October 3, 2023
PSU Community,
The new academic year is upon us! I hope those of you who could join Convocation were energized by President Ann Cudd and Interim Provost Shelly Chabon's remarks to the campus. As President Cudd shared, I hope our work can be infused with unity and purpose as we come together this year.
The beginning of the term is full of important gatherings, including the first full Board of Trustees meeting of the academic year, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 5 at 9:30 a.m. This month’s meeting will include a discussion about PSU’s strategic direction, informing the upcoming strategic planning process President Cudd will undertake this year. I hope the campus community will actively participate in the process and help support this critical work. The agenda for the board meeting is available on the Board webpage. If you would like to join us in person, the meeting is in the Academic and Student Recreation Center (ASRC) Room 515 or you can join virtually.
Before each meeting, trustees host a coffee hour in the fifth floor lobby of the ASRC from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. as a way to connect and engage with the campus community. Please RSVP by Oct. 4 if you will be joining us for coffee.
With this being my first year as Board Chair, one of my goals is to send out information before our quarterly board meetings to help keep the campus informed about the Board's work. As part of these communications, I will include an introduction to our trustees to help us become more familiar with one another. To begin the year, I am excited to introduce and welcome our newest trustee, Ashley Nilson, who joined the board following her appointment on Sept. 30. As always, the Board webpage has various resources that you may find helpful, including the yearly calendar, meeting notices, meeting recordings, and other information.
Get to know our newest trustee Ashley Nilson
Why did you apply to serve on the PSU Board?
As a current and former student of Portland State University, a current employee, and a local community member, I am deeply invested in the future of PSU. Over the years I've been involved with the university, I've developed close ties with individuals throughout campus and have seen first-hand the impact of university decisions on students, employees, and the local community. My decision to serve on the PSU Board stemmed from a desire to ensure the university continues to let Knowledge Serve the City, and the best way it can do so is by serving its students and employees first.
What most excites you about the upcoming year?
I'm most excited to see our students bring the campus back to life. Starting with the first Party in the Park since the pandemic, PSU is connecting students with the campus in a way we haven't been able to in many years. That, combined with a new president, means that this year is ripe with opportunities for growth and change. This is going to be an exciting year!
Please share a fun fact about your time as a college student or at PSU.
I learned you could rent the 5th Avenue Cinema when one of my friends hosted a sing-along screening of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's musical episode: Once More, with Feeling. It was a beautifully absurd evening for a close group of friends.
Lastly, I want to thank all of you as we come together over the upcoming year to support the renaissance of Portland State University and the City of Portland. Again, I enthusiastically welcome you to the new academic year — Go Viks!
Benjamin Berry, Chair
PSU Board of Trustees