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Incumbent U of M regents are returned to their posts

Legislators cited "consistency" in their choices, even selecting one who had been passed over by the Advisory Council.

By JENNA ROSS, Star Tribune

Last update: March 3, 2009 - 10:58 PM

Incumbents won the latest round for spots on the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents -- even one who had lost the previous round.

To retain "consistency" in tough times, a House-Senate committee recommended Tuesday that three current regents keep their seats on the governing board: chair Patricia Simmons, vice chair Clyde Allen and John Frobenius.

Frobenius, a retired health care administrator and St. Cloud resident, had been passed over by the Regents Candidate Advisory Council -- the group that pared 31 applicants down to two recommendations for each seat. That council had recommended Kjell Bergh and Kathryn Roberts, both of Stillwater, instead.

But the council's recommendations to the Legislature are not binding, and last week, Rep. Larry Haws, DFL-St. Cloud, led a move to also consider Frobenius.

On Tuesday, Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, said Frobenius' second term on the board would offer "consistency" but not necessarily the status quo: "He's not a rubber-stamper."

After receiving the joint committee's selection, a smiling Frobenius shook hands with dozens of people in the lobby.

"I am so excited," he said. "It's been quite the experience."

The only new candidate selected was Richard Beeson, of St. Paul, president and CEO of Park Midway Bank in "the foothills of the St. Paul campus." He has also served as chair of the Central Corridor Partnership, chair of the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce and treasurer for the St. Paul RiverCentre Authority.

"All boards need balance, and I think I bring a different background," he said after the vote. "I've been in public and private financing for 30 years. I understand how to create successful financial models and deal with change."

Beeson beat former College of St. Catherine President Anita Pampusch of Lilydale, for the spot, which was previously held by departing Regent David Metzen.

Simmons was recommended for her second term against Randy Simonson of Worthington, who last week told legislators, "if you are satisfied in the way the University of Minnesota is operating now, don't vote for me."

Frobenius' final competitors were Roberts, a former director of the Minnesota Zoo as well as president and CEO of Shoreview-based Ecumen, a nonprofit senior housing company, and Bergh, chairman and CEO of Borton Volvo Inc. in Minneapolis and a former trustee of Macalester College in St. Paul.

In the weeks since failing to get the advisory council's recommendation, Frobenius said he met with many legislators to make his case.

"I said it six years ago, and I'm saying it again today: You walk away from this process a little tired but you also have a sense of broader accountability to the state of Minnesota."

The joint House and Senate will vote on Tuesday's recommendations for the regents, who serve six-year terms without pay.

Jenna Ross • 612-673-7168

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