Applications for the University Board of Regents are now being accepted, as four regents’ terms expire in February.
Regent Chair Patricia Spence and Regents Warren Larson, Michael O’Keefe and Jessica Phillips’ terms will expire in 2001. Spence has already said she will seek re-election.
If vying for a regent position, a prospective applicant must be a resident of a U.S. congressional district in which the seat is open or a Minnesota resident for the at-large position. To qualify for the student seat, an applicant must be a student at the time of the election.
Larson serves from the Fifth Congressional District. Spence and O’Keefe serve at-large positions and Phillips is the student regent.
Regents are selected by the state Legislature after the Regent Candidate Advisory Council recommends the candidates.
Most candidates have previous board experience and have a strong commitment to higher education, according to a prepared statement.
Regents make many of the major decisions at the University. They serve without compensation. It’s estimated they spend 40 hours per month performing board duties.
Interested applicants should submit an application to the Regent Advisory Council by Dec. 1.

Patrick Hayes covers administration and the Board of Regents and welcomes comments at [email protected]. He can also be reached at (612) 627-4070 x3211.