President's Blog

I just cannot delete this blog yet

2008-02-26T11:20:00.000-08:00

It's Valeree. I'm not able to bring myself to delete this blog right now. I anticipate letting it go in the Spring. For right now, it is comforting to pull it up and see photos of Martha Anne and read about things that interested her.

Honoring our supporters

2007-08-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

The evening before commencement each year President Dow bestows a number of awards to people and organizations helping OIT reach its potential. Among these is the Greatest Service Award. As President Dow was undergoing treatment, she was unable to attend the event. However, she videotaped segments to honor award recipients.

Here are the awards that were presented and some photographs from the evening:

An Outstanding Government Partner Award was presented to the Crater Lake National Park Staff, specifically Chuck Lundy, Mac Brock and Marsha McCabe.

President Dow was chair of the Crater Lake Trust for two years. Her background in microbiology and love of the great outdoors brought synergy to her involvement with the Trust. A dream she long harbored in her heart was to provide educational opportunities for students, across the continuum, at the National Park.

This dream came to fruition last summer, when the Science and Learning Center was opened in the former Superintendent’s Cottage at the Park. OIT and Southern Oregon University each have a faculty member working at the Center to provide educational pursuits for students ranging from kindergartners to post-graduate studies.

Chuck, Mac and Marsha worked tirelessly to make this possible. Their love and dedication to the Park and willingness to embrace the possibility of partnership will serve to introduce thousands of new minds and hearts to the wonder of Crater Lake.

Chuck Lundy and Mac Brock of Crater Lake National Park receive their award from Provost and Acting President Dave Woodall.

OIT’s Outstanding Community Partner honor was bestowed upon John Dey.

John is co-chair, along with Nancy Wendt, for the capital campaign raising funds for the Oregon Center for Health Professions. For those of you not acquainted with this effort, the Center is the building being constructed south and west of here. It is the first new building to be constructed on campus in 20 years and will allow OIT to expand its allied health professions enrollment.

John has personally walked the legislative halls telling the story about the importance of this effort. His commitment and dedication to OIT is remarkable. John has been engaged in promoting economic development for the Klamath area for many years. He understands the role OIT plays in building a stable future for this community and the state.

John has also become personally acquainted with the students here. He and his wife, Nancy, have mentored OIT students. The students receive great benefit from these interactions, but this has also served to enhance John’s dedication to the university. John Dey and his family’s business – Harvest Ford – are longtime supporters and partners of OIT.

John Dey with Provost and Acting President Dave Woodall.

OIT’s Greatest Service Award is among the most prestigious honors bestowed by the university. Dick and Nancy Wendt have been tireless supporters of OIT; President Dow has said that the Wendts have provided her loyal friendship and valuable insight throughout her career here.

Established 60 years ago, this award is presented by the university to individuals or organizations that have made unique contributions of time, energy and personal resources towards the advancement of Oregon Institute of Technology.

Throughout the Wendts’ 50-year history in the Klamath area, they have invested of themselves into their local university. Dick currently serves on the President’s Advisory Council, and Nancy is a member of the Oregon Tech Foundation Board of Directors.

They have recently championed the construction of the Oregon Center for Health Professions. The philanthropic arm of their family business, The JELD-WEN Foundation, contributed a $3 million lead gift to the Center’s Prescription for Oregon fundraising campaign. The Wendts also personally contributed $3 million toward a matching fund to encourage gifts from other donors. Nancy serves as co-chair of the campaign, along with John Dey.

The Wendts are known for their quiet philanthropy, having supported numerous improvements and charities throughout the Klamath Basin and the nation. They are generous with their wealth and vision and are always prepared to put personal time and effort into the causes they support.
They established the Wendt Presidential Scholarship to help OIT students obtain financial assistance in pursuing education and have closely mentored students completing studies here.

OIT is proud to consider Dick and Nancy Wendt two of its greatest supporters. They set an example of gracious beneficence and hard work for the entire university community.

Provost and Acting President Dave Woodall with Dick and Nancy Wendt.

-- Valeree Lane in service to Martha Anne Dow

Link fixed

2007-08-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

The link for Dr. Julianne Murray's respect study is fixed below. Just in case you're curious, the url is www.oit.edu/oit123/respect.

Thanks for your patience.

Interesting study

2007-08-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dr. Julianne Murray recently completed a survey studying student perceptions of faculty respect. If you would like to review her results, click here.

President Dow would say that Dr. Murray has done yeoman's work on this project.

--Valeree Lane in service to Martha Anne Dow

Photo time

2007-08-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share some of my favorite photos of President Dow. It's been a while since most people of seen her. So enjoy these...

This was taken at the Baldwin Hotel Museum Centennial Dinner last summer. President Dow is wearing her grandmother's ecru dress. She found the matching hat at Gottschalks.

She thinks she looks like a bumblebee in her regalia. This image was taken at the 2006 Portland Commencement at University Place.

Here she poses with Miss Klamath County and Miss City of Sunshine at the 2006 groundbreaking for the Oregon Center for Health Professions.

She and Gretchen Schuette, former president of Chemeketa Community College, exchange laughs and gear before signing a memorandum of understanding between the university and college.

--Valeree Lane in service to Martha Anne Dow

Catching up

2007-08-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a while since I've posted anything. President Dow continues treatment and recovery for her breast cancer. She is anxious to get back to campus, but the earliest we will see her here is for the opening of the Oregon Center for Health Professions.

Anyone who would like to send her a message may address it to the President's Office, 3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Several of us have opportunity to see her from time to time and always take a stack of mail with us for her.

It's been a busy summer. The first wing of the Center is complete. Funding for the second wing is under way.

Tim Brower and several other amazing faculty members hosted high school teachers on campus for the Summer Institute of Project Lead the Way. The teachers come to learn how to integrate engineering into their classrooms. It's a life-changing two weeks for the educators.

Athletics summer camps have been going on almost since commencement. Danny Miles said the basketball camps had concluded, and I read that the volleyball camps were in session last week.

Good work is also going on with our Science and Learning Center at Crater Lake. I'll give you a one-year update soon. I'll try to be more timely.

Keep up the good work.

--Valeree Lane in service to Martha Anne Dow

President Dow update

2007-04-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's Valeree Lane posting for President Dow. I thought her message to campus should be posted here. We'll keep everyone updated on her condition, as we have new information. I'll update some other topics in the next couple of weeks, too. Thanks for your patience and interest.

