Robert Bruininks

Robert Bruininks is an American academic and former president of the University of Minnesota, serving from 2002 to 2011. Born on February 22, 1942, in Everett, Washington, Bruininks has had a long and distinguished career in higher education, particularly in the fields of psychology and educational administration.

Early Life and Education

Bruininks grew up in Everett, Washington, and pursued his higher education at Western Washington University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1964. He furthered his education at George Peabody College (now part of Vanderbilt University), where he received his Master's and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology.

Career

Before his presidency at the University of Minnesota, Bruininks held various academic and administrative positions within the university. He joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota's College of Education in 1968, focusing on special education and educational psychology. Over the years, Bruininks took on more administrative roles, including serving as the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development and the Executive Vice President and Provost of the university.

In 2002, Bruininks was appointed the 15th president of the University of Minnesota after serving as the interim president following the departure of his predecessor. During his presidency, Bruininks focused on improving the university's academic standards, increasing access to higher education, and enhancing the university's research capabilities. He was instrumental in the development and implementation of the "Strategic Positioning" plan, which aimed to place the University of Minnesota among the top public research universities in the world.

Bruininks also worked on expanding the university's outreach and public engagement, strengthening its commitment to community service and economic development. Under his leadership, the university saw significant growth in its infrastructure, including the construction of new facilities and the renovation of existing ones.

Legacy and Retirement

Robert Bruininks' tenure as president is noted for his efforts to improve the quality of education and research at the University of Minnesota. His leadership helped the university navigate through challenging financial times, including state budget cuts, while still advancing its academic and research missions.

After retiring from the presidency in 2011, Bruininks returned to the faculty of the University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development, where he continues to contribute to the field of educational psychology.

See Also

• University of Minnesota
• Educational Psychology
• Higher Education Administration