Ken Powell, who has been on the board since 2017, will finish his term as a regent. The board has called a special meeting on Thursday to figure out next steps in the future of University leadership.

During the University of Minnesota Board of Regents’ February meetings, the regents announced a review of the University’s conflict management plan for administrators and voted to review the University’s data practice policy.

After UMN President Joan Gabel’s resignation from Securian Financial’s board of directors, many people are left questioning the conflict of interest management process for top University administrators.

The Regent Candidate Advisory Council voted on recommendations last week, with the current Board Chair, Kendall Powell, not moving forward.

Out of the 29 applicants, some notable names include former regent Michael Hsu, law professor Richard Painter and USG president Flora Yang. Regents Steve Sviggum and Darrin Rosha did not reapply for their seats.

After Senator Greg Clausen’s appointment to the chair of the Regent Candidate Advisory Council, his funding from the Maroon and Gold Political Action Committee raises questions over the ethics of the regent selection process in the lead up to next year’s elections.

Board voting trends from 2021-22 highlight how the regents vote, showing stark contrasts between members.

The board also discussed President Gabel’s performance pay, the universal transit pass and the safety plans for the upcoming academic year at their July meeting on Wednesday.