SOU Board Embarks on Presidential Search

(Ashland, Ore.) — The Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees is embarking upon a search for the University’s next president. During its Jan. 22 meeting, the Board appointed a committee to assist in the search and selection process.
The Presidential Search Committee is comprised of key members of both internal and external constituent groups, including, but not limited to, the Board of Trustees; SOU faculty, staff, alumni, and students; and members of the Rogue Valley community.
While the committee is expected to provide important insight, the Board wants to ensure the right fit for SOU and will also take into account the interests of the campus and community when making a final decision in selecting SOU’s next president.
Identifying Presidential Search Committee members is the latest in a series of steps the Board has undertaken in order to build the infrastructure and process necessary to complete a robust presidential search. The Board has also contracted with an executive search firm specializing in higher education presidential searches.
“Hiring a University president is one of the most important jobs the Board will ever undertake,” said Bill Thorndike, chair of the SOU Board. “We are shaping the future of the University and our goal is to select the best possible president to help lead us into the next phase of SOU.”
The contract of current president Roy Saigo, who came out of retirement to take the position at SOU in 2014, expires on July 31 of this year.
The next step in the search process will be to solicit input from the SOU campus community and the public. “We want to hear what the community wants and needs in the next president,” according to Lyn Hennion, chair of the Presidential Search Committee and member of the SOU Board. “Our goal is to ensure this search is as well-informed as possible, and to ensure that SOU stakeholders—both on and off campus—have an opportunity to share their thoughts and insights.”
Listening sessions will be held as follows:
 
Wednesday, Feb. 3:
 
Student Listening Session No. 1
9 – 10 a.m.
Meese Room, Hannon Library
 
Staff Listening Session No. 1
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Meese Room, Hannon Library
 
Faculty Listening Session No. 1
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Meese Room, Hannon Library
 
Community: Open Listening Session
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Medford Campus, Auditorium 132
 
Thursday, Feb. 4:
 
Faculty Listening Session No. 2
9 – 10 a.m.
Meese Room, Hannon Library
 
Staff Listening Session No. 2
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Meese Room, Hannon Library
 
Student Listening Session No. 2
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Meese Room, Hannon Library
Members of the community who are unable to attend the public listening session are encouraged to submit input by emailing presidentialsearch@sou.edu. Additionally, anyone interested in following the status of the search can visit presidentialsearch.sou.edu for regular updates.
Representatives from search firm Parker Executive Search will lead the listening sessions and feedback will be shared with the Presidential Search Committee and Board of Trustees.
-SOU-
About Southern Oregon University
Southern Oregon University is a medium-sized campus that provides comprehensive educational opportunities with a strong focus on student success and intellectual creativity. Located in vibrant Ashland, Oregon, SOU remains committed to diversity and inclusion for all students on its environmentally sustainable campus. Connected learning programs taught by a host of exceptional faculty provide quality, innovative experiences for students. Visit sou.edu.