December 11, 2025 – President Rick Bailey invites all members of SOU’s campus community to enjoy the promise and excitement of a new academic year that will begin later this month. He says it’s the “magical relationship between students, faculty and staff” that make SOU such a special place in higher education, and that those relationships will begin growing from the start of classes on Sept. 25. President Bailey discusses a recent trip to Taiwan with the presidents of some other public universities in Oregon, and the potential for new relationships with Taiwanese universities. He also points out that a nationwide delay in updating this year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form – a key document for most forms of financial aid – will likely affect fall term enrollment numbers at SOU, and at other universities throughout the state and across the country. But he said SOU’s Financial Aid Office was the first in Oregon to roll this year’s financial aid packages out to students, and is continuing to work with new and returning students. “When we do face challenges, and when we come together as a campus community, there is no obstacle that we cannot overcome,” the president said.

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.