January 20, 2026 – Enrollment and retention – that’s the mantra at SOU, and those are the topics of this month’s video message from Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey. The state of Oregon provides about $30 million per year in funding for SOU, and the university generates about $282 million annually in economic activity – $9 for every dollar invested by the state. The university keeps that engine humming – and maintains or increases the state’s investment – by increasing the number of students it serves, and by giving those students reasons to remain at SOU through graduation. President Bailey introduces the “SOU Raider Influencer Card,” which has a QR code on the back that allows the holder of the card to waive the fee to apply at SOU. “It’s all about customer service,” he says. Then there’s the “Lollypop Moment” – lollypops with QR codes that enable students to give feedback via a Google Document for great interactions with faculty or staff members. “Project Architect” is the ongoing initiative that aims to bump up both enrollment and retention at SOU, through the mindful and daily efforts of all campus community members.

December 11, 2025 – Progress and momentum are the two themes for this month’s video message from Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey. He points out that SOU is one of just three public universities in Oregon to have a gain in overall student headcount this fall, and that lines up with a new initiative that the university will soon launch. “Project Architect” will have two primary goals: to increase enrollment among first-year students, and to increase overall retention of students – to “hold onto them and make sure they get all the support they need to get to the graduation stage,” President Bailey says. “We have to be the architects of the university we want to be.” This month’s message also touches upon SOU’s value to its region and state. A study from a few years ago found that the university generates $282 million per year in economic activity – almost nine times the $32 million SOU receives from the state’s Public University Support Fund. The governor has recently announced that she wants to elevate Oregon to be one of the nation’s top 10 business-friendly states, and President Bailey notes that the current top 10 states on that list contribute about $5,000 per year more per student in their public universities than Oregon. “Universities are the engines to make that (business-friendly ranking) happen,” he says.

October 9, 2025 – The October video message from Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey comes directly from the climbing wall at the SOU Student Recreation Center, and he starts by pointing out the symbolism of the location. “We need to climb,” he says. “We need to chart a better future.” Part of that is a new enrollment plan designed to improve both recruitment and retention of students. Another part is the university’s new financial management plan, which will help build a stronger and more resilient SOU – a university more capable of withstanding future challenges. “Those are … footholds and handholds on this wall,” President Bailey says. He also offers a shout-out to all who had a part in the alumni events during SOU’s homecoming weekend, and for the recent recognition of a deserving student-athlete. And he talks about discourse, and the need for civility and respect. “It’s not about how much we agree on things,” he says. “We need to not just tolerate but celebrate our differences.”

August 5, 2025 – Dr. Rick Bailey, president of Southern Oregon University, explains that the university’s declaration of financial exigency may sound alarming, but it’s actually a proactive and collaborative step taken in partnership with the faculty union. He emphasizes that SOU is not closing, not declaring bankruptcy, and remains fully operational. Instead, this decision is part of a broader, strategic transformation to safeguard the university’s future and protect students. By embracing this process openly and constructively, SOU is working to ensure long-term stability, resilience, and continued service to its community.

June 3, 2025 – We’re in the run-up to our “favorite day of the year,” and President Rick Bailey has a new video message – from Raider Stadium, the venue for SOU’s June 14 Commencement – to help keep our campus and community informed. has two topics for this month’s video message to campus and the community. As for that favorite day, President Bailey says “we all witness the transformative power of education” during our annual graduation ceremonies. He also congratulates the SOU women’s softball team for winning its fourth NAIA national championship in six years – and doing to in historic fashion, by losing the first game of the tournament and then rallying to take seven in a row to win the title. “You have made us all incredibly proud,” he says. The president also lays out his plans for the summer, including choosing a partner to build and operate the “older adult living project” on the former Cascade Complex site, working on the university’s “SOU Thrive” strategic plan and supporting efforts to ensure SOU’s long term fiscal sustainability. He points out that Oregon has slipped to 46th nationally in state support for public universities, and says “we’ve got to do everything we can to make sure our state understands” the universal benefits of higher ed.