Lawmakers selected new University of Minnesota regents Monday, flipping a quarter of the board as it prepares to select an interim president to lead the state's flagship university.
Of the four regents whose terms expired this year, only one — Tadd Johnson — will return. Joining the board are West St. Paul City Council Member Robyn Gulley, Minnesota Nurses Association President Mary Turner and former Allina Health CEO Penny Wheeler.
Lawmakers said they intentionally scheduled the vote at the beginning of the week in hopes of bringing fresh perspectives to the board before it selects a successor for President Joan Gabel, who announced last month she would be leaving to take another job. New regents take over as soon as lawmakers approve them.
"I've heard from too many legislators that they want a new vision in the body of regents, particularly when they're selecting an interim and a permanent president," said Rep. Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona, who chairs the House Higher Education Committee.
Applications for the interim university president job were due by noon Monday, and regents are expected to meet Thursday to narrow down finalists, leaving new members with little time to prepare for their new roles.
Board Chair Janie Mayeron said in a statement that she appreciated that lawmakers "heard our call for prompt action."
"This an important step in charting the University's direction that only our state lawmakers could take," she said.

The transition comes near the end of a legislative session in which some key lawmakers were openly critical of the U administration and the regents who served on the board that works with them. The board consists of 12 volunteers who help select the president, set tuition rates, and craft pitches for state funding, among other things.