Education
SOU prepares for strategic realignment to solidify financial future
Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey has announced an emerging plan to address an outdated financial model that has left SOU and many other public higher education institutions relying too heavily on tuition revenue to balance their budgets. According to Bailey, the work over the next several months will be…
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Former SOU administrator and consultant appointed to university board
Liz Shelby, who retired from Southern Oregon University after serving as director of government relations and chief of staff, and lobbyist and government relations consultant Iris Maria Chávez have both been appointed by Gov. Kate Brown and confirmed today by the Oregon Senate to serve on the university’s Board of Trustees. They will…
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Lithia & GreenCars pledge historic commitment, set SOU’s philanthropic bedrock
(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University and Medford-based Lithia Motors have announced a philanthropic partnership that will serve as the bedrock of future innovations at SOU. Lithia’s commitment exceeds $12 million and is the largest-ever single gift to the university. The contributions from Lithia Motors (NYSE: LAD) create the Lithia & GreenCars Momentum Fund,…
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SOU’s launch of new operating platform to save $750K annually
Southern Oregon University has begun a phased launch of a new operational software platform that is expected to eventually save the university more than $750,000 in recurring costs each year. It will improve user experiences and modernize processes for both students and employees. SOU’s shift to the Workday platform – which will…
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SOU leaders to honor alumnus and friends of the university in Guanajuato ceremony
A contingent from Southern Oregon University will visit sister institution Universidad de Guanajuato in the coming days to present SOU’s highest service award to prominent Mexican politician and SOU alumnus Juan Carlos Romero Hicks and his wife, Frances “Faffie” Siekman Romero. “Juan Carlos and Faffie are true and longstanding friends of SOU and our entire…
Read MoreNew SOU program offers degree in Sustainable Tourism Management
Southern Oregon University’s newest academic program will provide students the tools they need to recognize and address the role of sustainability in the tourism industry, and to become leaders of tourism-related organizations – from regional to global – that commit to sustainable business practices. SOU’s unique Sustainable Tourism Management bachelor’s degree…
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Ten SOU trustees appointed and confirmed
Three new and seven continuing members have been appointed by Gov. Kate Brown and confirmed today by the Oregon Senate to serve on the Board of Trustees of Southern Oregon University. The new trustees are Brent Barry, superintendent of the Phoenix-Talent School District; SOU faculty member Andrew Gay; and SOU alumna…
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First Presbyterian Church of Ashland gifts scholarship to SOU Native American Studies
What began as a partnership among Southern Oregon University and community organizations to see Indigenous Peoples’ Day instituted at SOU and in the City of Ashland a number of years ago has continued to evolve into further advocacy for Native people. Representatives of the First Presbyterian Church of Ashland signed…
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SOU Digital Cinema program launches unique “Crew Experience”
After a two-year pandemic delay, Southern Oregon University has launched its innovative, new, 12-credit spring immersion course called “The Crew Experience.” Student filmmakers spend an entire term learning on location, collaborating under the supervision of faculty and experienced industry mentors on the set of a significant film project designed to…
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Medford school district, SOU sign agreement to increase college access
A new intergovernmental agreement between Southern Oregon University and the Medford School District (MSD) will be “a game-changer for college awareness and access,” providing the basic contact information of MSD high school students so the university can offer them timely enrollment guidance and opportunities. “What this will do is allow…
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Late wrestling coach leaves largest-ever gift to SOU
Legendary Southern Oregon University wrestling coach Bob Riehm’s influence at SOU and within the wrestling program will continue in perpetuity, with a $3 million donation from his estate announced today that ranks as the largest-ever single gift to the university. The bequest was announced by the university and his surviving…
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SOU President Rick Bailey Jr. – March 2022 Update
This is an Otter.ai Transcription of Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey March YouTube video. Hi everybody, this is Rick Bailey, President at Southern Oregon University. Thank you as always for tuning in to our latest video update for our university and our community. Let’s start today with a celebration.…
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