Oregon Board of Higher Education President Neil Goldschmidt resigned from the board Thursday, citing health problems. However, a Portland newspaper alleges that the former Oregon governor’s resignation is actually due to a sex scandal.
Goldschmidt, a University graduate, also said in a statement that he will resign from the Oregon Electric Utility Company and will be taking a leave of absence from his consulting firm, Goldschmidt Imeson Carter.
An innovative businessman who many had hoped would help alleviate the state’s ailing higher education system, Goldschmidt was appointed to the board in January as part of Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s efforts to overhaul the higher education system. Since his appointment, the system has undergone several changes, including the resignation of Chancellor Richard Jarvis.
Goldschmidt said he suffers from several heart-related problems, including atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat and blockage of arteries to the heart. He said his resignations are part of lifestyle changes recommended by his personal physician and family.
However, Willamette Week reported on its Web site that Goldschmidt’s decision “is connected to this newspaper’s two-month probe into reports that between 1975 and 1978, while Goldschmidt was mayor of Portland, he had sexual relations with a girl who was 14 years old at the time the relations began.”
The paper also said it sent a letter to Goldschmidt on Wednesday “summarizing the story the paper had prepared and asked for comment.”
Oregon University System spokeswoman Di Saunders said she expects the board’s vice chairman to make a statement sometime this morning. She said further comment was not available because many higher education officials were traveling to a board meeting at Eastern Oregon University.
University President Dave Frohnmayer, who is also attending the board meeting, said in a statement that he agreed with Goldschmidt’s decision to step down.
“We are deeply concerned about Governor Goldschmidt’s health condition,” he said. “From a personal and family standpoint, he has undoubtedly made a prudent decision.”
Frohnmayer said Goldschmidt’s move will be a blow to the university system because of his efforts to help it operate more effectively.
“Over the last six months, his energy and leadership have brought higher education to the forefront of public attention,” he said. “He has articulated the critical importance of a first-rate system of higher education to our state’s future.”
Frohnmayer added that he hopes Goldschmidt will remain involved with higher education.
“We hope his voice will continue to be heard even without his official role,” Frohnmayer said.
ASUO spokeswoman Taraneh Foster said it was too soon for ASUO officials to comment on Goldschmidt’s resignation.
Goldschmidt is a Eugene native and former vice president of Nike and president of Nike Canada. He also served as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation for President Jimmy Carter from 1979 to 1981.
ASUO President-elect Adam Petkun said Goldschmidt’s resignation will be a loss because the board had been moving forward with revamping the higher education system under his tutelage.
“It is sad to be losing him right now,” Petkun said. “His leadership will be missed.”
Oregon Student Association
Executive Director John Wykoff said Goldschmidt’s role as president affected higher education.
“I can say that they’re tough shoes to fill,” Wykoff said. “He brought a lot of energy to the cause of higher education that will be hard to replace.”
Wykoff added that Goldschmidt kept an open mind about differences between the opinions of University officials and students, a vital ability.
“Goldschmidt was able to come to it with an open mind,” Wykoff said.