St. Paul - Governor Tim Pawlenty announced the appointment of Michael Vekich to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.  Vekich, 58, will complete the term, through February 2007, left vacant by the recent resignation of At-Large Regent Richard (Pinky) McNamara.

"The University of Minnesota is a tremendous asset to our state and deserves the finest leadership available," said Governor Pawlenty.  "I am very pleased that someone of Mike's stature and experience is willing to serve our state and the University in this important role."

Vekich has a long history of public service, including leadership positions in Minnesota's higher education community.  He has served as Chair of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees, Vice-Chair of the Higher Education Services Council and was appointed by the Governor to the Rochester Higher Education Development Committee.  Additionally, Vekich has been on the board of the Salvation Army, State Board of Accountancy and the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco.  He also served as the Acting Director of the Minnesota State Lottery in 2004.

"I owe a great deal to the University of Minnesota," said Vekich.  "It is a tremendous honor to have the chance to give back to this wonderful institution."

The Board of Regents is made up of 12 individuals selected by the legislature, with one member from each congressional district and 4 at-large members.  The University of Minnesota is the state's only research university, with more than 65,000 students on campuses in the Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston and Rochester.  The Twin Cities campus is the second largest college campus in the United States with more than 51,000 graduate and undergraduate students. 

Vekich, who lives in Minneapolis, is the CEO of Vekich Associates, specializing in independent accounting and management services.  He grew up in Nashwauk, and attended junior college in Hibbing before graduating from the University of Minnesota - Duluth in 1970 with a degree in accounting and business administration.