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Hopkins-Powell applies for SOU vacancy By Sara Murphy ASHLAND � Sara Hopkins-Powell, interim president of Southern Oregon University, announced she�s throwing her hat in the ring to be the university�s next permanent president. If she gets the job, Hopkins-Powell will be the first woman to see her poster-sized portrait hang in the Stevenson Union�s presidential gallery. Don�t look for it just yet, however. The search will take months, officials say. Finalists will be announced in spring. Applications in the national search were due Monday, said Oregon University System spokesman Bob Bruce. He didn�t know how many had been received, but said names will be kept confidential until finalists are selected. Hopkins-Powell, 50, announced her candidacy Tuesday, but said she will not make further statements "to preserve the fairness and confidentiality of the search procedure." In a prepared statement, she said: "I have a deep commitment to Southern and upon reflection believe I have something to offer the institution as we move to the future." Chancellor Joe Cox, a former SOU president, appointed Hopkins-Powell to serve as interim president in June. Former President Steve Reno and the State Board of Higher Education unanimously recommended her appointment. Reno, who resigned to be chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire, described Hopkins-Powell last spring as "first-class." Reno hired her in 1993 as assistant to the provost when he held that post. She was promoted to associate provost, then named provost and vice president for academic affairs in 1996. Prior to 1993, Hopkins-Powell developed outreach programs for rural health care providers at the University of California-Davis Medical School and Medical Center. She holds a doctorate in higher education and public policy from UC Berkeley. The current presidential search is the first at SOU since 1987, when Cox was brought in from Arizona, said 18-year SOU veteran Ron Bolstad, dean of administration and finance. Reno was promoted from provost to president in 1994 without a national search, he said. Bolstad said he was pleased Hopkins-Powell applied for the position. She shows a strong commitment to making education accessible and skill at including the various "stakeholders" in university decisions, he said. Student body president Scott Young said Hopkins-Powell has worked this fall to help SOU define its direction and has been receptive to student opinions. "It�s always exciting that somebody from Southern who knows the campus and the community is entering the race," Young said. SOU Foundation board member John Schweiger said he believes Hopkins-Powell�s independent thinking is one of her leadership strengths. "She�s not afraid to speak her mind. She�ll stand up for what she believes," he said. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Sara Murphy at 482-4655, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.