University of Oregon President Michael Schill had a very busy summer and early fall, getting to know the university, and its faculty, students, and staff. He has also taken time to connect with and get to know some of Oregon’s leaders. 

In August, President Schill joined a group of policy makers from around Oregon in Grand Ronde for the annual Oregon Coast Economic Summit, sponsored by the Oregon Coastal Caucus. At the summit, he and a panel of higher education experts discussed the connection of higher education to the Oregon economy and a host of other topics. On the wings of the summit, President Schill met with federal, state, and local leaders, and representatives of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes. More about the UO’s participation in the summit is here.

Eugene-area leaders welcomed President Schill during a mid-September reception at the Hult Center hosted by the city of Eugene. Below is a picture of President Schill speaking with Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy and Bethel School District Superintendent Colt Gill at that event. 

President Schill was invited to offer testimony to the Oregon House Higher Education, Innovation, and Workforce Development Committee during the Legislature’s fall legislative days. President Schill and President Tom Insko of Eastern Oregon University, Oregon’s newest university presidents, discussed their priorities for their respective institutions. President Schill emphasized his plans to build the faculty to enhance research and expand scholarship and advising to increase student access and success. His full remarks are here.