President Bailey’s Video Update for January 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.