Lawmakers elect Simonson to fill vacant U of M Board of Regents seat

A joint convention of the House and Senate chose Randy Simonson to fill the open First Congressional District seat on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.

Simonson received 104 of 191 votes and will immediately occupy the spot vacated by regent Patricia Simmons, who resigned in March, until the end of her term in 2021. 

Simonson, of Worthington, was one of the five candidates vetted by the House and Senate higher education committees Monday, but had been eliminated during the third round of roll-call voting, while Mary Davenport and Brooks Edwards were ultimately chosen to go onto the joint convention. However, Rep. Drew Christensen (R-Savage) nominated Simonson during the convention to stand as a candidate alongside Davenport and Brooks.

Randy Simonson speaks during a joint meeting of House and Senate higher education committees May 7. Lawmakers elected Simonson to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents during a joint convention May 10. Photo by Paul Battaglia

WATCH Full video of the joint convention 

Simonson brings to his new position 30 years of experience running a global animal health business. Additionally, he has a PhD in veterinary microbiology from the university and has served as an adjunct professor and on several advisory committees.

During the vetting process he said, “I remain a strong advocate for the University of Minnesota in advancing the initiative of this great institution that has meant so much to me personally.”

He added, “I have a special interest in regards to the university and its role in enhancing economic development in Minnesota. There are a number of opportunities in this arena that may be expanded upon. I’m very interested in working in that direction.”

In addition to working to reinforce the university’s impact on state and local economic development, Simonson said his priorities as a regent would be to provide affordable education, adequate resources and independent research.

“Working closely with the administration to continue evaluation of programs, budgets, and physical and human resources are important areas,” he said.

Lawmakers voted by voice roll-call vote primarily along party lines, with several members switching their votes from Edwards to either Simonson or Davenport after the initial roll call. Davenport received 84 votes.