Laurie Woodward, who has served for the past seven years at Minnesota State University, has been hired as director of the of the University of Oregon's Erb Memorial Union. She will begin work at the UO in early June.

Woodward, who was hired following a nationwide search, has been director of the Centennial Student Union & Student Activities at Minnesota State University since 2006. She has also held leadership positions in student unions at the University of South Florida, University of Florida and the University of South Dakota. 
“We are thrilled that Laurie will be joining our Student Affairs team,” said Robin Holmes, the UO's Vice President for Student Affairs. “Her vast experience with both the programmatic and operational aspects of student unions will serve us well as we embark on the renovation and expansion of the EMU."

Woodward is excited to get started and to work with the staff and students she met during the interview process.

“I am honored to be following some truly legendary leaders,” Woodward said. “Adell McMillian was so well-respected in our profession, Dusty Miller was loved by everyone who knew him and Wendy Polhemus has worked so hard to start the building project. I am coming in with some big shoes to fill, and I am going to work really hard to fill them. ” 

Woodward holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Long Island University, a master's degree in college administration/recreation from Western Illinois University, and a doctorate in higher education and graduate certificate in public management from the University of South Florida.

Her research interests include leadership development, environmental design and community development, and social contract theory and the role and responsibilities of higher education. Her husband, Randy, and their two cats, Molly and Rolly, will join her in the move.

- by Rita Radostitz, UO Office of Student Affairs