ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Legislature has selected an insurance agency owner to serve on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents.

Thomas Devine was elected a regent Wednesday night during a joint House-Senate convention.

He replaces Steve Sviggum, who resigned his seat on the board when concerns were raised about his full-time job conflicting with the appointed role. Sviggum, a former state lawmaker, is chief spokesman for the Minnesota Senate Republican caucus.

The 12-member board sets policy and budgets for the four-campus university. Members are not paid.

Devine lives in Chanhassen. He co-owns the David Agency in Edina and is a university graduate.

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