May 17 Update

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

In collaboration with President-designate Cunningham, I’m writing today to announce the launch of a national search for a vice president for communications. This position will oversee systemwide strategic communications, public and media relations, marketing and brand management, and social media.

This position has remained vacant since the departure of our vice president for university relations in March 2023. This role previously oversaw central marketing, public relations, and government and community relations. In recognition of the importance of the president working in close collaboration with elected officials and the local community, Government and Community Relations was realigned to report directly to the president. President-designate Cunningham will continue with this organizational model when she assumes office on July 1.

I’m pleased to share that Melisa Lopez Franzen, executive director of government and community relations, and Lisa Lewis, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, have agreed to co-chair the search committee. We invite your nominations for additional members of the search committee via this online form by Friday, May 24.

We plan to announce the full search committee in the coming weeks, and we will utilize a search firm to assist us in recruiting a broad and diverse candidate pool. We are committed to a transparent and consultative process, including ensuring broad representation of staff, faculty, and students on the search committee.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Ann Aronson, chief marketing officer, and Chuck Tombarge, chief public relations officer, who have done an exceptional job in co-leading University Relations during my time at the University.

Sincerely,

Jeff Ettinger
Interim President