Newsroom

CORVALLIS - The chancellor of the Oregon University System said he supports the major initiatives underway at Oregon State University, especially the OSU 2007 process, and will seek an interim president for OSU that will continue the university's momentum in this and other areas.

Chancellor Richard Jarvis said he will further consult with people on and off-campus before deciding whether an interim president will be chosen from within the OSU campus or elsewhere.

The chancellor also said he was impressed with the campus commitment for projects like OSU 2007.

"It's clear to me that OSU is a vibrant institution with campus leaders who have a plan to continue the momentum started by President Paul Risser," Jarvis said. "They are united behind a series of ideas and initiatives to better the university. I firmly believe they won't miss a beat while the search is underway for a new president."

Topping the list of projects is OSU 2007, a process developed last spring to identify the university's priorities and align its resources accordingly. More than 400 staff, faculty, and students have been working on the project and initial proposals will be presented to campus on Friday.

"We're very fortunate that we had President Risser's support in getting the OSU 2007 process underway," said Becky Johnson, chair of the OSU 2007 Steering Committee.

"This has truly empowered the campus community and given it an unprecedented opportunity to determine its own future," Johnson said. "In the coming months we will have the committed leadership of our provost, Tim White, since he has been a key architect of the process and is fully committed to the endeavor. With his continued support, I have no doubt that we'll be able to sustain the energy and enthusiasm we've received so far."

Johnson said the whole idea behind OSU 2007 was to involve the entire university in creating a new vision for its future.

"That hasn't changed," she said, "and that's what we're still going to do."

In addition to OSU 2007, the university is working on several key projects for the future. They include creating a top 25 College of Engineering, growing OSU-Cascades Campus, expanding the College of Veterinary Medicine and Reser Stadium, expanding fund-raising success, and continuing initiatives to support student involvement on campus.

Orcilia Zuniga Forbes, vice president for University Advancement, said university leaders were pleased to hear the new chancellor supported their efforts.

"These projects are critical for the future success of the university," she said. "It's important to know that we have the continued support of Chancellor Jarvis."

Jarvis met with university leaders Wednesday on the Corvallis campus. He and Jim Lussier, president of the Oregon State Board of Higher Education, will also meet with OSU staff, faculty, and students as well as members of university advisory boards on Monday, Nov. 18 to discuss the search for an interim president.

"I want to hear from stakeholders both on and off campus before reaching a decision," he said.

Jarvis said he'll consult with members of the Oregon State Board of Higher Education for advice on selecting a candidate for the interim position before taking a final candidate to the full board for approval. He said he would like the board to name an interim president for OSU as soon as possible and no later than early December.