ST. PAUL, Minn. – A faculty union leader has been appointed by Governor Tim Walz. to the board that runs the Minnesota State universities and colleges system. The appointment of Jim Grabowski of Minnesota State-Mankato, represents a victory over the dominant anti-union faction on the Board of Trustees. From 2014 to 2018 Grabowski was president of the Inter-Faculty Organization, which is the collective bargaining agent for university professors statewide. His term is six years. At MSU-Mankato was chair of the world languages department until he retired. Other new Walz appointees to the Minn State board:
> Tim Huebsch, who works at General Mills and has been active in higher education.
> Jerry Janezich, a former state senator and longtime labor advocate. A reappointment.
> Cheryl Tefer, a retired nursing instructor from the community colleges. A reappointment.
Verbatim
Grabowski: “My goal is to ensure my fellow yrustees that I always consider and understand the impact of our decisions on our classrooms, departments, and campus communities. I look forward to bringing the concerns of the students, IFO, and our partner unions to the forefront throughout my time as a trustee.”