Legislative Emergency Board approves SOU allocation

(Ashland, Ore.) — The Oregon Legislature’s Joint Emergency Board voted Thursday to release the second half of a $15 million allocation to Southern Oregon University, signaling lawmakers’ satisfaction that the university is on track to meet agreed-upon milestones for implementation of its Vitality Plan for long-term financial stability and operational innovation.

The 20-member E-Board approved the allocation “without objections” – the equivalent of a unanimous vote – and after a robust and thoughtful discussion. The $7.5 million is the second installment of a $15 million emergency funding package approved by the legislature this spring to maintain SOU’s financial viability through June 2027 and beyond. The funding was contingent on SOU’s development and successful implementation of a plan for long-term fiscal sustainability.

“This is the turning of a corner for Southern Oregon University,” President Rick Bailey said following the vote. “Our short-term financial security is assured, and we are proceeding full-speed ahead with our plan to transform SOU’s academic and operational model for the long term. There is a bright future for SOU and its students, as we shift toward multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary learning, streamlined pathways to completion, experiential learning opportunities and a continued commitment to student success.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to legislators from both political parties for keeping faith with SOU over the past several months as the university has acted with alacrity to resolve its financial issues and build a sustainable model for the future.”

The SOU Board of Trustees approved the final version of the Vitality Plan in July, satisfying one of the conditions set by the legislature. Many legislators offered specific praise today for SOU’s efforts in rethinking its academic and operations models. In particular, Rep. Mark Owens – who voted against the release of the first $7.5 million in June – voted “yes” this morning, citing the university’s financial reporting and stronger forecasting of future conditions in developing the plan and ensuring fiscal stability through June 2029.

Moving forward, Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission will track SOU’s adherence to specific benchmarks in executing the Vitality Plan. SOU is submitting monthly reports on its progress, adhering to measurable implementation yardsticks and offering clear communication with the campus community, state officials and the public.

The Vitality Plan reduces SOU’s $100 million budget by more than $20 million while avoiding impacts on students wherever possible. It preserves pathways to degree completion and leverages resources throughout the Rogue Valley for relevant capstones, internships, mentorships and research projects that combine academic theory with hands-on experience.

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