St. Paul, Minn. (July 21, 2010) – Yvonne Cheung Ho, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Economic Development Association, was named as a member of a search advisory committee that will start the process of replacing the MnSCU chancellor. Paula Prahl, senior vice president of communications, public affairs and corporate responsibility, Best Buy Co., Inc. was also named to the committee.
James H. McCormick has served as chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees since 2001, and the third chancellor since the system was created in 1995. He plans to retire next year.
The MnSCU system comprises 32 state universities and community and technical colleges serving the higher education needs of Minnesota. The system serves about 260,000 students per year in credit-based courses and an additional 164,000 students in noncredit courses.
The Search Advisory Committee of 16 representatives from the community, business, students, legislators, trustees, state college and university presidents, and the system’s bargaining units is now discussing the charge for the committee and the characteristics it wants in the next chancellor.
“The Board of Trustees expects a new chancellor to build upon the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities foundation of achievement while articulating a clear and compelling vision for its future,” stated Scott Thiss, board chair.
David Olson, a former trustee and immediate past board chair of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, was appointed earlier to lead the search committee.
“I am honored to lead this search,” Olson said. “This is an important responsibility, and I appreciate the board’s confidence in me.”
The remaining committee members include: Minnesota State College Student Association President Travis Johnson, Andrew Spaeth, Greg Mulcahy, Shahzad Ahmad, Clarence Hightower, Christine Rice, Kevin Kopischke, Edna Mora Szymanski, State Rep. Carlos Mariani, State Sen. Claire Robling, Sharon Sayles Belton, former mayor of Minneapolis, and Mark Chronister. ο
