Lariviere Out as U of O President

[SlyPokerDog]

WW has learned from three sources that Oregon University System board members met with University of Oregon President Richard Lariviere on Monday, telling him that when his contract expires in June, it will not be renewed. Gov. John Kitzhaber surprised Lariviere by affirming that decision in a 4 p.m. meeting today.

Lariviere became president of the state's flagship university on July 1, 2009, replacing Dave Frohnmayer. He came from the University of Kansas, where he was provost, and brought a brainy (he has a doctorate in Sanskrit from University of Pennsylvania) and sharp-elbowed style that was refreshing to some, and offensive to others. He gave substantial raises to U of O faculty in the teeth of the recession, spoke provocatively for a college president (comparing college athletics to Lady Gaga) and, in his most controversial move, shopped an idea to have the the state sell $1 billion in bonds, which U of O would then match with private fundraising.

http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-27915-breaking_lariviere_out_as_u_of_o_president.html

 

[Mediocre Man]

Huh, that's a bit unexpected


I feel the need to go on



This was a man who was trying to make the University more profitable, but also not rely as much on taxpayer money. Why in the fuck would they get rid of him? I guess we should expect a yes man flunky as the new President soon.

 

[tlongII]

I'm guessing this has something to do with a connection to Willie Lyles.

 

[Mediocre Man]

I'm guessing this has something to do with a connection to Willie Lyles.

Wrong, but keep trying

 

[Natebishop3]

I'm guessing this has something to do with a connection to Willie Lyles.

LOL right.... no I'm guessing this has something do with Paul Allen and Lariviere having personality differences.

 

[Targus]

That sucks. I have no direct insight other than what I read and hear from others. But, I have to assume this is all due to his desire and success in creating independent oversight boards which takes power away from those in Salem, and places it in the hands of Universities who are running the day to day academics - and this doesn't just apply to UO. Take away power from someone, and you're sure to ruffle some feathers. Here's what others are saying:

The nitwits running this state don't deserve a good leader like Lariviere. He bruised ego's because they are a bunch of elitist snobs, that don't like the fact he was pushing for U of O independence from the horribly failed Oregon higher education system. But the snobs are all about control, and don't like new idea's that threaten some of their turf. Idiots every damn one. Lariviere was a great man for the job after Frohnmayer.

The OUS can now manage itself without being poisoned by state oversight. Lariviere was a big part of it.

I thought that President Lariviere has done a good job and I loved the self sufficiency plan. Hopefully our donors, alumni and students raise hell about this. The state does not have the best interest of the University of Oregon in mind.

He wants U of O to be excellent. Little did he know that this state aims for mediocrity.


scout.com

 

[Targus]

Here's an interesting letter that was recently posted:

Dear _____,

Last night I shared the following message with campus that my contract as president of the University of Oregon will not be renewed. I am proud of the University of Oregon and honored to have served as president. Thank you.
I received news on Monday in a meeting with the chair of the State Board of Higher Education that my contract as president of the University of Oregon will not be renewed. I was told I could resign or accept the termination of my contract, which runs through July 1, 2012, and I am weighing those options at this time.

This turn of events is a result of the ongoing difference of opinion over the future of the UO. But meaningful change often turns on uncomfortable moments, and it is my hope that I will be leaving the university well-positioned to take advantage of ongoing reforms to our state’s system of public universities.

Since becoming the UO’s 16th president in July 2009, my focus has been on enhancing the education of our students at Oregon’s flagship public university. I have sought to do this by focusing on our critical public mission and tapping the brilliance and innovation that resides here among our faculty, staff and students.

The UO has had a leading voice in public discussions that resulted in this year’s legislative overhaul to the structure of Oregon’s entire educational system – from early childhood education through post-doctoral studies. Our bold ideas have led to the promise of additional changes in the not-too-distant future, including eventual consideration of our proposal for individual universities to form local governing boards.

But our primary mission has been to provide educational opportunity and academic excellence, and you have taken both to new heights. Enrollment is at an all-time high this year, topping last year’s record enrollment. Much has been made of our ability to attract out-of-state and international students, but we are also educating more Oregon students than ever before. This year’s freshman class is the most diverse and has the highest grade point average of any incoming class in UO history, and we have raised freshman-to-sophomore retention to a new level.

We are what great students look for in a university. We are different, and embrace difference. We have brilliant, dedicated faculty, cutting-edge research, and award-winning programs. Through careful financial stewardship we were able to give well-earned salary increases to faculty and staff. The UO’s research grant funding is setting records as well.

Even though the past 2 ½ years have been difficult economic times for our entire country, we have generated a quarter of a billion dollars in private gifts at the UO and we have half a billion dollars in ongoing construction projects.

One of my proudest accomplishments is the concerted advocacy for public policy, governance and funding changes to strengthen the university and the entire state. I remain hopeful that honest debate and the exploration of new ideas – whether academic or political – will be celebrated and encouraged.

I wanted you to hear this news from me personally, not read about it elsewhere. I encourage all of you to channel your energy into advancing the momentum we have built together. Thank you for the great work you do. I am intensely proud to be your colleague.


Sincerely,


Richard Lariviere

 

[tlongII]

It really was about accountability to his superiors. He didn't do what they wanted so he got canned.

 

[KevinJBonn]

He was only in charge for the last term I went there, but I really liked his leadership style. I can't think of really a single incident I've heard of in which he actually did something to rub anyone the wrong way within the university community. He has really fought pretty hard to make some seriously good changes for the school that I'm entirely behind. My Alma Mater is actually gaining a reputation as a decent school, and my degree is becoming more valuable as a result. This sort of thing is exactly what has kept the entire state of Oregon so middle of the road all these years. I hope all this outrage does something to change this.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

He was only in charge for the last term I went there, but I really liked his leadership style. I can't think of really a single incident I've heard of in which he actually did something to rub anyone the wrong way within the university community. He has really fought pretty hard to make some seriously good changes for the school that I'm entirely behind. My Alma Mater is actually gaining a reputation as a decent school, and my degree is becoming more valuable as a result. This sort of thing is exactly what has kept the entire state of Oregon so middle of the road all these years. I hope all this outrage does something to change this.

Well, most of us answer to someone on the job (or to our wives, if married). When we don't do what is asked or required, the results generally aren't pleasant.