July 1, 2022
Dear OSU Community Members,
I write to provide you an update following Thursday’s surprising and disappointing news that USC and UCLA plan to leave the Pac-12 Conference.
OSU strongly believes in the continuing strength of the Pac-12 as a conference of champions made up of globally recognized Tier 1 research universities. Oregon State University also remains committed to engaging in the highest level of intercollegiate competition nationally.
As a result of USC and UCLA’s decision, the Pac-12 Board of Directors met this morning and authorized the conference to explore all options for league expansion. At that meeting, the 10 member university presidents and chancellors indicated they remain committed to a shared mission of academic and athletic excellence on behalf of student-athletes.
I continue to meet daily with Provost and Executive Vice President Ed Feser, Vice President and Athletics Director Scott Barnes and other university leaders to discuss and evaluate these changing Pac-12 Conference circumstances. As well, Scott Barnes and I continue to regularly engage with Pac-12 leadership.
The strength and momentum of Oregon State in teaching, research, public engagement and athletic competition is profound and continues. That strength is amplified by the many examples of academic collaboration that occur among Pac-12 member universities in addition to athletic competition.
I will share updates with the university community as more information is available.
Sincerely,
Becky Johnson
Interim President