Regent Dean Johnson has been elected to replace Regent Richard Beeson as chair of the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents, the Forum News Service reported.

Regent David McMillan was elected to serve as the board’s vice-chair, the Duluth News Tribune reported.

Johnson, who is serving his second term as a regent, has been on the board since 2007. His term expires in 2019, according to the board’s website.

A resident of Willmar, Johnson is also a Lutheran pastor and former state legislator, according to the Forum News Service.

Among the challenges facing the University are facilities upkeep, a Title IX investigation, criticism of the schools human research safeguards and informing “citizens so they will appreciate even more of this university,” Johnson told the Forum News service.  

McMillan, who has served on the board since 2011, lives in Duluth and is an executive vice-president at Minnesota Power, according to the Duluth News Tribune.

His term expires in 2017, according to the board’s website.

Beeson, the board’s current chair, will remain on the board after his term as chair expires, the Forum News service reported.

The new officers will serve two year terms, according to board documents.

They start their terms on July 1, according to the Forum News Service.