University President Nils Hasselmo named on Friday a retired Twin Cities executive as the University’s acting vice president for Institutional Relations.
The Board of Regents is expected to confirm the appointment of Thomas Swain at its July 11 meeting. Swain would hold the position for the duration of Hasselmo’s term, which ends June 30, 1997.
The vice president for Institutional Relations oversees the University’s public relations, alumni affairs, fund-raising and lobbying efforts. The post has been open since Melvin George resigned in February after two years in the position.
Swain said one of his priorities will be mustering legislative support for the University’s biennial budget request.
“The University of Minnesota is the most important institution in the state and I’m pleased to once again have the privilege of serving on its staff,” stated Swain in a University news release.
The 75-year-old former business executive graduated from the University in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. The University hired him in 1946 as an athletic scholastic advisor and athletic ticket manager. He served as national president of the University’s Alumni Association in 1976 and 1977.
Swain’s resume includes 23 years with the St. Paul Cos., where he was a vice president when he retired in 1986. He also served as commissioner of the state Department of Economic Development and chief of staff to former Gov. Elmer Anderson.
Hasselmo stated in a news release that Swain has “broad experience in the corporate and professional communities in Minnesota,” and added that Swain is well-versed in public policy issues at both the state and University levels.