06/01/2016 • I am incredibly honored and humbled to stand here before members of my family, my mentors, friends, advisors, colleagues, and students—to formally accept the responsibility of leading this great institution—the University of Oregon. I would not be here without the confidence and clear vision of the Board of Trustees and its chair, Chuck Lillis. I thank all of you; welcome you, and I am honored you selected me to lead the University of Oregon at this pivotal time in the institution’s history.

05/12/2016 • 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.

05/12/2016 • 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.

05/06/2016 • Debates concerning university building and statuary naming and denaming decisions have placed several important issues front and center across the nation. One particular issue is the challenge many prestigious universities face as they grapple with how to recognize historic figures whose opinions and views have proved to be abhorrent by today’s moral standards. It’s a challenge, too, for the University of Oregon as well as a leadership opportunity.

04/26/2016 • 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

04/20/2016 • I want to thank the many faculty, staff and students who came to my Campus Conversation forum last week. For those of you who could not attend, a video of the session and the written remarks are now available the Office of the President website.

04/12/2016 • A year ago when I accepted this position, it was with determination, enthusiasm, and great hope. I came to the UO for the love of public higher education, with appreciation for your work, and the intent to make a difference. I know that has at times meant shaking things up a bit and making hard decisions, which is part of the reason why I am here today — to share my vision, and be open and clear about our direction.

03/29/2016 • 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.

02/23/2016 • The following message was sent by Vice President for Student Life Robin Holmes, Assistant Vice President and Title IX Coordinator Darci Heroy, and Director of Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity and Deputy Title IX Officer Penny Daugherty regarding employee reporting responsibilities.

02/09/2016 • Pursuant to university policy, I have received the recommendations of the Tuition and Fee Advisory Board. The number one priority for our university is to achieve excellence in teaching and research, and I believe that this tuition plan, as part of our overall strategic budget, is necessary to enable us to achieve those goals.