Western Oregon Journal

While students were busy completing end-of-term papers and preparing for final exams, Dr. Philip Conn, Western's University President, announced his future plans to retire.

Conn has been President at Western since August 2002 and his retirement will take effect as of August 31, 2005.

“The three years I have served Western have been highly gratifying both professionally and personally,” he said. “I have been privileged to work for an outstanding university and with many admirable faculty and staff members, as well as alumni and community supporters.”

George Pernsteiner, chancellor of the Oregon University System (OUS) accepted Conn's retirement notice with regret. “Dr. Conn has been a real contributor to public higher education in Oregon,” he said. “His commitment to students, to inclusion and diversity, and to academic excellence have characterized Western Oregon University these past three years.”

Since Conn's arrival, he has helped to chart Western's course during a period of budget cuts for public higher education in Oregon.

According to a press release, in his time at Western, Conn has developed a leadership team, including the employment of three new vice presidents and 10 new directors. In addition, he has worked at expanding student services and activities, and extending the university's outreach toward the region's diverse population.

Western sophomore, theater major Rani Lightle said, “I don't really know Dr. Conn but he seemed like a really nice guy.”

Lightle remembers meeting Conn at a Student Enrichment Program. “He was really nice,” she said, “I remember I joked around with him.”

Lightle said she is aware that not all have thought so highly of him, though, in the past three years. “I've heard some negative things about him,” she said.

Nevertheless, Conn's retirement has Lightle, a Den employee, somewhat concerned about her job.

“I've heard Dr. Conn is the only reason the Den is functioning,” she said. Lightle worries about whether the rumor is true or not, and what would become of the Den and her work hours after his leave.

Other students don't have much of an opinion about Conn's future plans to leave the university.

“I don't know what he's done and what he hasn't done,” said Sarah Tomlin, a senior psychology major. “I don't have much of an opinion; I'm graduating.”

Conn cited family reasons when he announced his retirement.

“During the past year, Julie and I have given much thought to the desired balance between our professional and family interests,” he said. “We agreed that it is time to devote more attention to our children and grandchildren, and to focus on Julie's career as a sculptor.”

According to the OUS website, Conn's three-year contract expires in July, but will stay on until the end of August to give the State Board of Higher Education more time to implement a succession plan.

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