A post from the popular campus blog “UO Matters” run by economics professor William Harbaugh reported Thursday night that the search for the next University president has been narrowed down to a candidate from outside the University. The candidate may be on campus next week and has “serious academic chops,” according to the post.
Former ASUO president and member of the presidential search committee Ben Eckstein said the search is in its later stages. Because all members of the search committee signed non-discloser forms, he couldn’t discuss any more details.
The search committee made up of administrators, faculty, students and staff was formed soon after the State Board of Higher Education fired former University president Richard Lariviere in late November. The 21-member committee has been looking through applications for presidential candidates since February and plans to have the new president take office by mid-August.
In a impromptu meeting with students and administrators Thursday evening, interim University President Robert Berdahl said he will be out of office August 1.
More information to come.