Dear OSU Community Members,
I am writing to share that Steve Clark has informed me of his plan to retire as of July 1, 2023, after serving as vice president for university relations and marketing since July 2011.
As vice president, Steve oversees the university’s news and research communications, marketing, and public affairs, as well as University Events, OSU Productions, the LaSells Stewart Center, Conference Services, Printing and Mailing Services and the Public Records Office.
Under Steve’s leadership, University Relations and Marketing (URM) has worked to elevate the university’s brand and promote greater awareness of OSU’s quality and unique strengths, both within Oregon and beyond. He also has worked to build brand alignment and collaboration among all of OSU’s colleges and divisions, the OSU Foundation, the Alumni Association and OSU Athletics to support their success. His knowledge of Oregon and skills were instrumental as the university undertook strategic planning, campus and location-based expansions, student success and retention efforts, a comprehensive review of building and place names, the pandemic response and leadership transitions. In 2017-18, Steve led the celebration of OSU’s 150th anniversary and oversaw a complete redesign of OSU’s branding and the creation of a new university logo.
Steve has sought to always be available to university partners 24/7. As OSU’s spokesperson, his holistic ability to always represent the university with thoughtfulness, integrity, accuracy and transparency has been invaluable. In telling OSU’s story, he has consistently modeled the values of Oregon State University. And he has approached marketing and communication through an equity lens, consistently prioritizing OSU’s inclusive excellence mission, including launching an equity review of all URM communications and marketing underway now.
In my transition to OSU as president, I have found Steve’s knowledge and expertise about Oregon to be invaluable.
Steve is a 1975 Oregon State graduate and former Daily Barometer editor-in-chief. Prior to working at the university, Steve served as the president and publisher of the Portland Tribune and metro-area Community Newspapers Inc. and spent the early years of his career reporting, editing, publishing and owning newspapers throughout the Portland region.
Very soon, I will launch a national search to fill the vice president for university relations and marketing position.
Please join me in thanking Steve for his continued leadership, service and accomplishments while at Oregon State.
Jayathi Y. Murthy
President