Statement on immigration and support for all students


ANNOUNCEMENT
The following statement was sent this morning from SOU President Linda Schott to all students, faculty and staff.
Dear students and colleagues,
Southern Oregon University is a place where diverse backgrounds intersect and where all members of our academic community are supported and respected – as are their thoughtfully shared views on any issues they consider important.  We do not apply religious tests before admitting students or hiring employees, and we do not discriminate against people based on their nationality, race, gender or sexual orientation. Students and employees who come to SOU – whether from Medford or Mexico, Salem or Somalia – all have the right to be treated fairly and to be valued for who they are.
SOU does not stand alone but is part of a larger network of higher education institutions spread across our nation.  Many of these universities are stepping forward at this point to reiterate their commitments to liberal education and democracy. For example, President Muriel Howard of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities – of which SOU is a member – has issued a statement asking the Trump Administration to reconsider its recent executive order suspending the U.S. refugee program and banning travel into this country for the citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations.
“America’s state colleges and universities have been strengthened by the presence of students and faculty from around the globe, including those from the seven countries specifically targeted by the president’s executive order,” President Howard wrote. “We share in the collective commitment to protect our national security while at the same time enriching our nation with invaluable contributions from abroad.”
I share President Howard’s support for diversity – geographic, religious and otherwise. Although SOU has few students from the list of seven countries affected by the executive order, we have many international students who now wonder about their futures in our nation.  Thus I want to be clear that during this period of uncertainty and unrest, as we have throughout the history of our institution, SOU will continue to support all students and employees who wish to learn, grow, and make contributions to our campus and communities. 
Each morning, I walk into Churchill Hall under an inscription that reads, “The difficulties of democracy are the opportunities of education.” As we listen to our political leaders disagree about policies and principles and as we watch protestors take to the streets; as we pen our individual letters to elected officials or otherwise demonstrate our personal political views, it is apparent that our democratic system is being tested. It has been tested before, and we have always emerged from those tests with a new appreciation for both the daunting difficulties and amazing possibilities of self-governance. That self-governance is made possible at least in part by an educated populous and by the schools, colleges and universities providing that education. We at SOU are engaged in a serious, vital endeavor. We will continue our efforts, with renewed commitment, mutual respect and vigorous care for each other.
Respectfully,
Linda Schott
President, Southern Oregon University

SOU in the News: Jan. 9 to 22


Media coverage and relevant mentions of Southern Oregon University for the most recent week