President Dow's message to campus, dated Tuesday, April 24, 2007:

Hello, everyone. I want to thank you all for the support, care and affection you’ve expressed for me and my family over the last several weeks. It has been difficult to be away from OIT and the outstanding work you are doing.

I’ve experienced every medical imaging modality through this process, but there have been marvels of engineering, communication, management and applied sciences along the way, too.

You’ve asked for weekly updates on my condition. We are doing our best to provide information to you. I’m asking you to understand that each day has its own challenges and successes. Just spending time with my family is a great blessing. While I know you all care, you must respect my need to have some private time for recovery.

I’m not prepared to give you a length of time associated with my recovery and return to work. I know this contradicts the driven nature of my character. This new life development was unexpected, unwelcome and caught me completely unprepared. I am enjoying the pleasure of being with my husband, children and grandchildren.

Please continue to pray for me, my family and the success of OIT. You are not far from my thoughts, and I know I am in yours.

Sincerely,

Martha Anne Dow, President

Join OIT in Salem

2007-01-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

OIT will be at the Capitol Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007. This will be an opportunity for legislators to learn more about our dynamic programs and outstanding graduates. We will have displays in the Galleria and are planning a public reception from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

OIT's Legislative priorities this session are the Oregon Center for Health Professions, a healthcare policy package, the Oregon Renewable Energy Center and maintaining the Higher Education budget as presented by Governor Kulongoski. You may view the Governor’s budget here. The Oregon University System Fact Sheet on the budget is available here.

Our focus will be two initiatives that will help shape Oregon’s future: the Oregon Center for Health Professions and the Oregon Renewable Energy Center. OIT is preparing to help close the gap between the industry need for more allied health professionals through the Center for Health Professions, while renewable energy will ensure Oregon’s sustainability.

The public is encouraged to stop by the Galleria and meet some of the wonderful people engaged in study, teaching and service through OIT. If you have friends or relatives in the Salem area, encourage them to stop by.

If you would like to attend the event, ASOIT is sponsoring a bus for students to travel that day. Call ASOIT at 885.1847.

Revering the Reverend

2007-01-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

I heard a student jokingly say that the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday is wasted because it comes so early in the term. Since the holiday was last week, I just wanted to mention how important Dr. King’s work was and how he continues to be a contemporary role model.

The Klamath Falls community holds an annual celebration that is powerful and moving. I’ve attend several time, and the Congressional Church is always filled to standing room only.

Millie Craddock, a former member of the OIT who retired a few years ago, told a local news station this week that Dr. King’s legacy is not about color, race or social standing. He was dedicated to bringing people together to better themselves and the nation.

I’d like to share a few of my favorite quotes from Dr. King:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers.”

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

“The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Students market memorable weekend

2007-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Most students missed the Alumni Basketball Weekend on January 5 and 6. It was an exciting event that showcased the marketing talent of two students. Danny Mills and Adam Marland orchestrated a banquet and a basketball game between well-known alumni players. They deserve kudos for their great work, and I expect that they will receive an “A” for their senior project effort on the weekend.

It served as a point of recognition for Danny Miles, too. His 800th career win came in early December, but the tribute was more meaningful in the presence of his former players. All of Coach Miles’ wins have come at OIT, and that is remarkable in a society that finds professionals moving between employers many times during their careers.

I’ve placed some photos below for you all to see some of the action from that weekend.

It’s a political life

2006-12-28T15:08:00.000-08:00

The legislative season starts in the New Year, and I thought students might be interested in how activities in Salem relate to their lives. Governor Kulongoski released his proposed budget this month and state legislators will either approve or amend what was submitted.

A quick overview of the implications of this budget for higher education finds the Governor requesting more money for public higher education than in recent biennia. The state government works on a two-year cycle called a biennium, and the proposed budget finds higher education in a better funding position than its been since 1999. That’s great news, but it isn’t a done deal.

Part of the Governor’s plan, as I’ve mentioned before is to provide more Oregon Opportunity Grants for students. This helps offset tuition costs. One of the most important factors in the legislative work yet to be done is to ensure that state support is available, through tax dollars, to prevent the escalation of tuition costs.

I never thought, as a scientist, that I would be involved in political work – but the reality is life is political. Students need to become involved and let their legislators know what they think about the higher education budget and other issues. Part of the university experience is the opportunity to become a more active citizen.

OIT will hold a rally day in Salem on Thursday, Feb. 8. I encourage students to contact ASOIT, or the Public Affairs office, to see how to participate. We want to show our legislators how proud we are of OIT, and what we can do together to delivery quality education at OIT.

If you would like more information about the education budget, see the Governor’s Web page and the Oregon University System Web page.

Happy New Year.

Responding to anonymous

2006-12-28T14:28:00.000-08:00

I am hoping that the blog environment we want to create encourages open dialogue. Of course, anonymous posting is still appropriate. There is concern that several of the communications are not on the discussion topic; yet knowing your thoughts and concerns are important enough to ask that you send them through the "Contact Us" site on the Web. Previously, we have had an "OIT is Listening" site which was superseded by "Contact Us."

Rules of engagement

2006-12-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

Since there is beginning to be a trend of anonymous feedback posts, I want to set some ground rules around this blog.

First, we are in a learning environment. There is no need for anonymity, if information is shared.

Next, this is not a forum for grousing. We need to stay on the topic at hand. If you have any concerns that are not on topic, please address them in the "Contact Us" area of the Web site. Your issues will be dealt with there.

Have a blessed holiday season.

Further thoughts on CASHNet

2006-12-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

The responses about CASHNet are thought provoking. Since all three posts were submitted by Anonymous correspondents, I’ll direct my attention to the post with questions.

OIT’s Business Office estimates saving about $50,000 per year, when the system is fully implemented, in mailing and other costs associated with billing. The costs savings are realized by students, as it helps offset the rise of tuition costs. While the convenience fee associated with using a credit card seems to be an unexpected cost, you must realize that every business transaction utilizing a credit card results in a transaction fee paid by the consumer. OIT is being transparent with this cost, while you won’t see it on your Amazon.com statement. Our society is becoming more attuned to an electronic marketplace, and it is only fitting that OIT join this trend.

I realize that the cost of education is a concern for all students and their families. The implementation of CASHNet seeks to reduce the administrative costs associated with doing the daily business of the university.

