To: OSU Faculty and Staff
From: Edward Feser, Provost and Executive Vice President
May 15, 2020
Dear OSU Colleagues:
I am writing to inform you that I am pausing the vice provost for extension and engagement search and will extend Dr. Anita Azarenko’s interim appointment.
Earlier this academic year, I appointed a search committee and initiated the launch of a national search. Then the pandemic occurred, and the landscape changed dramatically both within our own organization and nationally. It is now evident that engaging diverse and valued stakeholders across Oregon and recruiting a strong candidate pool for this leadership post will be very difficult in current conditions.
Because of this, I have decided Oregon State is best served if Anita continues in her interim role with a focus on leading the Division of Extension and Engagement as it responds to the COVID-19 situation, addresses potentially unprecedented budget impacts, and prepares for the next legislative session.
Anita’s service as interim vice provost since July 2019 has been exemplary and I am delighted she has agreed to serve through June 2021. I expect us to resume the search late this fall or in winter, with the intention of having the next vice provost in the role no later than July 1, 2021.
Thank you for your continued support of Anita and special thanks to her for delaying her retirement, continuing to serve the university, and providing outstanding and critically needed leadership.
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President