Dear members of our campus community,
Earlier this morning, Chair Clough and I had a meeting with Governor Kotek, who used the moment to reiterate her commitment to our university and a deep appreciation for the work we are all doing together here at SOU. She also released a message yesterday on social media and to media outlets, expressing the importance of our institution to the region and state. All of us want to express our deep gratitude to the governor for her valuable support. Her message is here for your awareness:
“My office is aware that Southern Oregon University is facing serious financial challenges driven primarily by enrollment shifts and rising costs. SOU is an important, independent academic institution, and I appreciate their leadership’s transparency and focus on responsible financial management.
“SOU is vital to the southern Oregon economy and a key driver of opportunity and workforce development. My office is monitoring the situation and working closely with SOU to chart a path forward. My focus will be on serving students and the broader community for the best interests of the state.”
In the coming weeks, we will continue robust conversations with the Governor’s Office, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission and legislative leaders to work out the details of a support package for SOU through the remainder of this biennium (June 2027). We will also engage in a larger statewide discussion about long-term stability pathways for SOU and our sibling institutional partners.
I want to express our sincerest gratitude to our faculty and staff leaders, as well as an outstanding group of students who travelled to Salem yesterday to advocate on our behalf at the state’s University Lobby Day. I heard nothing but positive feedback from state leaders. Thank you for being great ambassadors for our university.
I will continue to update you all on a regular basis as more information becomes available. I know the past few weeks have been emotionally challenging for all of us. We know that this institution is a special gift and is worth fighting for. We will now – as we have always done – come together with courage and determination to forge ahead.
In the meantime, please take care of yourself and each other, and have a joyous and restful Valentine’s Day weekend.
