Document text
Reno plans to leave SOU Takes position in New Hampshire By WENDY SIPOREN ASHLAND -- Southern Oregon University President Stephen Reno has accepted a position as chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire beginning Aug. 1. He is expected to announce the details of his departure at a press conference this morning. New Hampshire search committee chairman Stephen Taylor said Reno brings a strong commitment to public higher education and a deep concern for quality teaching and research. "The committee was deeply impressed with Dr. Reno's ideas for advancing our colleges and university and with his recognition of the need to bring all the stakeholders together to assure the highest possible achievement in every aspect of the system's endeavors," Taylor said in a press release. "We also found that he is an academic leader who is effective in forming partnerships between campuses and the business, technology and other important communities." Created in 1963, the New Hampshire University System encompasses five main campuses and New Hampshire Public Television. It enrolls some 27,000 students and has an overall budget of $425 million. Its administrative offices are in Lee, N.H., about 5 miles from the University of New Hampshire, Durham campus. Reno, 55, became president of SOU in 1994 after serving as its provost and dean of faculty for five years. From 1980 to 1989, he held faculty and administrative positions at the University of Southern Maine. From 1970 to 1979 he was a professor of religion at the University of Leichester in England. Reno has overseen SOU's transformation from college to university and has negotiated the school through recent lean budget years. In 1997, Reno was a candidate for president of the State University of New York but withdrew his candidacy, citing budget woes similar to those he has experienced in Oregon. At the time, Reno said he was interested in the position because it was close to the family of his wife, Kit. "My family is my most important consideration," he said then. "And a chance to be closer to relatives and friends cannot be overlooked." Reno will succeed former Chancellor William Farrell, who will retire after eight years in the position. The five campuses include: the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, University of New Hampshire (Durham), College for Lifelong Learning, Keene State College and Plymouth State College. Reno is expected to be formally appointed at a special meeting of the system's Board of Trustees Friday. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA