The Hillsbro Argus
By Nick Christensen
May 19, 2009
Pacific University officials are expected to name Lesley Hallick as the school's 17th president on Tuesday morning, signaling a further focus on developing the university's medical programs.
Hallick, the provost and vice president of academic affairs at Oregon Health and Science University, has a background in biochemistry and microbiology, and has worked at OHSU since 1977, when she started as an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology. She has been the university's provost since 1989.
Pacific would not confirm the selection Monday, but multiple employees at OHSU said they were aware of the impending appointment.
The Forest Grove-based university in recent years has focused on developing its Health Sciences Campus in Hillsboro, partnering with Tuality Hospital for the school's health programs.
"We think it's great in terms of her experience," said Brian Costa, a spokesman for Tuality. "Overall, Tuality thinks it's a great choice -great for the community and certainly great that there's a medical connection to enhance the relationship between Tuality and Pacific and to strengthen the Health and Education District in Hillsboro."
Forest Grove Mayor Richard Kidd said the selection was a little bit of a surprise.
"Dr. Hallick has the medical background, the research background that would favor the graduate programs that they are starting," Kidd said. "I'm looking forward to working very closely with the new president."
Mindy Cameron, the chairwoman of the presidential search committee, said last week the new president will be charged with keeping the momentum of growth achieved under outgoing president Phil Creighton, who has served the school since 2003.
"We have big ambitions ahead and we wanted the next president to be someone who could help us fulfill the important next steps in growing the campus, in size and reputation," Cameron said.
Before coming to OHSU, Hallick was a postdoctoral fellow in the molecular biology and chemistry departments at the University of California at Berkeley. Hallick graduated with a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1972 from the University of Wisconsin. A Southern California native, she earned her bachelor's degree magna cum laude from Pomona College in Claremont, Calif., in 1967.
Hallick has served on the Oregon State University Board of Advisors for 10 years.
The other two finalists were Vicky Carwein, chancellor of Washington State University Tri-Cities with a background in university administration and health science, and Alan Walker, president of Upper Iowa University with a background in fire and emergency training. Carwein withdrew her name from consideration last week, and Walker was traveling to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, leaving Hallick as the only finalist available to be in Forest Grove for an expected announcement.
