ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO WCCO) – The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has selected the former CEO of Hormel Foods to be the school’s interim President.
64-year-old Jeff Ettinger was one of a few outsiders being considered by the board, which voted 10-1 to name him to the post. He was the only candidate without a background in academia.
Ettinger said he wants to showcase the U of M’s accomplishments and prioritize restoring the school’s reputation with lawmakers and the general public after recent criticism.
Nine of the 12 regents named him their top choice among the field of four finalist candidates. Once Ettinger formally accepts the position, he will begin contract negotiations with the university. He will succeed Joan Gabel, who is leaving to take another job.
Ettinger will serve for up to 1 year while the Board of Regents undertakes a national search for the U of M’s 18th president in the coming weeks.
