Regents approve promotion and tenure slate; newly tenured professors describe research and teaching

The Committee approved the slate of promotion and tenure recommendations and continuous appointments as presented in the docket by a voice vote after a motion was made and seconded.

Provost Rachel Croson and Vice Provost Beth Lewis described the tenure review process: external reviews, departmental and college recommendations, and Provost referral to the Board. Lewis outlined cohort‑tracking methods and metrics for tenure success. A slide initially described cohort results as approximately 49% receiving tenure and remaining at the University; Provost Croson corrected the presentation, noting the three‑year average tenure‑success figure shown on the slide is about 52%.

After the vote, a panel of newly tenured faculty spoke about their work. Dr. Craig Hill (Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Duluth) discussed marine‑environment sensing and wave energy research that engages students and supports regional industry; Dr. Derek Salisbury (School of Nursing) described lifestyle‑intervention research on cognitive aging and an exer‑game combining aerobic exercise with cognitive training; and Dr. Sade Spencer (Department of Pharmacology, Medical School) highlighted preclinical pharmacotherapy research exploring metformin as a candidate for cocaine use disorder and related electronic‑health‑record studies supported by a pilot grant.

Regents asked about comparative tenure rates, what happens to faculty who leave without tenure, and how COVID affected early faculty years. Croson and Lewis described extension of tenure clocks, reasons faculty leave or delay going up for tenure, and that departments may revisit tenure criteria in light of changing funding environments.

The Committee offered congratulations to the promoted and tenured faculty; no further action was required at the meeting.