| February 6, 2002 Contact: Bob Bruce, 503-725-5700 Source: Diane Vines, 507-725-5700 WOU Presidential Search Begins EUGENE - Officials hope to identify and interview finalists for the soon-to-be-vacant presidency at Western Oregon University by the end of May. In a letter sent to the WOU campus community Tuesday, Oregon University System Chancellor Joe Cox said the State Board of Higher Education plans to begin a fast-track search immediately. The position becomes vacant this summer when current WOU President Betty Youngblood leaves to take a new presidency in Michigan. Cox has asked WOU students, faculty and staff to nominate persons by Friday, Feb. 8 for appointment to the search and screening committees. In addition, he said a search firm will be hired to assist in the recruitment process. The Chancellor said he hopes to appoint the search committee by mid-February. Board Secretary Diane Vines will coordinate the search, assisted by Lynda Rose, former associate board secretary, and Penelope Repko, WOU executive assistant to the president. |