As I said in October, OIT administration and the Chancellor’s Office are working to help make higher education more affordable. Part of this work is targeting the Oregon Opportunity Grant for more students. Governor Kulongoski has indicated that the Oregon median family income figures should be used in determining appropriate tuition rates.

Tuition costs have increased at a more rapid rate than family incomes; this is due, in part, to the reduction of state support for higher education. The Governor’s proposed budget places higher education in the best place it’s been since 1999. Providing more money for the Oregon Opportunity Grant will help offset the tuition costs of low- and middle-income students.

According to OIT’s Financial Aid Office, students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), by Jan. 15, 2007, for priority consideration.

The landscape of public education is changing. There are many more public-private partnerships and all Oregon University System institutions are pursuing private funding for special projects and initiatives.

Please realize that tuition costs will probably never decrease, but work is being done to make education more affordable, and accessible, to everyone.

CASHNet: Getting Started

2006-11-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

This is not a typical blog, as it is more of an effort at disseminating information about the new CASHNet system being used by the Business Office. It affects all students and the way we handle financial transactions; I want students to know that changes are occurring.

Efficiency and cost savings are the reasons for the change to the electronic billing, payment and refund system. Students will now have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Payments may be made at any time and refunds will be processed more quickly by being directly deposited into students’ bank accounts.

A special mailing will go out Friday to explain these changes, but I want to address them here, too.

Access to billing statements is provided through the Web for Student portal on the OIT Web site. While there, a student may look up their account balance and pay with a credit card or electronic check.

Payments made with a credit card are subject to a 2.75% service fee paid by the student. VISA payments are not accepted, due to VISA banking regulations that permit only a flat fee as a service charge. Electronic checks will be accepted with no service fee being passed on to the student.

This new process provides added safety from identity theft. No credit card numbers, or personal information, are stored on campus. It is also convenient for budgeting, as students select the payment amount that is convenient for them.

Through e-Billing, students are provided a customized billing statement online. Students will receive an e-mail indicating the bill is available for viewing. The bill will include payment options and due dates. Students may grant access to parents, or others, to view the account and make payments.

With e-Refunding, students will have quicker access to refund amounts which will be directly deposited into their bank account. Students may use existing banking relationships and make changes online.

CASHNet complies with all of the laws, rules and regulations associated with our university. It is an opportunity to utilize more technology in our business transactions.
In providing more efficient financial transactions, OIT is reducing the cost of doing business, which ultimately results in lower tuition and fees for students.

Check your OIT e-mail account

2006-11-29T14:04:00.000-08:00

It is VERY important that students begin using their OIT e-mail accounts. Your transactions with the Business Office will begin there. Billing statements, and other official university correspondence, will be sent to these accounts. There will no longer be an option to have official correspondence sent to another e-mail address, such as Yahoo or Hotmail.

You will find OIT email at https://mail.oit.edu. Your user idenfication is “firstname.lastname” (e.g. John.Doe).

Your password is: your first initial, your last initial, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. For example, John Doe’s last four digits are 1234. His password is jd1234. If your Social Security Number was not available on our system at the time of your account creation, the numbers “1111” were used to create your password. In this case, John Doe’s password would be jd1111.

You may change your password after logging in by clicking on Options in the lower left area of the screen and scrolling down to the Password section.

If you forward your OIT email to another email account, you do so at your own risk.

If you need assistance with your email account, please email operator@oit.edu or call ITS Operations at (541) 885-1717. For user account lookups, ITS Operations will require your first name, last name and your student ID number (not your Social Security Number).

Presidential Potpourri

2006-10-30T17:52:00.000-08:00

I’ve changed the background color of the blog and will endeavor to always have visuals, thanks to the valuable input of Adam Braly. He is the ASOIT web developer. Adam took the time to review my blog and give me valuable advice on how to make it more appealing to students. I don’t want you all to feel like it is just another textbook, as Adam pointed out.

Clinton Hankins is also helping me with the blog. He is writing an article for The Edge and is also creating a public relations campaign for the blog.

U.S. Senator Gordon Smith was on campus on Oct. 19. I was pleased to share OIT’s successes with him. We are particularly keen to have his support for some federal initiatives involving the Oregon Renewable Energy Center and the Oregon Center for Health Professions. Also, I asked him to support the concept of the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner, which will allow dental hygienists greater educational opportunity and provide excellent oral care outreach to underserved populations. Several students from the Medical Imaging and Dental Hygiene departments attended this reception.

U.S. Representative Greg Walden was on campus Oct. 21. We spent a great deal of time talking about renewable energy with him. He travels back to Oregon every week and he attended the opening of the Crater Lake Science and Learning Center in August.

The election season is still in high gear, and I’m carefully watching to see the outcome of a couple of measures that will potentially greatly affect higher education. Please get your votes in if you are eligible to cast a ballot in Oregon.

This week I’m off to the state board meeting in Portland. I will be reporting to the board along with the other university presidents about our performance indicators. You can see how OIT is doing by clicking here.

While I’m there, I’ll also sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Gretchen Schuette, president of Chemeketa Community College. The memorandum will detail ways our university will work with Chemeketa to help students earn bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene and health sciences. We also have articulation agreements that allow Chemeketa students to transfer classes easily between the community college and OIT.

That’s all for now. I’ll talk to you again next week. Next week we’ll talk about the Cash Net system on campus. I have made note of Christie’s comment on the topic.

Further points on higher education

2006-10-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

Sad, but true: it is becoming harder for students to work their way through college. Tuition rates have climbed, and students often must choose between working enough to provide for themselves, and oftentimes their families, or taking a full-time course load.

Looking at OIT’s revenue sources in the past five years, the amount of state support has eroded, while the tuition has increased.

One of the attributes of the budget submitted by the Oregon University System to Governor Kulongoski is the request to re-establish predictable, affordable tuition. This would be tied to statewide median family income figures, and seek to rebalance the student-state share of funding. Also proposed is expanding need-based aid for low- and middle-income Oregon students through the Oregon Opportunity Grant. Currently, 512 OIT students receive this grant.

As students, it is good for you to know that the Chancellor’s Office and the OIT administration are working to help you through your educational path.

The value of higher education in Oregon

2006-10-23T11:44:00.001-07:00

During the election season, there are a lot of messages swirling around government officials, state budgets, and numerous initiatives.

