Kaler appointed University of Minnesota president

With a base pay of $610,000 and $50,000 retirement payments in years 2, 3 and 4 of a four-year contract.

"I'm very excited," he said. "Absolutely."

The vote was unanimous.

He's here in town through the weekend, will take in a university event or two, and will remain as provost at Stony Brook until he starts at the U in June.

Kaler said he's not sure how much he'll be involved with the legislature, because Bruininks will still be on the job, and Kaler "doesn't want to get in the way."

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