Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday the names of members appointed to a task force created to assist in decision-making for the University of Minnesota’s health care system.
The members selected include Dean of the Medical School Jakub Tolar, Regent Penny Wheeler and Dean of the School of Nursing Connie Delaney.
The group was created to help the University’s healthcare system find better ways to support itself and to ensure it helps Minnesotans receive the best possible care in the most financially sustainable way.
“We are well-positioned to help solve Minnesota’s health care challenges and we are eager to partner with the state and communities to do so,” Tolar said in a statement after the initial announcement of the task force’s creation.
The executive order was signed by Walz on Aug. 10. The task force will be led by former State Health Commissioner Jan Malcom, who is also a University alum.
Senator Melissa Wiklund was also appointed on Tuesday by Senate majority leader Kari Dziedzic to serve as a part of the task force.
University leaders, including Interim President Jeff Ettinger, thanked Walz for creating the task force.
“The Governor’s Task Force is not just about continuing the University’s long history in educating, researching and providing the highest quality of health care well into the future,” Ettinger said in a statement on Thursday. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop a path to provide world-class health care to all Minnesotans.”
This story has been updated.