Representational history of the Board of Regents

The University of Minnesota Board of Regents made history in 2023 with their first-ever female majority in the University’s history. Eight of the 12 seats are currently held by women and four by people of color.

The Board of Regents is the University governing body providing guidance in carrying out policy. Administrative policies must be in compliance with the goals set by the Board.

According to the University of Minnesota Charter, the legislative document granting legal authority to the University, the regents have specific powers to enact laws, regulate academics, give degrees and diplomas, regulate tuition and fees, and manage University lands.

Historical representation of women and people of color on the Board has been low. Although race or ethnicity for specific regents is considered personally identifiable information under the Data Practices Act and is not available under state law, public biographical data, organizational affiliation, and University records indicate there have been five Black regents, six Asian American regents and one Hispanic regent.

Current Regent Tadd Johnson is the first Native American regent.

The number of elected women has been historically low, with about 15% of 141 regents elected to seats between 1900 and 2000 being female. 

That gender rate has more than doubled since 2000, with 38% of 55 elected regents being women. Since 2019, 64% of the 14 appointments have been women.

Former regent and Board chair Linda Cohen said, when Maureen Ramirez and Venora Hung were elected to the Board, first-generation students and students of different backgrounds were prioritized.

“There was emphasis on the diversity of the student body,” Cohen said.

Cohen said people want the Board to reflect the composition of Minnesota, and change is crucial.

“The Board of Regents has a majority of women, and the diversity is great,” Cohen said. “We want the Board of Regents to reflect that.”

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