Interim UO President Scott Coltrane, in consultation with incoming President Michael Schill, is elevating the university’s general counsel to a vice president position and expanding the scope of work and responsibilities.

The job description will be revised to reflect the new direction and expectations for the position, and a new search will be launched to ensure candidates meet the new qualifications. Coltrane said the decision to restart the selection process is not a reflection on the current search or pool of candidates, which he calls top-quality talent he would be proud to have on the UO team.

“It’s promising to report that we had stellar candidates in response to the original posting, but with an expanded portfolio, it is necessary to open a new search,” Coltrane said.  “In the new position, the VP-general counsel will not only serve as legal counsel to the university and the UO Board of Trustees but also will be a senior advisor on other institutional issues.”

Coltrane said candidates who applied for the original posting may apply again if they meet the qualifications in the new job description. In his announcement, Coltrane said the university will post the new job as soon as possible and move quickly to fill the position for the coming academic year.