• This concerns my recommendation to the University of Oregon Board of Trustees in connection with a demand by some of our students to remove the names from two buildings at the University of Oregon—Deady Hall and Dunn Hall. Prior to announcing my decision, I would like to discuss some of the events that led up to where we are now.
• Choosing a provost is among the most important decisions a president will make for a university. The provost is the chief academic officer of the institution and, as such, the guardian of our most important functions—education and scholarship. We are fortunate that Scott Coltrane will have served in that role for more than three years, in addition to serving as interim president and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since arriving at the UO in 2008. Now that he has announced he will retire in June 2017, it is vital that I select a worthy successor who will be my partner in advancing the University of Oregon.
• The University of Oregon recognizes the value of Fraternity and Sorority Life as you seek enriching experiences outside the classroom that will help you develop as leaders and citizens of the world. At its best, the Greek system promotes service, scholarship, and community—all traits we hold dear at the UO and want to continue to encourage and foster in a healthy and thriving FSL community.
• The University of Oregon is undergoing a self-examination of its policies and practices with respect to race and inclusion, similar to many other universities throughout the nation. Last year, a group of students under the banner of the Black Student Task Force (BSTF) presented me with a set of 13 demands that ranged from creating new programs and increasing African American enrollment to construction of a Black cultural center on or near campus. We continue to make progress on these issues as outlined in a letter to campus in spring. Today, I am providing new information and asking for input regarding the BSTF’s call to change the names of Deady and Dunn Halls because of the racist views and actions of the men for whom the buildings were named.
• As the University of Oregon hosted the US Olympic Team Trials in track and field earlier this month, I passed the one year mark of my presidency. What a thrill to welcome some of the world’s greatest athletes to campus, to shake the hand of recent UO graduate Jenna Prandini as she left the track, and place a medal around UO student Devon Allen’s neck. I was thoroughly impressed with the caliber of the competition, the enthusiasm of the fans (including many of our alumni, faculty, and staff) and the way in which members of our campus hosted our guests.
• Over the last few years, as the University of Oregon weathered some tumultuous times, Scott Coltrane has stepped up time and time again to provide clear vision, strategic leadership, and a welcome sense of calm. He has worn nearly every academic leadership hat there is at the UO—dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, interim provost, provost, and interim president. The university community owes Scott a tremendous debt of gratitude for all that he has achieved since arriving on campus in 2008.
• Over the past few weeks we have announced the appointments of a new vice president for research and three deans—an unprecedented series of leadership hires that are critical for the University of Oregon’s future and ability to achieve excellence. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Brook Muller, Julianne Newton, and Brad Shelton, all of whom stepped up to serve their units and schools with enormous distinction. Our whole university owes them a tremendous debt of gratitude.
• We are pleased to share with you the attached draft of the IDEAL Framework: A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This document represents more than two years of work by the university, and encompasses efforts of the University-wide Diversity Committee and the Division of Equity and Inclusion.
• One of the hallmarks of a great university is that it does not shy away from tough questions or difficult topics, be they cultural, theoretical, or scientific. Rather, a great university embraces challenges and applies intellectual, academic, and research rigor to delivering solutions that move the community, the nation, and the world forward to make it bette
• I would like to share more about our vision for the university as well as the priorities, strategies, and foundational needs to achieve excellence. I invite you to join me for a campus conversation on April 12 at noon in the Giustina Ballroom at the Ford Alumni Center. Please note the new time and location. I will provide an update on our strategic direction and answer your questions.
