My time as interim president of the University of Oregon ends next month, when Michael Gottfredson assumes the presidency. It has been a privilege to return to UO after being away 25 years and to maintain the university's positive trajectory during this time of transition.

The educational changes under way in Oregon are exciting. If the state can succeed in carrying through with them, they hold great promise for the entire spectrum of education, from early childhood through higher education. These changes began in 2011, with the adoption of the ambitious "40-40-20" goal -- a directive to Oregon's educational leaders calling for 40 percent of all adult Oregonians to have bachelor's degrees, 40 percent to have associate degrees or industry certification and 20 percent to have high school diplomas.

Read the full article on the Oregonian's website.