We are keenly aware that members of LGBTQIA communities continue to face many barriers and injustices in our society. During this month, we acknowledge the turbulent history of the LGBTQIA+ civil rights movement, while also celebrating the courage, strength and resilience of those communities in the midst of adversity and in the pursuit of equality. Throughout Pride Month, and all year, Pacific University stands in support of LGBTQIA+ communities and is committed to continuing to foster a more inclusive culture of equity on our campuses and in our world.
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Pacific University is a community dedicated to anti-racism and justice, and we firmly condemn hate and violence of all forms. This includes the recent acts of violence against the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
Pacific will offer hybrid approaches to recognizing spring graduates, including small photo shoot opportunities and a virtual ceremony.
I invite you to join me Monday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m. for a virtual commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, hosted by the Office of Student Affairs and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, in partnership with the Undergraduate Student Senate and the Human Rights Council of Washington County.
Ann Barr-Gillespie will become provost and vice president for academic affairs, following the retirement of John Miller in June. Sarah Phillips, while retaining her role as dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, will become vice president for enrollment management, in the position currently vacant following this summer’s retirement of Mark Ankeny. Both positions become effective July 1. Karla Staihar joined the Cabinet as chief of staff as of Jan. 1.
Pacific University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs John Miller has announced his plans to retire at the end of this academic year. “The growth in Pacific’s programs during these past 13 years have been nothing short of transformational,” said President Lesley Hallick. “Please join me in thanking John for his tremendous contributions to Pacific University and its students.”
As we head into the winter holidays here at Pacific, we are also firmly focused on what the coming months will bring.
As we approach the end of 2020 members of the Board of Trustees want to tell each and every one of you — students, faculty, staff, deans and directors, President Hallick and her leadership team — how deeply we appreciate your efforts and cooperation in this challenging year of COVID-19.
Dr. Horn has served as interim dean since November 2019. He is an alumnus of Pacific's undergraduate programs and College of Optometry, has served as faculty and associate dean in the college, and is an expert is sports vision.
Today, on Veterans Day, we pause to acknowledge those who have put on a uniform for this country. But this is not the only day that veterans need or deserve our thanks and attention.