The University of Minnesota Board of Regents elected new leadership Friday, electing Richard Beeson as board chair and Dean Johnson as vice chair. Both will serve two-year terms.
Beeson, executive vice president of St. Paul-based Sunrise Banks, has been a regent since 2009. He'd previously been president & CEO at Park Midway Bank in St. Paul and also worked for the City of St. Paul Department of Planning & Economic Development. He succeeds Linda Cohen as chair.
Beeson said in a statement:
"I appreciate the support of my colleagues on the Board and look forward to working with President Kaler to invest in students, advance world-class research, and ensure that the University of Minnesota continues to impact every corner of the state."
Johnson, a former state representative and former Senate majority leader, has been a regent since 2007. He's been parish pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar for 40 years. He succeeds David Larson as vice chair.