Western Oregon to Become Independent Public University in 2015

WOU becomes an independent public university effective July 1, 2015, which is when this newly confirmed board gains governance authority. Photo Courtesy: WOU

(MONMOUTH, Ore. ) — The Oregon State Senate has voted unanimously Wednesday to confirm members of Western Oregon University's inaugural board of trustees.

Governor John Kitzhaber nominated 14 individuals to WOU's new board in late August. WOU becomes an independent public university effective July 1, 2015, which is when this newly confirmed board gains governance authority.

Between now and July 1, the new board members will be preparing for their leadership roles through orientation to WOU, training on best practices for university board governance, adoption of board by-laws and formation of board structure. Board members will also be involved in the search process for a new university president who will begin July 1 as current President Mark Weiss will retire on June 30.

"A board of trustees dedicated to the university's success will position Western to continue doing what we do best - educating Oregonians - while maintaining WOU as a fiscally healthy institution," said WOU President Mark Weiss. "Our size enables individualized attention, excellent faculty and support services, and mentoring for student success; yet we also envision continued expansion of innovative programs, facilities and ways in which courses are delivered. Fundamentally, WOU will play a critical role in helping Oregon achieve its goals for a competitive, educated workforce."

The board of trustees to govern WOU was authorized by Senate Bill 270 during the 2013 regular session of the Oregon State Legislature. The inaugural board members represent the diverse cultural, economic and professional backgrounds found within the Western Oregon University community; they work in education, the private sector, and public service.

The 15-member board includes 11 public members, three members representing WOU (a faculty member, staff member and student), and WOU's president as a non-voting ex-officio member.

The board members are: (complete bios available at http://bit.ly/1piuMNR):

* Jaime Arredondo, secretary-treasurer for Pineros Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (Oregon's Farmworker Union)
* James M. Baumgartner, partner at Black Helterline LLP law firm in Portland and current trustee on the WOU Foundation Board
* Major General Daniel R. Hokanson, the adjutant general of Oregon
* Ivan Hurtado, underwriter for Farmers Insurance
* Gloria Ingle, retired K-12 educator, and council member and elder for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz
* Cecelia 'Cec' Koontz, business manager for Central School District and Monmouth city councilor
* Governor Theodore "Ted" R. Kulongoski, Oregon's governor from 2003-2011
* Dr. John Minahan, former president of WOU
* Dr. Jeanette Mladenovic, executive vice-president and provost at Oregon Health & Science University
* Lane Shetterly, partner in the law firm Shetterly Irick and Ozias; former legislator
* Louis C. Taylor, senior financial advisor at Taylor Wealth Management, and co-founder and chief operations officer for Zon Compounding, LLC
* Dr. Cornelia Paraskevas, professor of English at WOU
* Marshall Guthrie, director of WOU's Student Enrichment Program and Monmouth city councilor
* Sofia Llamas, current student at WOU (education major)
* Mark Weiss, president of WOU

Source: Western Oregon University