Dr. Elisabeth Zinser, Southern Oregon University President, 2001-2006
Channel: Stories of Southern Oregon
Date: 2020-12-23

Dr. Elisabeth Zinser was named the 21st President of Southern Oregon University in 2001, a year of transition and the start of an economic downturn. Zinser initiated a campus-wide visioning process to establish a shared strategic plan that served the university well by enhancing faculty and staff morale, adjusting budgets and building curriculum. Zinser cultivated regional and state support for Southern Oregon University and established SOU as a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Throughout her service, Zinser demonstrated her commitment to public education and to a broad-based liberal education. 

Among Zinser's many accomplishments were the regional partnerships and funding that brought about the Higher Education Center in Medford, Oregon, a facility shared by Southern Oregon University and Rogue Community College. The HEC was the first LEED-certified academic construction in the state of Oregon and is a model of collaboration. The remodel and expansion of the Hannon Library was also completed during Zinser's tenure. 

Dr. Elisabeth Zinser retired from Southern Oregon University in 2006. She has been named a Distinguished Fellow of the Association of American Colleges & Universities, recognizing her lifelong work in higher education. 

This episode of the Stories of Southern Oregon University has been produced with the support of Southern Oregon University.

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