I set out this summer to learn as much as I could about how others are interpreting and responding to the trends that are underway – or expected to happen – in higher education. One of my most rewarding stops was in Baltimore at the Future of Public Higher Ed conference.
It was fascinating to learn more about challenges facing the region when I attended the Oregon Coastal Caucus Economic Summit last week. The annual event brings together all legislators serving coastal districts, along with other invited state and national leaders.
I’ve spent the past few days in Florence, attending the Oregon Coastal Caucus Economic Summit. The annual event began in 2012 and is organized by Senator Arnie Roblan (D, Coos Bay) and his staff. All of the legislators serving coastal districts participate, as do other state and national leaders.
I presented on the first day and then spent the rest of my time learning about coastal issues. It was a great learning experience!
I had the honor this week of recognizing a member of our community for a lifetime of service and activism. Agnes Baker Pilgrim, who you probably know as “Grandma Aggie,” has given voice to the voiceless and achieved wisdom beyond even her 95 years.
Last Friday I visited the campus of Texas A&M University-San Antonio. The president there, Cynthia Teniente-Matson, and I are both on the Board of AASCU, and she kindly welcomed me for a tour of campus and a discussion of its mission and goals.
I’ve spent the week visiting my son, who lives in the shadow of Eastern Michigan University, and have gained some insights into how institutions of higher education are faring here in the Midwest.
I had the pleasure this morning of attending a keynote address by higher education author Jeff Selingo at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Summer Council of Presidents in Minneapolis. I came away encouraged that our campus has been talking about – and doing – many of the right things to prepare SOU and its students for a rapidly changing future.
Our budget- and tuition-setting process this spring has been more stressful for all of us than we would have hoped, but it is nearing an end. The Oregon Legislature appears to have settled on an allocation that’s more favorable for higher education than we anticipated a few months ago.
The SOU Board of Trustees agreed today with my recommendation for a tuition rate increase for the 2019-20 academic year that will be tied directly to the level at which higher education is eventually funded by the Oregon Legislature.
We are all asked to back various causes, some of which are nearer to our hearts than others. I think it’s safe to assume we all have a soft spot for the students on our campus, so I’m hoping you will join me in supporting the Raider Week of Giving, April 29 to May 5.