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The state House and Senate higher education committees have recommended seven nominees for five openings on the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents.


After lawmakers deadlocked, they decided to recommend two competitors for two of the seats. Regents oversee high-level policy at the university and hire its president.

Incumbent Patricia Simmons of Rochester and animal-health specialist Randy Simonson of Worthington will compete for one slot. Communication executive Paula Prahl of Long Lake and Hennepin County Medical Center medical director Michael Belzer will vie for another.

State Senate asked to delay picking U of M regents

The committees also chose entrepreneur Michael Hsu of Blaine, incumbent and St. Paul resident Richard Beeson and funeral home owner Tom Anderson of Alexandria. All three stand unopposed

The Legislature will make a final decision later this session.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Education News

Alex Friedrich

Author

Lawmakers couldn't agree in two of the five contests.

Lawmakers recommend 7 candidates for 5 U governing board slots

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