It is important for all taxpayers to understand the importance of public higher education within Oregon. This goes beyond paying lip service to the accepted notion that education is a good thing. There are critical attributes that are only addressed through access to postsecondary education.

Here are some points that I want our student body to know and ponder:

1 Higher education helps improve and stabilize the state’s revenue structure. People with university degrees traditionally earn 78 percent more than those with only high school diplomas. Increased earnings also mean increased taxes paid, which fund all state services.

1 In the future, 80 percent of Oregon’s jobs will require workers holding a university degree.

1 When Oregonians are properly trained and educated, companies and industries can rely on homegrown talent and will have no need to import talent from other states. This will also help with economic development, as it will help attract and retain employers.

1 The more educated the Oregon population becomes, the less state services will be needed. There is a direct, inverse correlation between a person’s level of education and the need for public assistance, state-supported healthcare, and the odds of being incarcerated. A more educated workforce will be less likely to be unemployed, too.

1 Education improves the state’s vitality. People with university degrees are more likely to vote, volunteer within the community, and support and encourage their children to pursue a college education.

These are all points that are easy to acknowledge, but everyone on campus must be knowledgeable when it comes to making our case to those who don’t understand why a degree matters.

Of landscaping and visual appeal

2006-10-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Nathan for his comments about the appearance of the campus. His thoughtful points about the Marketplace are also well taken.

I asked our Director of Facilities Services David Ebsen about our efforts to beautify our surroundings. Here is what he said:”We are focusing more attention on the appearance of the campus grounds. We know we have a long way to go but we are making headway. The parking lot island where we used the river rock was an attempt to improve the parking lot image with a minimum of maintenance and still have aesthetic appeal. The islands do not have an irrigation system to support turf. As for the trees...we are currently planting between twenty and thirty trees each year to address this concern. The tennis courts have received little attention because they are slated for removal when the student housing project is developed.”

Strategic success to date

2006-10-13T13:00:00.001-07:00

Our previous strategic plan was called the Blueprint for Success and it focused on 2002 through 2007. Here are our accomplishments associated with the plan:

Accomplishments in Access
14 new degree offerings
150 online courses, serving 750 students each term
Diversity Center and Cultural Forum established
$11,448,874 in scholarships given
Articulation and reciprocity agreements in place with regional community colleges
Five allied health program partnerships underway

Accomplishments in Excellence & Quality
Student Success Plan created
Strategic Enrollment Management Plan drafted
TOP grant renewed for five years
Nearly meeting all seven performance indicators
Continual review and assessment of academic programs
Highly-regarded faculty recruited and retained
Improved faculty and administrative compensation plans in place – salary increases 2005-06 after three year freeze
$310,410 in productivity grants awarded since 1998

Accomplishments in Workforce Development & Economic Opportunities
OIT personnel are statewide leaders in initiatives to build the healthcare workforce
ETIC provided $3,711,825 to support four diverse OIT programs and activities
OREC and the Geo-Heat Center are world leaders in the application of renewable energy
OIT graduate success hit 97 percent
Team Klamath, and other economic enhancement activities, are among the civic endeavors of OIT staff
Industry advisory boards helped drive improvement of OIT programs and increased degree offerings

Accomplishments in Fiscal & Operational Efficiency
Enhanced service delivery and customer satisfaction earmarked by Finance & Administration
Fundraising reached a five-year high with launch of Oregon Center for Health Professions’ Prescription for Oregon capital campaign

Accomplishments in Partnerships
OIT joined the Oregon Manufacturing Consortium and the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition
Boeing employees offered bachelor’s and master’s degrees
Dental Hygiene offered in La Grande in cooperation with Oregon Dental Service and Eastern Oregon University
Sponsored and Pre-College Programs facilitate opportunities for youth to embrace education; 1,317 students earned 4,751 credits in 2004-05

My entire presentation for the faculty convocation associated with strategic planning is available here, as is the complete accomplishments document.

Strategic positioning

2006-10-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

We are creating a new strategic plan for the university, as our current plan is coming to closure. We’ve had many great accomplishments and I’ll share those in separate posts. For now, I want you to know that I’ve assembled a strategic positioning team and we are building on our recently completed self-study to take us into the year 2017. ASOIT President Christine Frazier is a member of the team, and I am hopeful that other students will provide feedback on the various areas of the plan.

This process begins with a new vision for the university and here is what we’ve created, based on our strategies:

Oregon Institute of Technology will grow and be recognized as an outstanding university in Oregon, the Northwest region, and nationally with graduates who excel in the technological workplace. We will be known for our commitment to applied research, the preparation of “world-ready” graduates, and partnerships that ensure quality programs and opportunities for OIT to be a leader in economic development.

The areas we will address in the new strategic plan are:
Student Population
Student Success
Affordability
Academic Programs and Outreach
Integration of Academic Programs/Opportunities for new teaching/learning models
Applied Research
Globalization
Sustainability
State-of-the-Industry Technology
Partnerships
Alumni Engagement
Recognition/University Image/Brand, Reputation
Fiscal Viability to meet the goals and visions

I encourage you all to look at the draft self-study available from the home page of the OIT Web site. Your feedback will be appreciated.

Stay tuned for more information later.

Welcome back

2006-09-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

I want all of OIT’s students to know how wonderful it is to have them back on campus. There just seems to be a more vibrant feeling around town with our students back in force.

I’d like to thank Tabatha Cooke for creating “Welcome OIT Students” posters and distributing them across Klamath Falls. She’s a sophomore member of our Hustlin’ Owl women’s basketball team and works in our Public Affairs office.

Don’t miss all of the activities scheduled as Fall Term 2006 kicks off. There are soccer and volleyball games on Friday and Saturday. KTEC and The Epicenter are presenting a “Back to School Blast” from 10 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, featuring food, drink and bowling specials. Also, the Outdoor Program is offering a rafting trip on the upper Rogue River on Saturday.

What do you think of the new parking arrangements? I’ve heard that there is some concern about no dedicated motorcycle parking. I’d like to have your feedback. Have a wonderful term.

Good work

2006-09-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Did you know the striking gazebo out at the Klamath County Youth Sports Complex was built by OIT students, a member of the Civil Engineering faculty and several local general contractors?

