SOU President Mary Cullinan has released a response to a vote of “no confidence” in administration that was cast by school faculty members on Wednesday, March 5.
This vote indicated a lack of confidence in Cullinan, Vice President of Finance and Administration Craig Morris, and Provost Jim Klein in the midst of financial difficulties and retrenchment within the university. In compliance with Oregon law, SOU Faculty Senate now have the opportunity to make a recommendation to Cullinan that Morris and Klein be removed from their positions.
Cullinan’s response comes from an email sent out Thursday evening:
“Southern Oregon University is experiencing the challenges that face many smaller institutions like ours. This is a very stressful time. Difficult faculty contract bargaining, combined with challenging budget decisions, has caused an unprecedented amount of stress on campus.
“I deeply appreciate faculty concerns and respect the right of the Faculty Senate to exercise this section of their By-laws. I will continue to work with faculty and administration to finalize the retrenchment plan that will align our costs and revenues while positioning us for strategic investments and a sustainable future.
“I will also continue working with faculty, as well as with staff, students, and our external community, to ensure SOU maintains a strong path forward despite the shifting environment around us.”
