Oregon students offer input on search for new University president
EUGENE, Ore. - After the controversial firing of President Richard Lariviere, students and faculty at the University of Oregon sounded off at a public forum about what they are looking for in a new leader.
The presidential search committee met for the first time on Wednesday more than two months after a state board terminated Lariviere.
The 22-member committee held a series of forums on campus where they allowed students and faculty to speak out about what they are looking for in their next president.
"I'd like a president who responds to student needs and demands," said Jeremy Hedlund, a UO student.
Students at the forum also said they want a president who focuses more on the classroom than the football field.
Some students are frustrated more students aren't speaking out.
"I mean there's 24,000 students here and more of them should be here tonight," said Lindy Mabuya, a UO student. "Other students think no one cares and that they're putting on a show and no one listens to me anyway. They think it's all about money and it's not about students. That's sad."
Some students said they want the same leadership from Lariviere to be in the next candidate.
"I really like that Lariviere stood up for what he believes," said Shane Higgins, a UO student. "I would like another president that would be willing to risk it like that."
Chancellor George Pernsteiner with the Oregon University System said the search committee now has an idea of what criteria the community is looking for in a president.
"We're looking for qualities of being able to effectively convey the importance of the University to different kinds of stakeholders," said Chancellor Pernsteiner. "Also qualities of advocacy and being able to connect with various kinds of constituencies."
Robert Kyr, the UO Senate President, said the university is looking for someone who will move the UO in a direction that works well within the state.
"We're looking for someone who really believes in our shared government system and wants to partner with us to create the very best university we can have," Kyr said.
According to Chancellor Pernsteiner, the search committee plans to start looking at candidates as early as March.
The committee plans to choose a president by the end of June.
In the meantime, Robert Berdahl will continue to serve as interim president.