Civil Engineering’s Dr. Ken Kellogg led the efforts of the student group: Joey Anderson, Nicole Bigoni, Sarah Bryan, Loren Cole, Brittany Garton, Michael Goff, Stephen Herrmann, Gregory Hufford, Pam McGowan and Tom Slimak.

The students helped create plans for the structure and were involved with the hands-on building of the gazebo. They worked with a variety of professionals from throughout the Klamath community.

Community participants were Anderson Builders, Bogatay Construction, Heaton Steel and Supply, Horizon Contractors, Horizon Erectors, Klamath Pacific and Lumberman’s. Gordon Dahl of Lumberman’s provided all of the materials for last year’s creation of old-fashioned building facades for Centennial Days and the gazebo.

Wayne Scott built the pressure ring for the roof supports with plate steel provided by Heaton Steel.

The annual Civil Engineering community project is completed in association with the members of the Associated General Contractors. There is a steel sign embedded in the gazebo’s foundation recognizing the various contributors to the project.

On top of the world

2006-08-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Crater Lake Science and Learn Center opened Friday, and I’m thrilled with the new prospects and opportunities available there. A memorandum of understanding was signed by OIT, Southern Oregon University and Crater Lake National Park in establishing the new center.
OIT’s Dr. Larry Powers is coordinator of research at the center. He is currently working with Oregon State University scientists who are studying moss there, but looks forward to working with scholars from around the world. I would love to put my microbiology background into practice with some Crater Lake research, too.

Larry has always taken students into the park for research opportunities. Now we have a formal agreement and the benefits will be many, including those for our Sponsored and Pre-College Programs.

OIT faculty members Claude Kansaku and Jim Long will place a GPS system on The Old Man in the Lake, a floating log that travels around Crater Lake. It will monitor location, temperature and wind speed.

You might not know that I’ve been the chair of Crater Lake Trust over the past 18 months. I’m privileged to serve the National Park and know that this new center will increase OIT’s connection to its own region and research scientist around the globe.

Below, I’m posting some pictures from Friday’s Grand Opening. There were so many friends of OIT there. I can’t name them all, but Congressman Greg Walden, Commissioner Al Switzer, businessman Bill Thorndike and JELD-WEN Foundation Executive Director Bob Kingzett stand out in my mind. Actually, everyone there is a true friend of the university, including retiring SOU President Elisabeth Zinser and the new president Mary Cullinan.

Talk to you next week.

GRAD is grand

2006-08-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take the time to reflect on the work done by the students in the GRAD program this summer. I’ve told you before that GRAD stands for Graduation Really Achieves Dreams, and I was pleased to attend the students’ program completion ceremony last Thursday in Chiloquin.

The 15 student participants will be sophomores and juniors at Chiloquin High School this fall. During the four weeks they spent with us, they traveled from Chiloquin every Monday morning to live and learn on the OIT campus and in local nature areas. Each Thursday afternoon the students returned to Chiloquin to spend time with their families and friends.

What struck me about these students is how eager they were at every opportunity. While canoeing along the Wood River, learning about the natural ecology and biology there, one student exclaimed it might be fun to be a biologist. It was a new thought based on applied learning instead of the rote textbook experience most students perceive as education.

These young people camped and hiked at Crater Lake, never complaining about the length of the walking excursions or the inconvenience of living so close to nature. The opportunity to learn in a National Park, within close proximity to their homes, made the experience more meaningful to them.

Throughout their month at OIT it was fun to watch the students interact with each other and other campus community members. They are a tactile group, often hugging and seen at the end of summer barbecue highlighting each others hair with markers.

At the ceremony each family was proud of the accomplishments of their student. I appreciate the enthusiasm and promise they brought to our campus and look forward to next year’s GRAD program.

I’m posting several photos of the GRAD experience. The Sponsored and Pre-College Programs office has done yeoman’s work to promote educational opportunities to local youth. I’m delighted to see the interaction between the GRAD students and the OIT students serving as summer counselors.

Serendipity abounds

2006-08-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

I was pleased to meet artist and sculptor Obie Simonis last week. He and family were in Southern Oregon to look at his sculptures on the OIT and Southern Oregon University campuses.

Obie created the “Radiant Flux” artwork that rests outside the College Union. He indicated that an OIT engineering technology alumnus helped him pull the forms for the piece. Obie had high praise for OIT’s high-caliber of professional training.

His wife, Jacqueline, is the Associate Dean and Co-Director of Student Support Services at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She was very interested in OIT. Ironically, when they walked into my office, I thought I was meeting a new student in their son Lucas.

I love the serendipity of life experience. Obie’s survey of his work taught me more about our campus history, and he will be back on campus in the future to polish “Radiant Flux” and affix a nameplate.

At the bottom of this post, I’m placing photos of the construction progress on the CHP. I appreciated the anonymous request for more photos, and Zack’s interest in seeing more, too. By the way, Zack, the junipers around campus are being removed to make way for more sod. Many of the junipers are dying and the grass will help the campus grounds crews keep everything looking tidy. Wherever it is feasible, flowers will be planted.

On the note of serendipity, did you know that all of the roses around campus were donated by Jackson and Perkins? All Roger Hulet has to do is pick up the phone and make a request; the company then provides the rose bushes for planting. It’s really enhanced the beauty of our campus.

CHP update

2006-08-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

It’s exciting to see the progress on the Center for Health building. It seems everything is still on schedule to occupy the first wing of the building in the fall of 2007. Although right now it is still in the leveling and dirt removal stage, by next week we should see the cement work begin. The first wing includes the medical imaging programs, classrooms and offices.

On the topic of the second wing, we will begin the definitive design work on this phase in late August or early September. This wing will include nursing, as well as additional OIT allied health programs.

At the OUS board meeting in July, OIT requested authorization to seek a state bond (“G” bond) to be matched by private gifts of $9 million to complete the building. The CHP will be 80,000 square feet, including the second wing. The OUS board placed this request at a high priority to receive capital investment funding.

OIT will need to make a case for this project with the Governor and legislature. Since we have raised the private matching money, this will definitely be a major asset for seeking the state contribution. I am looking forward to soliciting political support for this project with our local legislators and others. I hope others will join me in this effort. The Klamath Falls community is so supportive, and my heartfelt thanks go out to businesses and individuals who have participated in our fund-raising campaign.

Mixed acronyms: ETIC, PLTW, GRAD

2006-07-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Drew for his positive comments in favor of a Midge Festival. I think it would be fun and a good way for the community to make the best of the little pests.

