The University of Minnesota Board of Regents held a meeting on June 13, 2025, where they recognized the contributions of several consultative committee chairs for their dedicated service to the university community. The meeting highlighted the importance of shared governance and the roles these leaders play in advocating for faculty, staff, and students.

President Cunningham opened the session by expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the committee chairs, emphasizing their instrumental role in addressing key issues affecting the university. The meeting featured a ceremony where certificates of recognition were presented to the outgoing chairs, acknowledging their significant contributions over the past year.

Professor Jennifer Goodnow was honored for her leadership in governance, particularly in high-profile matters such as core curriculum and institutional speech. Her efforts in elevating the voices of faculty, staff, and students during leadership searches and strategic planning were commended.

Stacy Maurer, chair of the Civil Service Consultative Committee, received recognition for her advocacy on behalf of civil service staff. She was praised for fostering open dialogue between staff and administration and for her role in updating civil service bylaws.

Kit Brashear, chair of the Academic Professional and Administrative Consultative Committee, was acknowledged for his commitment to improving communication and representation for professional and administrative staff. His leadership in forming partnerships with human resources and advocating for staff governance was highlighted.

Taiwo Araimo, chair of the Student Consultative Committee, was recognized for his proactive approach to student representation and his advocacy for critical initiatives related to mental health services and community building. His efforts in developing educational resources for student senators were also noted.

The meeting concluded with a brief intermission before the regents moved on to reports from various committees, signaling ongoing discussions about the university's future and governance. The recognition of these leaders underscores the university's commitment to shared governance and the importance of diverse voices in decision-making processes.