April 25, 2022

Dear University of Oregon community,

It is with a mixture of sadness and great appreciation for my colleague that I write today to announce Dr. R. Kevin Marbury, Vice President for Student Life, will be retiring in July. During his nearly 10 years here—it will officially be 10 years when he retires in July—Kevin has left a lasting mark on the student experience at the University of Oregon and how our community defines what it means to be a Duck.

During his time at the UO, Kevin was instrumental in a number of efforts, each focused on making sure students had the support and resources they needed to be successful. Kevin arrived at the University of Oregon in 2012 and hit the ground running, literally, as the director of Physical Education and Recreation. As director, he led the expansion of the Student Rec Center, renovating 40,000 square feet and adding 110,000 square feet of enhanced fitness amenity upgrades and sustainable designs.

In 2017, I appointed Kevin as the vice president for student life, a role that includes oversight of PE and Rec, Office of the Dean of Students, Erb Memorial Union, and the University Career Center. Under his leadership, student life established our first university-wide crisis support fund to provide financial assistance to students in crisis. This fund has been crucial in supporting our students, especially when COVID-19 abruptly disrupted university life.

Kevin has also served as co-chair of the Tuition and Fees Advisory Board since fall 2018. He was a key player in helping the university establish its guaranteed tuition program, eliminating the uncertainty of what a UO degree will cost for our incoming students and their families. Kevin was also instrumental in the development and opening of the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center, which has quickly become a hub for community and success for Black-identified students.

Most recently, Kevin was honored with a lifetime achievement award from NIRSA—Leaders in Collegiate Recreation. He received the association’s highest recognition, the 2022 Honor Award, for his exemplary service to the association and his impressive achievements in the field of collegiate recreation. I again would like to congratulate Kevin on this award and on the incredible impact he has had on the student experience at the University of Oregon.

Kevin’s last day as vice president will be July 15, 2022. We will launch a national search for his replacement sometime next academic year. I am also pleased to share that Dr. Kris Winter, associate vice president for student life, has agreed to serve as interim vice president for student life. Kris is a graduate of the University of Oregon and came here as our associate vice president and dean of students in 2016. In that role, she has led countless efforts and programs to support the success, health, and well-being of our students. Kris will begin as interim vice president on July 16.

Along with Kevin, his wife and partner of 41 years, Barbara Marbury, will also be retiring from the university in July. Barbara is currently the coordinator for the Bridge Programs in the Division of Equity and Inclusion, serving in the important role of helping students prepare for college. Her vision and talent for building community have helped establish new bridge programs to recruit underrepresented students to the UO and help them find meaningful connection here as students. Barbara and Kevin’s dedication to academic excellence and community building have been inspirational to many and helped both students and colleagues find a home at the University of Oregon.

In my time working with Kevin, I have found him to be an innovative and thoughtful leader. It would be challenging to find someone who is as passionate and dedicated, who cares so deeply about the success, health, and welfare of students at the University of Oregon. I want to thank Kevin for his incredible work over the years supporting our students, for his counsel and support, and for his unwavering commitment to the University of Oregon. Please join me in wishing him and Barbara the very best in their next chapter.

Sincerely,

Michael H. Schill
President and Professor of Law