Monday I made a presentation to the Engineering & Technology Industry Council in Portland. I told them about Project Lead the Way, which ETIC granted $99,765 this spring to help provide high school and community college teachers with information on how to incorporate engineering into their curricula.

OIT’s Dr. Tim Brower leads Oregon’s efforts in the national Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program. Last week he concluded a two-week Summer Training Institute that brought 19 educators to campus from Washington, Oregon, Utah, California and Colorado. Four master teachers from New York also participated in facilitating the classes for the participants.

The four areas of emphasis were Principles of Engineering, Introduction to Engineering Design, Computer Integrated Manufacturing and Digital Electronics.

Our GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) students from Chiloquin High School are spending this week at Crater Lake. I’m sure they are having a great time and having incredible learning experiences outside of the classroom. Below are some photos from their activities last week.

Our Sponsored and Pre-College Programs office does a lot of great work. It is the home of GRAD, TWIST (Teen Women in Science and Technology), I’m Going to College (a program for elementary-school-aged children), Tech Challenge (a science fair competition), and the Lego Robotics Camp – among other great things. I cannot say enough about the good work going on for local young people through this office.

Catch you again next week.

Visitors swarm to campus

2006-07-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of activity on campus this week, including some very special events:

High school and community college teachers are here learning to integrate engineering principles into their curricula through Project Lead the Way. Professor Tim Brower organized this effort, which brought 19 instructors to campus. Our own faculty members are augmented with four master teachers from New York. Project Lead the Way is a national initiative and OIT is the lead university pursuing this endeavor in Oregon.
New students are here for registration, orientation and advising – commonly known as our ROAD program. I spoke on a panel this morning addressing parental interests.
The Graduation Really Achieves Dreams program is also ongoing, with sophomore and junior students from Chiloquin High School spending time here for special classes and hands-on experiences.

The Teen Women in Science and Technology (TWIST) program finished last week, and I am delighted with the presence of all these wonderful young people on our campus. They are so bright and promising; it is an honor for OIT to be part of their career exploration. Some of our own students were involved as mentors. I am very pleased to have them so engaged with the Pre-College programs.

Tonight is the Baldwin Hotel Museum Centennial Dinner. I’ve been asked to keynote the event. It will be fun and an evening to remember. I’m planning to wear my grandmother’s wedding dress for this historic occasion. Air conditioning didn’t exist in 1906, so we are in for a warm evening.

The midges are in full swarm, and I’ve heard a rumor that a midge festival is being planned for next summer. What do you think?

Fun and funding

2006-07-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

Centennial Days will be next week with many activities on Saturday, July 22. It is also an open house day for the Baldwin Hotel Museum. I’ve been asked to give the keynote for the Baldwin Centennial Banquet. It’s such an interesting building with a fascinating history. I’m honored to have been asked to participate.

This week is another state board of education meeting in Portland. OIT has two items on the board docket. One is an increase in the spending limit for the first wing of the Center for Health Professions, and the second is seeking approval to pursue a G Bond to help finance the Center.

We are eagerly awaiting the outcome of federal bills before Congress and possible inclusion of earmarks for OIT.

I’ll update you again next week.

Favorite campus photos

2006-07-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

Summer is here

2006-06-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

This week the campus became alive again with the start up of summer session classes, Hustlin’ Owl basketball camps and Pre-College activities.

Tonight is the kick-off dinner for the GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) program going on this summer. Sophomores and juniors from Chiloquin High School will spend Monday through Thursdays on campus from July 17 until August 10. They will live in the Residence Hall and take two camping trips to Crater Lake National Park. Transportation is provided from Chiloquin to campus, and back, each week. The program is sponsored by GEAR UP, OIT, the National Council for Community and Educational Partnerships, AT&T and TransCanada.

These students will participate in a high altitude balloon launch, wildlife photography, water quality experiments, embedded programming, and research involving the Old Man in Crater Lake (a floating stump).

We are hoping that some of these young people will be future students at OIT.

Next week I’ve asked Valeree Lane to post some of my favorite photos of campus on this blog.

The weekend of July 16 and 17, as part of the Klamath Cruise vintage car show, there will be a sock hop here on campus. Please join the fun!

Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July holiday.

The rush is over...

2006-06-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

We’ve made it through commencement season, and I continue to hear positive feedback about Martha Ackmann’s address. You can read it online here. She traveled to Oregon with her father, Florenze, and I believe they enjoyed their stay. As we parted they were planning a Father’s Day trip to Crater Lake. The photo below shows Martha talking to some of the attendees at the Commencement Eve dinner.

At that dinner, I was pleased to make Thomas Sternburgh an Honorary Emeritus Faculty member. He was one of the founding instructors of the Medical Technology program at the old campus. It was a fitting turn of events that he was named Emeritus the same week we broke ground for the Oregon Center for Health Professions. The facility will house the Clinical Laboratory Science program, which is the new name for Medical Technology. Phased out in the late 1980s, the program is now offered in Portland through a partnership with Oregon Health and Science University.

Pictured above are Mr. Sternburgh and one of his students, William Dettwyler. Mr. Dettwyler is a Golden Owl, a designation assigned to alumni with graduation dates of 40 or more years ago.

I thought you might also like to see a photo from the groundbreaking. We were so fortunate that the weather held off. There had been rain and hail earlier in the day. I was so pleased with the attendance. Many people told us that no one attends a groundbreaking, but the more than 200 in attendance seems to discount that theory.

I want to thank Mike Payne for his feedback. As this blog continues, I hope to provide more detail about areas where I would encourage more student discussion. It was interesting to hear about the lack of pencil sharpeners. I imagine the use of mechanical pencils made someone think there wasn’t a need for the devices. It’s amazing what you can learn here.

I also want to thank Palmer for his positive feedback.

Have a great weekend.

Two down, one to go

2006-06-16T08:47:00.000-07:00

Well, we’ve completed two commencement exercises and we have tomorrow’s graduation in Klamath Falls. Tomorrow 302 graduates will walk to receive their degrees. The day also marks our first Master of Science candidates in Manufacturing Engineering Technology and our first graduates in Respiratory Care. I’m posting a couple of pictures from last week’s events.

The little girls are the daughters of Boeing graduate Stephen Stramer. They were so excited about their father’s achievement. Boeing’s graduation was held in Seattle.

