Lundquist College of Business Dean Kees de Kluyver is stepping down to pursue research and teaching, and the UO is preparing to launch searches to replace him and fill three other vacant deanships and one vice president position.
During de Kluyver’s tenure, the business school expanded its MBA program, created the new sports product management program, began work on a new Portland location, saw student and faculty numbers grow, made experiential learning a signature feature and bolstered its national reputation.
“I thank Dean de Kluyver for his leadership during this time,” interim President Scott Coltrane wrote in a letter to campus.
De Kluyver will conclude his five-year run as dean of the college Sept. 15. An interim dean who will serve during the search process is expected to be announced soon.
With President Michael Schill taking up his new post July 1, the university is moving quickly to begin filling this and other academic leadership positions as well. Searches will begin soon for permanent deans for the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Journalism and Communication and the School of Architecture and Allied Arts, as well as the College of Business.
Also, the university will seek a permanent vice president for research and innovation.
“In the meantime, the CAS, SOJC, and AAA deans, and VP for Research and Innovation roles will continue to be carried out by the interim appointments of Andrew Marcus, Julie Newton, Brook Muller and Brad Shelton who have demonstrated strong leadership and maintained our momentum during the last year,” Coltrane added. “This will maintain a strong foundation upon which a new president can build as we prepare for an extraordinary future.”
Coltrane, who returns to his position as provost and senior vice president upon Schill’s arrival, said he hopes all five open positions will be filled by the start of the 2016-17 academic year.
In a letter to faculty, staff and supporters, de Kluyver said the arrival of a new president makes this the right time for a change of leadership at the college. The school is in good shape and ready for growth, and a new dean with a vision for the long term will help it achieve its potential, de Kluyver said.
“The time is right for a new leader to take on these distinct opportunities,” he wrote.
De Kluyver, who also holds a faculty position as James and Shirley Rippey Distinguished Professor, plans to spend the 2015-16 academic year engaged in research. Following that, he will return to the faculty part time under a tenure reduction program.
—By Greg Bolt, Public Affairs Communications