[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of Bo Thao-Urabe to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. Regent Thao-Urabe will fill an at-large position on the Board following the death of Regent Kao Ly Ilean Her.

“The loss of Regent Kao Ly Ilean Her was felt deeply within the Hmong community, the University of Minnesota, and the entire state,” said Governor Walz. “I am proud to appoint Regent Thao-Urabe, a prominent Hmong leader in Minnesota. I know her experience and values will lead the University of Minnesota—one of the leading public research universities in the nation—into a stronger future.”

“Throughout her career, Regent Thao-Urabe has demonstrated success in bringing groups together, raising the voices of communities who historically haven’t been heard, and getting results for students and communities who are historically underserved,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “She has dedicated her life to serving Minnesotans, especially immigrants and people of color. The University of Minnesota is an incredible asset to our state, and I am excited for Regent Thao-Urabe’s visionary leadership and focus on justice to ensure the success of the University as it welcomes scholars from across the state and around the globe.”

“I am honored to be appointed to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents,” said Thao-Urabe. “I am excited to join my fellow Regents in supporting the continued success of both students from across Minnesota’s many diverse communities and the University of Minnesota system.”

Thao-Urabe is an alumna of the University of Minnesota. She currently serves as the executive director and co-founder of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders and the co-founder and partner of RedGreen Rivers LLC. Thao-Urabe’s prior leadership includes working as Senior Director of Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy and Executive Director of Hmong National Development, Inc. She is a 2019 Bush Fellow and the recipient of a 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development.

Established in 1851, the Board of Regents is the University of Minnesota’s governing board. Regents articulate a vision for the University and work to ensure the University fulfills its mission of education, research, and outreach for the benefit of Minnesota, the nation, and the world.