Colleagues,
Our budget situation at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) has
few easy answers. Structural change, as you are experiencing, is
extremely difficult, and I have tremendous empathy for what you are
going through, both professionally and personally.
Duluth has been front of mind for me since becoming President on July
1. UMD is a core part of our mission. I believe in what you’re doing,
and I'm grateful for the tremendous value you bring to the table for all
Minnesotans. With the budget reductions announced last week, UMD has
taken difficult but necessary steps to balance the annual structural
imbalance. It is therefore important to me that the structural changes
you are undertaking receive support from decisions the System can make
to strengthen Duluth and accelerate future success.
Accordingly, I have asked that the System, over the next two years,
contribute approximately $6.8 million in one time dollars to eliminate
UMD’s current sequestered debt, which has accumulated over the last few
years. I don't make this decision lightly. Eliminating this debt allows
for new investments and next chapters to truly focus on the future.
Chancellor Black will follow-up with additional details. We need UMD to
be successful and believe strongly that this investment will help the
UMD community move forward.
Warm regards,
Joan Gabel