SOU student, alumni, faculty and staff news and features

Daily Tidings • Evalyn Hansen • USA • Jan 23
Using acting craft to change people’s lives: Simone Stewart, office manger of SOU’s Small Business Development Center, is interviewed on acting
Herald and News • By Kurt Liedtke • USA • Jan 22
Malin friends take leadership roles on city council: Ryan Bartholomew, who attended SOU before returning to the Klamath Basin for work, is a new member of the Malin City Council
News @ SOU • Joe Mosley • USA • Jan 20
SOU’s groundbreaking football coach passes away at age 64Craig Howard, the head coach who led his SOU team to the 2014 NAIA national championship, died at his home Jan. 19 at age 64
StAugustine.com • Justin Barney • USA • Jan 20
Craig Howard, Tim Tebow’s high school coach at Nease, dies: SOU’s Craig Howard, who coached Tim Tebow in high school and won championships in high school and college, died unexpectedly at age 64
Victory Sports Network • USA • Jan 20
SOU football coach Craig Howard passes away: Victory Sports Network, a promotor of NAIA collegiate athletics, reports on the passing of SOU’s Craig Howard
OregonLive.com • Tim Brown • USA • Jan 20
Craig Howard: Southern Oregon University football coach dies at age 64: The SOU head football coach who led the Raiders to an NAIA National Championship in 2014 died unexpectedly at age 64
Jacksonville.com • Justin Barney • USA • Jan 19
Craig Howard, Tim Tebow’s high school coach at Nease, dies: The death of SOU football coach Craig Howard, who coached quarterback Tim Tebow in high school, touches those he knew in Jacksonville, Fla.
Publicnow • CAN • Jan 19
Guest speaker Matt Vogel returns: SOU Health promotion specialist Matt Vogel will speak with EOU students, faculty and staff about campus life, relationships and substance use…
InsideSOU • Joe Mosley • USA • Jan 19
SOU theater student gets in­flight movie with personal touch: SOU student actress Maddy Flemming meets the author and inspiration for the acclaimed movie “Denial” after watching the film in­flight
KOBI­TV NBC5 • USA • Jan 17
Get to know Jackson County’s new Sheriff, Capt. Nathan Sickler: SOU graduate Nate Sickler, previously a captain in the Jackson County Sherif’s Department, is named sheriff by the county’s board of commissioners…
Mail Tribune • Vickie Aldous • USA • Jan 17
Sickler appointed as new Jackson County sheriff: SOU graduate Nate Sickler is appointed to serve as sheriff by Jackson County Board of Commissioners
The World • USA • Jan 17
Marshfield Hall of Fame inductions will be Feb. 2: Mark Helfrich, a former SOU quarterback and UO coach, is inducted into Marshfield’s Hall of Fame with his late father, Mike
Publicnow • CAN • Jan 17
March 17: Effects of extreme climate on grapes, wine: SOU wine climatologist Greg Jones to be a primary speaker at WSU symposium, ‘Climate Extremes: Is the Pacific Northwest Wine Industry Ready?’…
Military Technologies News • POL • Jan 16
Dirk Wall Featured in The Wall Street Journal: Meridian, Idaho investment advisor Dirk Wall, who graduated from SOU in 1983, is named a “Master of Success” by The Wall Street Journal

News about SOU academic programs

News @ SOU • Joe Mosley • USA • Jan 20
The Farm at SOU to have “farm mentor” for five­month appointment: The Farm at SOU will have a five­month “farm mentor,” employed by AmeriCorps, to help inspire a generation of ecologically committed leaders
Publicnow • CAN • Jan 17
March 17: Effects of extreme climate on grapes, wine: SOU wine climatologist Greg Jones to be a primary speaker at WSU symposium, ‘Climate Extremes: Is the Pacific Northwest Wine Industry Ready?’…
The Bellingham Herald • Eric Degerman • USA • Jan 11
Oregon’s rieslings are overlooked gems: Last year’s Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census Report, prepared for the industry by SOU, indicates that riesling production is losing ground
The Register­Guard • USA • Jan 11
Expanded monument could benefit economy: Expansion of the Cascade­Siskiyou National Monument will benefit wildlands research, already being conducted by SOU and OSU
Daily Tidings • Joe Zavala • USA • Jan 9
Preserving history: SOU research anthropologist Maureen Battistella and sociology professor emeriti Victoria Sturtevant are leading a project to preserve local agricultural…

News about fine and performing arts

Daily Tidings • USA • Jan 22
5 picks for live entertainment: Chamber Music Concerts present the Brentano String Quartet at SOU’s Music Recital Hall
Daily Tidings • Jeffrey Gillespie • USA • Jan 19
‘Shapes of Curiosity’ curator interested in ‘in­betweens’: SOU’s Schneider Museum of Art picks artist and curator based out of New York and London to curate upcoming “Shapes of Curiosity” exhibition
Medford Mail Tribune • Joe Zavala • USA • Jan 17
Barton adds his own piece to Stafford reading: As reading of former Oregon poet laureate William Stafford’s work is hosted at SOU’s Hannon Library
The Register­Guard • Francesca Fontana • USA • Jan 15
An artist at heart: Eugene artist Robert “Bob” Cipes’ varied past includes stints as a college professor, both in California and at SOU
Apg ­WI.com • USA • Jan 14
Area bands, choir welcoming new members: Mike Joosten, who received his master’s degree at SOU, directs the Communiversity Symphonic Band at University of Wisconsin­Barron County

News about politics, policy and national trends im pacting SOU and higher education

