Rochester skyline

UMR Vision

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) is a campus of the University of Minnesota system.

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) will inspire transformation in higher education through innovations that empower our graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the 21st century.

UMR students enjoying outdoor activities

Grounding Values

UMR's values, as developed by the entire UMR community, are embedded in our vision and emanate from our collective belief in the transformative power of higher education, a belief evident in the ambitious work of our Rochester founders.

    • Respect. We value habits of interaction that demonstrate the worth and dignity of each person.

    • Human Potential. We value every person’s capacity to learn, develop, imagine, create and contribute.

    • Community. We value collective work and a culture of trust that promotes collaboration, problem-solving and partnerships while creating belonging, accountability and courageous action.

    • Diversity & Inclusiveness. We value the range of human differences and the active pursuit and involvement of varied perspectives.

    • Evidence-Based Decision Making.  We value strategic collection and careful assessment of data to inform our choices in all matters, including student learning and development.

Rockie the mascot walking in the skyway

Centering Aspirations

At UMR, students are at the center, research informs practice, and partners make it possible. As we continue to grow student enrollment and our presence in downtown Rochester, Minnesota, we aspire to the following:

    • Devote our expertise and energy to student learning and development, choosing habits that enable us to thrive as a healthy, high-integrity community characterized by our values.

    • Generate transformative contributions to the renewal of higher education, providing a collaborative environment of inquiry that allows innovative thought-leadership in teaching and learning, educational research, public engagement, organizational efficiency and community integration.

    • Enhance the diversity of the health care workforce, through intentional inclusivity emanating from our core commitment to respectful human relationships and permeating our habits of interaction in recruitment, teaching and learning and the ongoing life of our UMR community.

    • Optimize the established arenas of distinctiveness, assessing results to provide ongoing evidence for decision-making and mindfully aligning emerging innovations with these established strengths.

    • Sustain UMR as an innovative, educational enterprise, through increased enrollment of passionate, resilient students commensurate with the goals established in our enrollment management plan as well as increased strategic generation of mission-driven resources.

    • Contribute significantly to the continued development of the Rochester community, through intentional partnerships and initiatives.

Academic Accreditation
In 2015 the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) completed a full Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools evaluation and accreditation visit. In 2016 UMR received a full 10-year accreditation approval along with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.

 

Exterior shot of block M

History in the Making

Outside shot of USquare.
University of Minnesota Rochester’s University Square in the Galleria Mall in downtown Rochester.

1950

    • UMR begins as a concept.

1998

    • UMR is recognized by the legislature as a branch campus.

1999

    • Provost Heltsley named to lead University Center Rochester (UCR), comprised of three separate institutions: Rochester Community and Technical College, University of Minnesota Rochester Center and Winona State University Rochester Center.

2000

    • Provost Carl designated to lead UMR.

 

RHEDC Reunion
The Rochester Higher Education Development Committee in 2009.

2005

2006

    • RHEDC reports the solution to address the public higher education need in Rochester is to establish a new campus. Governor Pawlenty accepts the report and supports a U of M Rochester campus. UMR is designated as an official coordinate campus of the U of M system.

Inauguration of Chancellor Lehmkuhle
Dr. Stephen Lehmkuhle with former Mayor of Rochester Ardell Brede at Chancellor Emeritus Lehmkuhle’s inauguration in 2008.

2007

    • UMR moves into University Square in downtown Rochester.

2008

2009

Class of 2013
University of Minnesota Rochester’s inaugural class of 2013.

2010

2011

2013

hancellor Carrell shaking UMR student's hand and handing diploma at graduation.
Dr. Lori J. Carrell at her inauguration in 2018.

2018

2019

    • UMR begins occupying classroom, lab and student lounge space at One Discovery Square.

 

Outside shot of 318 Commons.
318 Commons on 1st Avenue in downtown Rochester.

2021

    • UMR rennovates space at 318 Commons for faculty collaboration and a student lounge, The Nest. UMR announces its accelerated NXT GEN MED program.

Chancellor speaking at podium at Onward event while crowd listens.
University of Minnesota Rochester launches its first philanthropic campaign, Onward in June 2023 at an event hosted at Peace Plaza in downtown Rochester.

2023 

    • UMR announces its first philanthropic campaign, Onward.
    • 10-year reunion of the first Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences class is held.
    • UMR occupies space at Two Discovery Square and officially opens the Student Life Center.
    • UMR’s inaugural dining space, The Perch, officially opens. Students, faculty and staff voted on the name for this space which was unveiled by Rockie surrounded by the UMR community, RSA President Heidi Nguyen, Chancellor Carrell and UMN Interim President Ettinger. 
    • The Campus and Climate Action Plan launched to support UMR's commitment to excellence sustained through managed enrollment growth by identifying time horizons and criteria for strategic decision points in a phased approach to facilities expansion.