Push For Independence and Growth
The University occupies 80 buildings. However, there are also many ongoing construction projects, which are expected to help accommodate an increase in total undergraduate enrollment. Additionally, it is speculated that the university will establish an engineering school in the not too distant future.
There is currently a growing movement to establish an independent university board. Proponents believe an independent board will give the university more autonomy, and free it from relying on inadequate state funding. Additionally, it is believed that an independent board will help pave the way for a new $1.6 billion dollar endowment.
On March 31, 2012, a Political Action Committee called Oregonians For Higher Education Excellence was formed by Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle. As of May 23, 2012, the organization has raised over $320,000. Notable contributors to the PAC include, Phil Knight, Patrick Kilkenny, and Tim Boyle. According to Boyle, the PAC will help facilitate an increase in autonomy at the University of Oregon.
On June 11, 2012, provost and executive vice-chancellor of UC Irvine Michael R. Gottfredson was announced as the sole finalist for the position of president. Gottfredson will succeed interim president Robert M. Berdahl effective August 1, 2012.
Read more about this topic: University Of Oregon, History
Famous quotes containing the words push, independence and/or growth:
“To be admitted to Nature’s hearth costs nothing. None is excluded, but excludes himself. You have only to push aside the curtain.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“The Indian’s intercourse with Nature is at least such as admits of the greatest independence of each.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“When I have plucked the rose,
I cannot give it vital growth again,
It needs must wither. I’ll smell it on the tree.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)