Medford Mail Tribune • Tammy Asnicar • USA • Jan 17
Local women to march with ‘sisters’ around the country Saturday: Retired SOU Professor Jeanne Crosby organizes a women’s march in the Mexican village of La Manzanilla, where she lives six months out of the…
Medford Mail Tribune • Julie Akins • USA • Jan 16
In the face of fear, love: SOU English Professor Alma Rosa Alvarez, keynote speaker at Ashland’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration talks of social change through love
Daily Tidings • Angela Decker • USA • Jan 13
Alvarez shares King’s antidote for division: SOU English Professor Alma Rosa Alvarez is the keynote speaker at Ashland’s 28th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration
Daily Tidings • USA • Jan 12
New state representative Marsh speaks Saturday in Ashland: Newly elected State Rep. Pam Marsh speaks at a meeting of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) at SOU
News @ SOU • Joe Mosley • USA • Jan 11
Chief of staff for late State Sen. Alan Bates shifts to SOU government relations: Julie McFadden, who served most recently as chief of staff to the late State Sen. Alan Bates, has been hired to serve as SOU’s liaison with state…

Miscellaneous news

Medford Mail Tribune • USA • Jan 12
Get Out: Friday, Jan. 13 : OSU horticulturalist Dennis Albert to focus on botanical surveys of Playa Lakes of n and Sheldon Wildlife refuges in a free talk at the SOU Science…
Daily Tidings • Julie Akins • USA • Jan 12
Ashlanders explore electric bus: A Zero Emission Propulsion System (ZEPS) electric bus makes tour stops at several Ashland locations, including SOU, during promotional trip

The Farm at SOU to have “farm mentor” for five-month appointment


NEWS BRIEF (online at https://goo.gl/HUog5W)
(Ashland, Ore.) — The Farm at SOU will have a new staff member from March through August – a “farm mentor” who will be employed by AmeriCorps and will help inspire a generation of ecologically committed leaders to live and work sustainably.

The farm mentor will work full-time for five months, and will receive a monthly stipend, health insurance coverage and a $2,865 educational award upon completion of the appointment. He or she may also be eligible for childcare assistance.
The mentor will design a master action plan for The Farm’s mentorship program, reach out to local human services programs to recruit participants in the program and develop cohorts based on shared goals and needs. The mentor will also work with the participants on projects that help build life skills, evaluate the program’s effectiveness and coordinate with other staff members at The Farm.

The SOU facility is student-led, organic agricultural project that serves as a hub for education, student and faculty research, and community research.
Those who are interested in the position may apply on the AmeriCorps website. Applicants will be reviewed by Nancy Shea, coordinator of the SOU Center for Sustainability, then will be vetted by AmeriCorps. Shea will make the final selection by mid-February, and the successful applicant will begin March 1.
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About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.

