KLAMATH FALLS, OR – The Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) Board of Trustees voted today during a Board meeting to accept the wishes of President Chris Maples to not renew his contract, which ends on June 30, 2016. In addition the Board voted to begin seeking new leadership of the university. President Maples has led the university since 2008 as the institution’s sixth president, following Martha Anne Dow who passed away from cancer while serving as president.
Chair of the Oregon Tech Board of Trustees, Lisa Graham said, “The Board supports Dr. Maples’ long-term goal to pursue a leadership position at another institution, and will be seeking new leadership for Oregon Tech. We will work hard to ensure a smooth transition for him and the university.
“President Maples has helped move the university forward during his eight years here, with an impressive list of accomplishments that include record enrollment growth, opening a new campus in Wilsonville, the launch of new degree programs, and transitioning Oregon Tech to the new governing board model. Our thanks goes out to him for his commitment to this university and his efforts to demonstrate its polytechnic mission.”
President Maples will continue to lead the campus, including active participation in the celebrations of the Class of 2016, through the end of June.
Maples led the university through funding challenges during the recession when state higher education support was cut significantly. He was also a key leader for the Technical and Regional Universities in the governance change within the Oregon University System, ensuring that Oregon Tech was protected and its students and university wouldn’t be negatively affected by the change. Maples also led the final stages of fund-raising for the Martha Anne Dow Center for Health Professions; and saw student scholarships increase to record annual amounts during his time.
Chris Maples said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my eight years leading this wonderful institution and working with a great faculty and staff, and seeing the positive growth in our students from when they arrive to the day they graduate. I’m proud of what has been accomplished during my tenure here, and know that I will always be a Hustlin’ Owl and will watch what I know will be the continued success of Oregon Tech going forward. My thanks goes out to the entire campus community for their support and the sense of family that everyone has built at this university.”
The Board is working with President Maples on a plan following the end of his existing contract to ensure a seamless transition. During this transition, the Board will appoint an acting president to serve during several months of a search process for a permanent president.
About Oregon Tech
Founded in Klamath Falls in 1947, Oregon Institute of Technology is the premier public polytechnic university the Pacific Northwest. Oregon Tech provides degree programs in engineering and health technologies, management, communication, and applied sciences that prepare students to be effective participants in their professional, public, and international communities through hands-on, applied learning. Oregon Tech has a full-service, residential campus in Klamath Falls and an urban, industry-focused campus in Wilsonville. Visit www.oit.edu to learn more about Oregon Institute of Technology.
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