FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Results from Confidence Vote at SOU
The faculty of Southern Oregon University (SOU) announced the results of a confidence vote of their top three administrators today. The administrators are President Mary Cullinan, Provost James Klein, and Vice President of Finance and Administration Craig Morris.
Craig Morris, Vice President of Finance and Administration, received 165 (76%) votes of no confidence. Seventeen percent of faculty did not vote and 7% expressed confidence.
James Klein, Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, received 154 (71%) votes of no confidence. Fifteen percent of the faculty did not vote and the remaining 14% expressed confidence.
Mary Cullinan, President, received 136 (63%) votes of no confidence. Seventeen percent of the faculty did not vote and the remaining 20% expressed confidence.
The SOU Faculty Senate authorized the confidence vote at its February 10, 2014 meeting. The vote was held in response to long-standing concerns of SOU faculty over the lack of effective leadership provided by these administrators. Faculty have also expressed concerns that the fiscal mismanagement of these administrators has exacerbated the financial challenges that SOU continues to face.
As required by Oregon Administrative Rules and the Faculty Senate Bylaws in this situation, a recommendation will be sent to President Cullinan for the removal of Provost Klein and Vice President Morris. The Senate will discuss further actions at its meeting on March 10, 2014.
The faculty of SOU remain committed to the success and long-term sustainability of the institution. Southern Oregon University is committed to serving current and future undergraduate and graduate students by continuing to deliver a quality liberal arts education at this regional public university.
David Carter
Faculty Senate Chair Southern Oregon University
carterda@sou.edu