Updated March 28, 2012

Colleagues:

I am pleased to welcome Sona Karentz Andrews as Portland State University's next provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Dr. Andrews currently serves as vice chancellor for academic strategies to the Oregon University System. She has nearly two decades of experience in senior academic administrative positions at Boise State University and the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.

She has a well-deserved reputation for her collaborative approaches to problem solving, for her energy, knowledge of urban public research universities, and for an ability to get things done. Sona (SAH'-nah) shares our vision of a university committed to excellence and opportunity, and I look forward to her joining PSU's leadership team on July 1, 2012.

A link to a news release announcing Dr. Andrews' appointment can be found here: http://www.pdx.edu/news/Provost-SonaAndrews

I want to thank our search committee, led by Jon Fink, vice president for research and strategic partnerships, for an effective and successful search, and our faculty, staff and students for providing valuable input into this important decision. We were fortunate to have several excellent candidates, but Sona's experience and personal style clearly makes her the best fit for PSU at this time.

Finally, I want to thank Roy Koch for his ongoing service and leadership in his seventh year as provost, and 30th overall at PSU. Stay tuned for an announcement about an event celebrating Roy's career and retirement.

Wim Wiewel, President