Ashland, Ore. –Dr. Roy H. Saigo named new interim president of Southern Oregon University.
During a meeting with the Board of Higher Education Friday morning, Dr. Saigo said he was thrilled to be coming to Southern Oregon and looked forward to helping students, faculty and residents achieve their dreams.
Dr. Saigo was the former president at St. Cloud University in Minnesota. According to the University’s website he retired in 2007. The Board of Higher Education is expected to release a statement later today.
Former SOU president Mary Cullinan has accepted a job at Eastern Washington University.
During a meeting with the Oregon University System, Dr. Saigo said he’s thrilled to come back home to Oregon where he received his PhD in Botany and Plant Pathology from Oregon State University.
While accepting today’s appointment, Dr. Saigo said, ” I will walk the walk and talk the talk and listen to what people have to say. I want to know people dreams passions and help them achieve their goals and help them achieve greatness.”
Dr. Saigo is the President Emeritus at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. The OUS said their decision was based largely on Dr. Saigo’s extensive history serving at seven university’s in Oregon, California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Alabama and Louisiana.
Before concluding his acceptance Dr. Saigo said he looked forward to floating on the Rogue River which he had planned to do with his Father before he passed away.
Dr. Saigo will serve as the interim President at SOU for the next two years.
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