SOU’s groundbreaking football coach passes away at age 64


NEWS RELEASE (online at https://goo.gl/AUgWAO)
(Ashland, Ore.) — Craig Howard, the head football coach who raised the bar at Southern Oregon University and earned the love of his team for the family culture he instilled, passed away Thursday night in his home. He was 64.
The Howard family has asked for privacy but will announce services in the coming days. Grief counseling is available on campus today for students and for faculty and staff.
Coach Howard joined SOU as head football coach six years ago, coming home to Southern Oregon following a successful career as a high school coach in Florida. He grew up in Grants Pass and played high school football there, then played at the collegiate level at Linfield College in McMinnville.
He was hired in February 2011 to take over a team that averaged three wins per year in the eight seasons prior to his arrival, and predicted he would bring the university its first NAIA national championship. He did that in 2014, when he was also named the Rawlings NAIA Coach of the Year. He took the Raiders back to the championship game in 2015, falling just short of back-to-back championships.
SOU President Linda Schott referred to Howard as “a terrific leader for our university and its Athletic Department” in a memo to campus.
“In both of those runs through the NAIA playoffs, Coach Howard instilled confidence in his players that allowed them to overcome others’ expectations of them,” the president said. “His teams were underdogs in six of their eight playoff games during those two years.”
After his team won SOU’s first NAIA football title in Daytona Beach, Fla., Howard stripped down with his team and for a triumphant plunge into the Atlantic Ocean – delivering on a promise he’d made at the beginning of that week.
“Coach Howard was energized, passionate and as full of love as ever,” SOU Director of Athletics Matt Sayre said Friday. “He loved his team, his coaches, the recruits he and his staff were talking with and signing, and – above all – his family.
“He was an amazing man,” Sayre said. “He was an inspiration to all those who knew him. He molded men of character, strength and honor and always placed that above winning football games. We will miss him dearly, but are thankful to have had him as our friend, mentor, coach and role model. We are all better people for having Coach Craig Howard in our lives.”
He compiled a record of 50-23 with the Raiders, giving him the best win percentage (.685) in school history.
Prior to winning the 2014 championship, the Raiders had never been past the second round of the 16-team playoff.
Howard’s previous college coaching experience included two stints as defensive coordinator for Oregon Institute of Technology in the late 1970s and 1980s, two years in the same position at Portland State University and two years as Oregon Tech’s head coach from 1991 to 1992.
As a high school coach in Florida, his teams went 76-23 from 2003 through 2010, went to the state championship game three times and won the state title in 2005. His high school athletes included eventual Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.
Howard spent his final hours Thursday doing what he loved: recruiting, and familiarizing future Raiders with the “Character, Strength and Honor” mantra he popularized at SOU.
He is survived his wife, Valerie; daughters Amy and Emily; sons Bo, Jordan and Ryan; and five grandchildren. Bo Howard is an assistant football coach at SOU.
-SOU-
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.

SOU in the News: Dec. 28 to Jan. 8


Media coverage and relevant mentions of Southern Oregon University for the most recent week

SOU student, alumni, faculty and staff news and features

Siskiyou Daily News • Danielle Jester • USA • Jan 5
Artist Profile: Roger Emerson, composer and arranger: Roger Emerson of Mount Shasta, who earned his bachelor’s degree from SOU, composes and arranges for the world’s largest music publisher
The World Link • USA • Jan 4
Geology Lecture Series features 12th annual Cascadia lecture: COOS BAY — Southwestern’s geology lecture series will include an April 15 talk by SOU anthropology Professor Mark Tveskov on “The Archaeology…
Wine Enthusiast Magazine • Sally Easton • USA • Jan 4
How Climate Change is Affecting Wine:The assumption that 50 degrees latitude is the northern limit for viticulture has been altered by climate change, SOU wine climatologist Greg Jones told an audience in England
Caminos • USA • Jan 3
A nuestros vecinos del Rogue Valley (To our Rogue Valley neighbors): SOU President Linda Schott assures the readers of Caminos, the Rogue Valley’s monthly Spanish­language magazine, that the university will “remain…
Medford Mail Tribune • Greg Stiles • USA • Jan 2
Irvine Vineyards plans to build winery, tasting room: Doug and Dionne Irvine launched Irvine Vineyards after consulting SOU wine climatologist Greg Jones about which grape varieties would grow best…
Mail Tribune • Cathy Noah • USA • Jan 1
One last look back: The Mail Tribune’s top stories of 2016 included the death of State Sen. Alan Bates, whose position was filled through the end of the year by…
Mail Tribune • USA • Dec 30
Listening to the birds for early signs of spring: SOU biology Professor Stewart Janes writes about the bird songs that announce spring is coming ­­ even if it may be several months away
Herald and News • Holly Owens • USA • Dec 30
2016 Year in Review: July to August: An outdoor, musical performance of “Natural History” by the Britt Orchestra and Southern Oregon University students was among Klamath area highlights
Medford Mail Tribune • Vickie Aldous • USA • Dec 29
Interim sheriff applicants tout experience: Nathan Sickler, who earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from SOU in 1999, is one of six candidates to become interim Jackson County Sheriff
Corvallis Gazette­Times • Anthony Rimel • USA • Dec 28
On the job with Ryan Noss: Corvallis’ first­-year school Superintendent Ryan Noss earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from SOU

