Quick Facts
Biography
Robert H. Bruininks (born February 22, 1942) is the former President of the University of Minnesota. He was named president on November 8, 2002 after briefly serving as the interim president. He has been employed by the University of Minnesota since 1968. He was the 15th full-time president in the history of the University of Minnesota. He is married and has three adult sons.
Bruininks sent a university-wide email on May 5, 2010, stating that the '10-'11 school year would be his last as president of the university. He said, "I have truly treasured this opportunity to serve for the past 13 years as provost and president, but I look forward to returning to the best job I have ever had at this great University--that of professor--and Susan and I look forward to pursuing our personal interests and spending time with family, including our grandchildren." He stepped down as president of the university on June 30, 2011 and will return to teaching as a professor in the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.