Gov. John Kitzhaber added his signature to the bill that authorizes an institutional governing board for the University of Oregon – the final step in a long legislative process that is expected to improve efficiency at the UO and position the university for the future.

Senate Bill 270, approved in July by both chambers of the Oregon Legislature, creates a Board of Trustees, giving the UO new tools to focus exclusively on advancing the university's broad and complex public mission. Advocates have made the case that the change will benefit the UO by ensuring that the institution is served by the best possible leader, has access to capital that will streamline construction project timelines, can leverage philanthropy to support more students and faculty, and uses its research discoveries to spur statewide economic development.