Nebraska Medicine's independent board opposes the Nebraska Board of Regents' plan to spend nearly $1 billion to take over the hospital, citing concerns over loss of autonomy, misallocation of funds, and potential negative impacts on healthcare quality and recruitment. The hospital emphasizes its successful partnership model and warns that the proposed takeover could undermine medical decision-making and limit future investments.
The Smithsonian Institution reaffirmed its independence and authority, stating that all personnel decisions are made by Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch under the oversight of the Board of Regents, in response to President Trump's claims of firing a museum director and his criticisms of the institution's content and leadership. The statement emphasizes the Smithsonian's commitment to remaining free from political or partisan influence.
The Smithsonian Institution reaffirmed its independence and authority of its Board of Regents in response to President Trump's attempt to fire National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet, emphasizing its nonpartisan status amid political pressures and proposed budget cuts.
Republican-appointed University of Wisconsin regent Robert Atwell refuses to step down at the end of his term, citing a state Supreme Court ruling that allows him to remain until a successor is confirmed by the state Senate. Atwell, appointed by former Gov. Scott Walker, expressed concerns about the UW system's financial reporting and COVID-19 vaccine mandate policies. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has yet to announce a successor.
Republican-appointed University of Wisconsin regent Robert Atwell refuses to step down when his term ends, citing a state Supreme Court ruling that allows political appointees to remain until a successor is confirmed by the Senate. Atwell, appointed by former Gov. Scott Walker, plans to stay on to support communication between legislators and the regents, while criticizing the UW system's financial reporting and COVID-19 vaccine mandate policies. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has not yet announced a successor.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold has been selected as the priority candidate to become the University of Nebraska's next president, following a closed session by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Gold, who currently serves as the chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, has been involved in various initiatives and developments within the university system. The announcement initiates a 30-day vetting period, with the potential for Gold to officially assume the role in April.
Gov. Jim Pillen blames the University of Nebraska Board of Regents for the departure of Athletic Director Trev Alberts, urging them to swiftly appoint a new permanent leader. Pillen expressed disappointment in Alberts' decision to leave and emphasized the importance of strong leadership for the university. The regents have yet to comment on Alberts' departure, and the search for a new athletic director continues.
Dr. Rebecca Cunningham has been selected as the next president of the University of Minnesota following an extensive nationwide search process. Currently serving as the vice president for research and innovation at the University of Michigan, Cunningham brings strong leadership and relationship-building skills to the role. She is set to begin her tenure on July 1, 2024, following a smooth transition period with Interim President Jeff Ettinger.
A faculty advocacy group at the University of Washington has responded to the board of regents' vote on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures. The group expressed disappointment with the board's decision, stating that it falls short of addressing systemic issues and fails to prioritize the needs of marginalized communities. They called for a more comprehensive approach to DEI efforts and urged the board to engage in meaningful dialogue with faculty and students to create lasting change.
The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents has reversed its position and accepted a deal proposed by Republican lawmakers, allowing for pay raises for employees and the construction of a new engineering building. However, the deal also includes a freeze on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staffing until 2026 and the elimination or refocusing of around 40 positions related to diversity. The compromise was approved after a months-long stalemate and a second vote by the board. Democratic lawmakers and campus groups had called for the rejection of the deal, arguing that it discriminates against students and staff of color.
The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents has rejected an $800 million deal that would have limited diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in exchange for additional funding and employee raises. The proposal included a cap on DEI hires, elimination of diversity statements on applications, and guaranteed admission for top-performing high school students. The rejection was met with disappointment from some Republicans who accused the board of prioritizing ideological campaigns over employee raises. Democrats, on the other hand, praised the decision as a victory for diversity and student protection.
General Mark A. Welsh III has been unanimously approved by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents as the sole finalist for the position of President of Texas A&M University. Welsh, who has been serving as the interim president since July, has been praised for his leadership and effectiveness in advancing the university's mission. Prior to his interim role, Welsh had a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force and served as the dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service. The appointment will be finalized after a comprehensive decision-making process in the coming weeks.
The Texas A&M Board of Regents has named Mark Welsh III as the sole finalist for the position of president, following his successful tenure as interim president. Welsh, a retired Air Force general, was appointed to help clean up the university after it faced employment scandals and a loss of trust among faculty and students. During his interim role, Welsh focused on rebuilding trust, improving communication, and addressing issues of academic freedom. He has garnered broad support from faculty and students, although some outside groups have accused him of supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Welsh has emphasized his conservative values and commitment to traditional values. If officially appointed, Welsh will oversee the implementation of Senate Bill 17, which bans diversity, equity, and inclusion offices in public universities.
Jeff Ettinger has been selected as the interim president of the University of Minnesota by the Board of Regents. Ettinger, who currently serves as the chair of the Hormel Foundation Board of Directors, will serve as interim president for up to one year while the Board of Regents undertakes a national search for the U of M’s 18th president. The other three finalists were Myron Frans, Mary Holz-Clause, and E. Thomas Sullivan.
The state Board of Regents has voted to ban the use of Native American mascots, team names, and logos in public schools, causing confusion and defiance among some Long Island administrators. Districts have until the end of the 2024-25 school year to remove Native American references from uniforms, scoreboards, fields, and buildings on school property. Schools can keep a team name if it is endorsed by a federally recognized tribe. The Shinnecock tribe, the only federally recognized tribe on Long Island, supports the ban.