The Portland Operations graduate I’m pictured with was caught in Portland traffic and didn’t make the graduation ceremony June 9. His name is Isaac Obune and he graduated in information technology. Isaac was a transfer student and entered OIT in 2003.

EvilZues posed some interesting questions in regard to my last post. First, I’m not sure what cement barricades and rocks are being referenced. The cost of the Center for Health Professions is $22.5 million. The estimated return value to the community in the first year is $31 million. The needs of students are always our priority. The reference to cutting programs is puzzling to me. No programs are being cut.

If EvilZues would like to schedule an appointment to clarify these points, I would welcome that opportunity.

Talk to you again next week.

Bloggity, blog, blog, blog

2006-06-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

Have I used the word busy lately? It’s a whirlwind of activity around here. I was in La Grande at the end of last week for the state board meeting. There is always so much engaging and stimulating discussion at the meetings that one cannot be bored at a board meeting.

This week finds an alumni reception for the Center for Health Professions and commencement exercises for our Boeing and Portland programs. It is also Dead Week, which means that finals are a week away. I wonder what the etymology of Dead Week might be. Perhaps the sleep deprivation (or is that depravation?) of students results in a zombie-like state. Maybe it’s the death of the term. I guess Dead Week was easier to say than Penultimate Week.

Finals Week concludes with Commencement in Klamath Falls. I’m looking forward to our address by Martha Ackmann. She’s funny and intelligent. I cannot wait to hear what she has to say. Her book, The Mercury 13, should be on summer reading lists. It’s a very good, quick read.

Danise Watters’ article about this blog appeared in The Edge May 26. I’m surprised there haven’t been more student comments, but there was Memorial Day and end of term projects to consider.

I’m looking for some feedback. You are welcome to send your comments. I had envisioned my topics being driven more by student interest.

I’ll post again next week…

Memories

2006-05-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Sonic Burger opening in the Rogue Valley has caused me to have a vivid flashback. Actually, I was thinking about this the other day, when Professor Bob Rogers brought Earl Rader by my office.

Earl is 92 and a longtime friend of Bob’s. He has taught specialized welding on campus and donated equipment for use by our students. Earl made the first 1,500 quick-serve milkshake machines for A&W many years ago. That knowledge made me think of my first job as a high school student.

Sonic Burger has car hops, just like A&W did. However, at A&W we had to wear roller skates. I was pretty good at moving along, but didn’t really know how to stop.

My first day on the job, I was taking six large drinks out to a car. I was confident and things were going well, until I reached the car. The serving trays hooked onto the car window, and the man in the car rolled the window completely down just as I arrived. All six drinks landed in his lap.

The A&W manager came out and apologized. I thought I’d lose the job, but the man in the car was very kind. He told the manager that he shouldn’t have rolled the window down.

I thought I’d post this early, as the holiday weekend and meetings will make time scarce next week.

I was disappointed in the turnout for the Center for Health Professions Student Forum. We only saw about eight students. The photo shows Denise Honzel, director of the Center, talking to a mechanical engineering student.

Busy is the name of the game

2006-05-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

It seems there is hardly a free minute lately. There are meetings stacked on top of meetings. I’ve had to cancel a quick run to Portland this week for meetings, as there were priorities in Klamath Falls. This week is punctuated with a FOAC meeting regarding the budget for next year, an open forum about the Center for Health Professions, a faculty-administrator meeting, a reception at an Oregon Tech Foundation board member’s home, and the annual retirement dinner.

I did carve out time last week to answer Danice Watters’ questions about the blog. She is working on a story for The Edge. It should be published soon. I believe this blog is being well received and is a good opportunity to facilitate timely communication with students.

Last week I mentioned conversations with a delegation from Honghe University of Yunnan Province, China. Things went well and we signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the exchange of students and faculties between both campuses. The photo seen above is of the delegation.

Saturday found the Mars Reach group launching a helium-filled balloon into the atmosphere. They hoped it would reach at least 70,000 feet before exploding, but it actually reached an altitude of 89,000 feet. Its payload held scientific experiments and tracking instruments. Mrs. Kerr’s fifth-grade class from Ferguson School participated in tracking the project’s return to earth. The photo shows Drew Loika (left) discussing the technical nuances with the elementary school children. Jimmy Marquit is pictured on the right in the green and white baseball cap. His mother is Tracey Lehman, OIT’s director of financial aid. Faculty members on hand for the launch were Tim Brower, Jamie Zipay and Claude Kansaku. Learn more about Mars Reach at marsreach.org.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, I’m over my word count this week. Talk to you soon.

Responding to Comments

2006-05-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

In a perfect world this would have been posted last week, but I know you all understand the demands of a busy schedule. First, I want to thank Mike Payne, Drew Loika and Cat Clarke for their positive responses to this blog. Your encouragement is very meaningful to me.

I was, however, concerned about Civilgrl’s comment. The word “bitter” really jumped out at me. We all have the opportunity to choose our attitudes and reactions to each situation we encounter. The reality is that the university mission is inclusive of all of our programs. My solemn promise to you is that engineering is not, and will not, be phased out.

A Development Council was formed with representation from all departments. The University Advancement office is motivated and engaged like never before. Fundraising is ongoing for all segments of campus, and I truly appreciate the dedication of our students who are out seeking financial and in-kind gifts to improve their learning experiences. The most visible fundraising is for the Center for Health Professions. No program is valued more than another in my opinion. The entire campus is better for the diversity in programs. As a microbiologist, I’ve done professional work with both engineers (wastewater treatment) and health/medical professionals.

Concerning Civilgrl’s comment about the lack of lavatories in the Civil Engineering wing of Cornett, I asked Facilities Services Director David Ebsen about this. There are restrooms at the front of the building and on the east side, near the anatomy and physiology laboratories.

David said, “There are no current plans to add additional restroom facilities. The fixture count for the building is in compliance with the occupancy load. Additional facilities will be required if and when the west side of the building is renovated.”

There is not a great deal of money available for deferred maintenance and renovation. Another reality is technology is expensive. The amount OIT receives from the state to offset costs is reduced every biennium. We do our best and hope that our students know and appreciate the value of the educational experience offered here.

Commencement Season is Here

2006-05-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

The commencement schedule begins with graduation at Boeing on Thursday, June 8. The next day, we travel back to Portland for an exercise there. It is the 20th commencement for our Portland programs and is a real milestone. There are currently 628 students who have petitioned for graduation for the three upcoming ceremonies.

