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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 4, 2006 Southern Oregon University President Mary Cullinan delivers her first all-campus address Tuesday. She said changes must be made if SOU is to survive decreasing revenues and increasing costs. (Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli) Cullinan lays out SOU vision 'We need to right size ... we need to rethink,' president says in her welcoming speech By anita burke Mail Tribune Southern Oregon University's new president, Mary Cullinan, asked the campus community to join her in "rethinking SOU" as a new academic year starts in the face of continuing declines in enrollment and funding. The school's top challenges include limited state money for higher education, rising fixed costs at the university, and employment levels that haven't shrunk, even as enrollment has decreased, she said in her welcoming address Tuesday. "We need to 'right size' SOU for its mission and its resources," Cullinan said. "We need to rethink." Cullinan, who took the helm at SOU after Elisabeth Zinser retired in August, said the start of the school year is time to look at what is going well and what should change. While greeting parents during freshman orientation or joining those freshmen on a community-service project pulling ivy in Lithia Park, Cullinan has met people who have connected with faculty members and expect to participate in campus life. Advertisement "There is so much energy here, so much excitement — a desire to be involved, to be connected," she said. But with the praise, she also doled out hard facts on the difficulties SOU must deal with. She noted that Oregon ranks 48th in the nation in percentage of state support for higher education. The state provides about 17 percent of SOU's budget while the bulk comes from tuition. When tuition goes up, enrollment tends to decline. Revenue likely will remain flat, even as costs such as utilities continue to rise, she said. Furthermore, since 1999, enrollment has dropped by 558 full-time equivalents, a number based on credits earned that is used in funding, while staff has grown slightly and the faculty has held steady, she said. "We have more majors and programs than we had a few years ago," she said. "Our new programs are helping to attract new students — but we need to not do some of the things we have been doing, and rethink the things we really need to do." If the university keeps spending as it has and doesn't get more revenue, it will consume its reserves and fall into debt within a year or two, she said. "Unless we address enrollment and budget issues squarely and aggressively, we will find ourselves in a cycle of decline from which we might not emerge," Cullinan said. To face its budget challenges, SOU has shifted money from programs that can support themselves, dipped into reserves and made "temporary and opportunistic cuts," she said. Cullinan called for improved communication and more consultation in developing budgets that align with school priorities and fiscal realities. She commended the campus for ongoing efforts to attract and retain students, which paid off with increased enrollment this fall. She invited students, faculty and staff to join her in collaborating on SOU's next decade. Faculty and administrators expressed "cautious optimism" at Cullinan's strategy and leadership. "The university has faced these problems for many years," said Paul Steinle, associate provost for curriculum and personnel. "Now maybe we can make the changes that are needed." Kemble Yates, chairman of the math department, said Cullinan seemed willing to listen and to recognize what was good about the university as well as areas that need change. "I'm cautiously optimistic that she will be able to lead us through these troubled times," he said. He praised her as genuine and willing to speak the truth and noted that she has a good record at boosting enrollment at universities she led in Texas and California. The faculty understands that unless SOU sees growth or funding changes, personnel cuts might be necessary, said Yates, who is the past chairman of the Faculty Senate. However, most are hoping to see — and be part of — an aggressive campaign to recruit and retain students. "We are willing to do the best we can to give her the opportunity she needs," he said. Reach reporter Anita Burke at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing UK Homeowner Loans GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com