Just two years into the job, University of Oregon President Michael Gottfredson announced he is stepping down, effective immediately. In a campus-wide email Wednesday he says he's leaving to pursue other opportunities in academia and spend more time with his family. Gottfredson says with new strategic planning and a new governance structure for higher education, it's the right time for a new president.
Chuck Lillis, Chair of the UO Board of Trustees, says they are grateful for the leadership Gottfredson has shown. The board says the president took on a number of challenges, including the student athlete sex abuse case and the faculty labor contract.
The university's Board of Trustees will meet Thursday to discuss next steps.