In Klamath Falls, graduation is set for Saturday, June 17. Martha Ackmann will be the keynote speaker. She is a member of the Gender Studies Department at Mount Holyoke College, and author of The Mercury 13. She is nationally known as an author and journalist. Her work is inspiring. She brings previously untold history to light. I am sure this will be a memorable commencement address. Her Web site is http://marthaackmann.com/.

We will see our first Geographic Information Science minor presented at the Klamath Falls commencement to Bill Morgan. He’s created a couple of wonderful animated maps – one of Crater Lake and the other of campus. We are hoping to use the animation of campus on OIT’s Web site. It’s very good to see our students doing such professional work. Bill also created an interactive map of Klamath Basin birding trails. You can access it at http://www.klamathbirdingtrails.com/Map.html.

Speaking of students, I want to make sure to congratulate Oregon Tech senior outfielder Derek Bodeen who was selected to the 2006 All-Region I Baseball team by a vote of the Region I coaches. The softball team also received honors.

Amanda Doherty was selected Region I Player of the Year. Jenni Bittle shared the Co-Pitcher of the Year with Melissa Oddie of Simon Fraser, British Columbia. Lisa Erwert and Kelsi Haylett were also named to the All-Region I team, and coach Greg Stewart was honored as Region I Coach of the Year.

I’m off to meet with a delegation visiting from China’s Honghe University, Yunnan Province. We are discussing opportunities for students from OIT and Honghe to have educational experiences abroad. I appreciate the efforts of Dr. Wangping Sun in facilitating this invigorating discussion.

Talk to you again next week.

Moving Along

2006-05-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

I started this a while ago, but have equivocated about really going live with the blog. I know it is the best way to communicate with OIT students, but I’ve also had some input that said a blog wasn’t very presidential.

Well, we’re off and running now. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. There was a state board meeting last week, and everyone is preparing for budget discussions this week.

I’m already looking into the future. This term will be completed soon and commencement will be here in no time. Next week is the Oregon Tech Foundation board meeting and we will watch the launch of a high altitude balloon by the Mars Reach team, led by Associate Professor Tim Brower. It’s always exciting to introduce the community to the wonderful research and theory-building in which our students and faculty participate.

Last Friday, Assistant Professor Jim Long arranged for student projects to be displayed in the College Union. A variety of majors were represented and everyone walked away knowing OIT students are engaged in amazing work.

On the topic of great work, Professor Don Metzler let us know this morning that OIT’s Windows Embedded Student Challenge team is an international finalist. Only 30 teams qualified internationally, and OIT’s team is one of five from the United States competing in the 2006 World Finals at Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington campus June 22-24. Jim Long sent an e-mail indicating that our team includes Koa Nguyen, Kiel Spencer, Josh Kimball and Skyler Aarabak. What wonderful news. Another U.S. qualifying team is from Georgia Tech.

Another team making the community sit up and take notice is the Hustlin’ Owl Softball women. They won the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Championship and are hosting the regional tournament over the weekend. I hope to see a good crowd at the softball field. Also, several team members received CCC honors, including Player of the Year Amanda Doherty. She led the CCC in four offensive categories, including a .960 slugging percentage and a .517 on-base percentage, while raking up five of the six first-place votes.

Other players named to the All-Conference Team were Kelsi Anhorn, Jenni Bittle, Lisa Erwert and Kelsi Haylett. Honorable mention went to Megan Erner and Kindel Thomspson.

I’m looking forward to introducing the OIT community to the Oregon Center for Health Professions. There will be a student forum from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, in the College Union Mt. Mazama room. The informational session is open to all students, faculty, and staff, who would like to view the current drawings for the CHP, learn about the vision for the Center, and have an opportunity to ask questions and chat with me and CHP Director Denise Honzel in an informal setting. Allied health students are especially encouraged to attend this forum. I hope people will bring their lunches, and light refreshments will be served.

That’s it for now. Next week I’ll tell you more about our different commencement exercises.

Getting Started

2006-05-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

I begin this adventure at the encouragement of OIT student Drew Loika. I have never considered blogging before, but I feel that I must get with it to be able to communicate with our students. Back to Drew, he's a motivated young man who is interested in what is going on around campus. After reading the President's Report, he came to my office to ask about the current initiative for the Oregon Center for Health Professions.

Apparently there is a perception that the health programs are receiving more attention than our engineering programs. That's what I love about communication. You do your best to share information, but you can never be sure what the other person is taking away from the encounter. It's challenging, and sometimes frustrating, but we all crave interaction with others.

The reality is that it takes all of our programs to make OIT the success it is today. Interestingly, I had an alumnus say to me last week that he was concerned when Larry Blake was president, because Dr. Blake always talked about making OIT the MIT of the west. The alumnus feared that the health programs would be phased out.

I'm personally excited about the work that can be done across degree programs. Soon I'll see a proposal for a new embedded systems degree program that combines the intricate nuances of engineering to create the sophisticated equipment necessary for our allied health programs.

Drew talked about the synergy necessary for corporate success during our meeting. He understands that it is the person with great technical knowledge, communication skills and the ability to reach the lay person who will be best able to contribute positively for an employer.

He had high praise for his faculty and the value of the education received at OIT. This always warms my heart. At the Alumni Awards Banquet each of the honored alums mentioned the importance of the quality faculty members with whom they interacted. (The honored alumni were: Irl Davis, Distinguished Alumnus, president and CEO of A/D Electronics Inc. and A/D Electronics Hong Kong Ltd.; Kevin Searles, Scientific Achievement, senior research engineer for ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company; Kevin Noble, Young Professional Achievement, product engineering manager for JELD-WEN Research & Development; and John Vandecoevering, Alumni Spirit, retired engineer who helped establish the Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP) at OIT.)

I believe that our graduates leave campus with the best education possible, because of the care and support of outstanding OIT faculty.

It is my hope that I will update this blog at least weekly. I want our campus community, and the world, to know what's on my mind. This is a good opportunity to share my thoughts and to keep everyone updated on our progress and challenges.

Check in periodically for new posts. It feels like I should supply a "star date" in the "Captain's Log" just like in the Star Trek episodes.

Well, corny as it may sound, in the words of Spock, "Live long and prosper."