Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Search Update

March 31, 2022

March 31, 2022

Dear OSU Community Members,

I write to provide an update on the national search for a permanent Oregon State University vice president and chief diversity officer (VPCDO).

A search advisory committee has convened and is being chaired by Susan Gardner, dean of the College of Education. This highly representative search advisory committee is being assisted by Parker Executive Search firm and a search website has been created to provide ongoing updates on efforts to recruit, consider and eventually fill this important position. On the website, you will also find an opportunity to provide feedback or submit candidate nominations for this position.

Committee engagement efforts include listening sessions to be held in April to gather input on the priorities for advancing inclusive excellence throughout OSU and for the qualities that the university’s next VPCDO should possess. I urge you to participate in these important listening sessions and share your valued input. The April listening sessions will supplement feedback gathered in a dozen listening sessions held last August prior to the appointment of an interim vice president. All feedback will be considered in the recruitment of candidates and advisory committee interviews of candidates. This feedback also will help guide the onboarding and success of the permanent VPCDO.

Recruitment of candidates will take place throughout spring and summer, leading to OSU community meetings with finalists in early fall, and the anticipated appointment of a VPCDO in early November. This extended timeline avoids conflicts with the presidential search and allows OSU’s next president to make the appointment of our next vice provost and chief diversity officer.

Essential work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion across OSU and throughout our community continues without pause thanks to the leadership and contributions of Scott Vignos, interim vice president and chief diversity officer, his staff and many others at OSU. I appreciate Scott’s service in this interim role.

Please visit the VPCDO search website for updates on this very important selection process and to provide your feedback. Thank you in advance for your valuable participation in upcoming listening sessions in April and community meetings with finalist candidates next fall.

Sincerely,

Becky Johnson
Interim President