Event Honoring the 2007 Regents Professors

On September 20, a reception at Eastcliff was held to honor the five University of Minnesota professors named Regents Professors in 2007.

The five named are chemical engineering and materials sciences professor Frank Bates, cultural studies and comparative literature professor Richard Leppert, American studies and history professor Elaine Tyler May, psychology professor Matt McGue, and forest resources professor Peter Reich. The designation of Regents Professor is the highest level of recognition given to faculty by the university.

"This year's Regents Professors have exhibited outstanding academic distinction throughout the university and across the globe in their many fields of study," said University President Robert Bruininks. "Their bold and diverse discoveries and commitment to excellence embody the core mission of this university and the drive to become one of the top three public research universities in the world."

The addition of the five new Regents Professors increases the total number of Regents Professorships from 20 to 25 and is part of the university's strategic positioning effort, said Bruininks.

"Our new elite group of Regents Professors proves the academic excellence that continues to thrive at the University of Minnesota," said Provost Thomas Sullivan. "Throughout their careers, professors Bates, Leppert, May, McGue and Reich have excelled in the quality of their academic contributions, engaged their students in the classroom and enhanced the reputation of the University of Minnesota."