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New University of Minnesota president contract almost $1 million
The contract includes a starting salary of $975,000, which will put Cunningham in the 75th percentile of earners across the Big Ten and other leading universities.
MINNEAPOLIS — Editor’s note: The video above first aired on KARE 11 on Feb. 26, 2024.
Incoming University of Minnesota President Dr. Rebecca Cunningham will earn almost $1 million per year over five years, as stated in her contract approved by the university’s Board of Regents in a meeting Friday.
The board unanimously pushed the contract through, as several regents went on to share their support for the U’s new leader.
“President-Designate Cunningham is the right leader to help us write the University of Minnesota’s next chapter,” said Chair Janie Mayeron.
The contract includes a starting base salary of $975,000, which Mayeron said will put Cunningham in the 75th percentile of earners across the Big Ten and other leading universities. The terms were decided based on the Regents’ “guiding principles,” including competitive, fair and equitable compensation.
“It is a market-competitive agreement that speaks to Dr. Cunningham’s skill and experience,” Mayeron said.
To prepare the employment agreement, Mayeron said board leadership worked closely with its general counsel, while several other regents praised Cunningham for helping to quickly make the deal.
“I’d be remiss if I also didn’t thank Dr. Cunningham, President-Designate Cunningham, for working so quickly with the university teams so that we could have an agreement at this regularly scheduled board meeting,” said Regent Kodi Verhalen.
“I really appreciate the work by our general counsel’s office, by you, Chair Mayeron, in negotiating this… Just very swift work is really appreciated to dot all the Is, cross all the Ts and move this forward.”
Cunningham was named president-designate on Feb. 26, making her the university’s 18th person to hold the position. She is currently the vice president for research and innovation at the University of Michigan, where she’s served on the faculty of the University of Michigan’s Schools of Public Health and Medicine since 1999.
In February, the board selected Cunningham by a 12-0 vote, besting fellow finalists Dr. Laura Bloomberg, the current president of Cleveland State University, and Dr. James Holloway, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of New Mexico.
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The suspect was 17 at the time of the shooting, but he was charged as an adult.
A St. Paul man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, more than two years after a drive-by shooting left a 17-year-old dead.
Casimir Semlak, of St. Paul, was charged with shooting 17-year-old Anthony Skelley in May 2022 during an apparent drug deal in South St. Paul. Police say a search of Skelley’s cell phone uncovered that the last number he was in communication with was linked to the suspect.
Semlak was also 17 at the time but was charged in the adult court system.
Following his death, family members told KARE 11 in a statement that Skelley was a junior attending St. Paul Public Schools’ Gateway to College program, and had “a beautiful soul with a cheerful presence and a joyful spirit.”
Semlak will be sentenced in January 2025.
The Moorhead Police Department said Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Officials are asking for the public’s help locating a 17-year-old Moorhead girl that is believed to be endangered.
According to the Moorhead Police Department, Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday near the 2600 block of River Drive North wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) describes her as 5-foot-4, 155 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Moorhead Police Department at 701-451-7660.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation and rising above trauma.
ST PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota author and motivational speaker has written a new book and is holding a panel discussion.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation, and rising above trauma.
On Friday, Nov. 1, Martin will speak with a panel at CSPS Hall in St. Paul about her book release.
- Twyla Martin – Author
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil rights attorney, activities, and community organizer
- Chantel Sings – Powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and performer
- Ashley DuBose – Singer, songwriter
- Jamela Pettiford – Vocalist and actress
- Lissa Jones – Speaker, advocate for African American history and culture
- Robin Hickman-Winfield – Producer, filmmaker, and CEO of SoulTouch Productions
- Alana Carrington – Creative professional with expertise in the arts, education, and community development
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