaders, legislators and a University student — recommended the top contenders from across the state. Here is the list:
Richard Beeson District 4
Residence: St. Paul, Minn.
Current Position: Executive Vice President of Sunrise Banks; Chair of the Board of Regents.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University; master’s degree in business administration from the University of Saint Thomas.
Why should you be chosen to be a Regent?
I believe I have been an effective leader for the board in furthering the University’s mission and performance, and have contributed to its progress in a number of fronts.
Michael Hsu District 6
Residence: Blaine, Minn.
Current Position: President and Co-founder at TeeMaster Corporation.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University.
Why should you be chosen to be a Regent?
I have a deep passion for the University. I have a lot of experience related to large and small companies, as well as information systems and the use of technology in decision-making, and I have a lifelong appreciation for higher education.
Mike Yost District 7
Residence: Murdock, Minn.
Current Position: Owner and General Manager of Yost Farm.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from the University.
Why should you be chosen to be a Regent?
I’ve spent my entire career in food and agriculture, which is probably the number one industry in the state of Minnesota. … I’m a University grad and proud of the University and what it’s done for the state of Minnesota.
Tom Anderson District 7
Residence: Alexandria, Minn.
Current Position: Funeral director and part-owner of Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from the University.
Why should you be chosen to be a Regent?
I think I have a very broad base, and with my background in economic development. I know the issues that everyday Minnesotans go through. … I’ve got a very, very broad understanding of what greater Minnesotans need.
Tom Sorel District 4
Residence: Woodbury, Minn.
Current Position: Vice President of KLJ Engineering’s Twin Cities operations; former Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University at Buffalo; master’s degree in business administration from Thomas College.
Why should you be chosen to be a Regent?
I’ve had a lot of different assignments and positions, and with each I progressed in my leadership. … One of the things I’ve been passionate about is community. Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been involved with the academic community and research.
Paula Prahl District 3
Residence: Long Lake, Minn.
Current Position: Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Värde Partners; former Best Buy executive.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Smith College; master’s degree from the University.
Why should you be chosen to be a Regent?
I have the sort of broad cross-section of experience that spans that public-private space. … Whether it’s partnering with businesses or focusing on the strategy of the University, I think I bring the right set of experiences to that table.
Claire Bender District 1
Residence: Rochester, Minn.
Current Position: Retired physician and professor at the Mayo Clinic.
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University; doctorate from University of Nebraska; masters of public health from the University.
Why should you be chosen to be a Regent?
I know the business of education. [Over the last 30 years] I’ve developed programs, curriculum, served on committees, and a year ago I finished a 12-year tenure as one of the five deans at Mayo.
Randy Simonson, District 1
Residence: Worthington, Minn.
Current Position: CEO and President of Grazix Animal Health Inc.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology from California Polytechnic State University; doctorate from the University in veterinary microbiology.
Why should you be chosen to be a Regent?
I have a lot of experience that [I] can apply to the position … I’ve been involved in research and would make sure we use our intellectual property as a better income source.
Michael Belzer District 3
Residence: Edina, Minn.
Current Position: Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Education: Bachelor’s degree and doctorate from the University.
Why should you be chosen to be a Regent?
I’ve been a doctor and senior health care executive for over 25 years in a very complex and diverse environment with over 6,000 employees. I understand very well the challenges of the Academic Health Center.
Steve Laraway District 6
Residence: St. Cloud, Minn.
Current Position: President and CEO of Laraway Financial Advisors Inc.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Saint Thomas; J.D., Marquette University.
Why should you be chosen to be a Regent?
I have a great deal of experience in governance. … I’ve been involved with nonprofits … over the last 10 years. I’ve been involved with the Saint Cloud Hospital and CentraCare.