Richard Lariviere, President of the University of Oregon
Richard Lariviere is President of the University of Oregon and a visible leader in the transformation of higher education in the 21st century. He has an unwavering commitment to public research universities as global knowledge engines that change lives and benefit society. His vision for academic excellence includes everyone, including undergraduates.
Earlier this week, President Lariviere was given notice that his contract won’t be renewed. This is a travesty and the campus, alumni, and donor communities are rallying in protest. Within hours, blogs were published, twitter feeds and hashtags launched, and a branding campaign designed by the School of Journalism and Communication. The UO Senate started a petition that garnered over 4,000 signatures in its first two days. Teach-ins and marches are booked for next week.
My message to the Governor, Chancellor, and OUS Board is pasted below. Please consider sending a message of your own.
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Subject: Lariviere decision
Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:10:09 -0800
Dear Governor Kitzhaber, Chancellor Pernsteiner, and members of the OUS
Board:
I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern with your
decision to end Richard Lariviere’s contract as President of the
University of Oregon.
Higher education is in a period of profound and disruptive change.
During the next decade, public institutions like ours face further state
disinvestment, societal expectations for higher quality and lower cost,
demands for accountability, and competitive threats from for-profit and
online enterprises.
Richard Lariviere is exactly the kind of president we need to survive
and thrive through this period. He has the essential leadership
qualities of vision, creativity, passion, inspiration, and courage in
full measure. He is a powerful advocate for the life-changing impact of
higher education, research, and scholarship on individuals, communities,
and society. What some of you may not know is that he also has an
exceptional understanding of the strategic importance of networked
information and communication technologies in the 21st century research
and education environment.
Richard Lariviere is a role model for higher education leaders
everywhere. Instead of letting him go, the Board should recognize his
transformational leadership and celebrate his success. For the sake of
the UO, the OUS system, the people of the state, and the larger
enterprise of public higher education, please reconsider this decision.
Sincerely,
Andrew Bonamici