News about SOU academic programs

Medford Mail Tribune • USA • Jan 3
SOU business research classes seek projects: SOU’s undergraduate­- and graduate­-level applied business research classes are seeking winter term research projects, for which students will…

News about fine and performing arts

Daily Tidings • USA • Jan 5
New exhibits, new artists highlight Ashland’s First Friday: SOU’s Center for the Visual Arts features art by students, faculty and community in six of its galleries for the monthly art walk
Medford Mail Tribune • USA • Dec 27
Gabe Young returns to Ashland for oboe concert: Oboist Gabe Young, who has performed from Colorado to Russia, returned to his hometown of Ashland for a Dec. 30 concert at SOU’s Music Recital…

News about politics, policy and national trends impacting SOU and higher education

 KOBI­-TV Channel 5 • Craig Smullin • USA • Dec 27
Five on 5 – Dr. Linda Schott – President of Southern Oregon University: SOU president recaps her first term at the university and the strategic planning process that lies ahead

Miscellaneous news

Medford Mail Tribune • Mark Freeman • USA • Jan 7
SOLC hits goal to buy Rogue River ranch for a preserve: The 352­-acre ranch, which will be purchased and protected by the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, will be open to use by high school classes and SOU researchers
Mail Tribune • USA • Jan 6
Get Out: Friday, Jan. 6: OSU horticulturalist Dennis Albert will focus on botanical surveys of Playa Lakes of Hart Mountain and Sheldon Wildlife refuges in a free talk…
Daily Tidings • Joe Zavala • USA • Jan 5
You’ll make up for this, kids: SOU reopens after two days of weather­related closures; public information officer Joe Mosley explains the university’s process and priorities…
Daily Tidings • Ryan Pfeil • USA • Jan 4
Snow causes closures, slick driving conditions: SOU is among the schools and colleges to remain closed on Wednesday due to inclement weather conditions
Medford Mail Tribune • John Darling for the Mail Tribune • USA • Dec 28
New Ashland convenience market features Indian food: The owner of a new convenience store and Indian deli a few blocks southeast of SOU is banking on customers such as students who are more focused…

Chief of staff for late State Sen. Alan Bates shifts to SOU government relations


NEWS RELEASE (online at https://goo.gl/IAIPcv)
(Ashland, Ore.) — Julie McFadden, who served most recently as chief of staff to the late State Sen. Alan Bates, has been hired to serve as Southern Oregon University’s liaison with state and federal lawmakers. She began work at the university on Monday.
As SOU’s new Director of Government Relations, McFadden will work with elected officials, legislative staff members and others on measures that will benefit the university, its students and the state of Oregon.
“I look forward to helping deliver the messages that higher education is vitally important to Oregon’s future, and our region relies absolutely on what SOU produces – about a thousand graduates each year who are well-prepared to innovate and lead,” McFadden said.
She has spent the past two years as Bates’ chief of staff and served as a field organizer to promote state and local measures.  McFadden’s previous experience includes work as a teacher, executive director of a non-profit and geriatric care manager.
“Working with Senator Bates was an honor, filled with learning and growth opportunities,” she said. “He embodied integrity and commitment to service; he saw us as people first and politics after. I strive to bring what I learned from him, as a legislator and a person, to all my work.”
As the head of Bates’ legislative office, McFadden developed and maintained working relationships with state and federal legislators and administrative staff, lobbyists, union representatives, local leaders and other stakeholders. That position also involved researching policy concepts and law to ensure the passage of effective policies.
“I have enjoyed rich relationships in the Capital as well as in our local community,” she said. “I am proud to bring a pillar of my local community together with my Capital family.”
-SOU-
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University provides outstanding student experiences, valued degrees, and successful graduates. SOU is known for excellence in faculty, intellectual creativity and rigor, quality and innovation in connected learning programs, and the educational benefits of its unique geographic location. SOU was the first university in Oregon—and one of the first in the nation—to offset 100 percent of its energy use with clean, renewable power. It is the first university in the nation to balance 100 percent of its water consumption. Visit sou.edu.