Portland State Magazine Fall 2007

AROUND THE PARK BLOCKS ... Scholar tal<es interim presidential post Michael Reardon STUDENTS and colleagues describe history professor Michael Reardon, who has served the Universiry for more than four decades, as brilliant. In June the State Board of Higher Education appointed Reardon Portland State's interim president until a permanent president is chosen through a national search now under way. He replaces Dan Bernstine, who left che Universiry to become president and CEO of the Law School Admissions Council. "Michael's lectures are original works of scholarship," says colleague David Johnson, professor of history. "While lecturing he thinks in front of students in a way chat is not anticipated-bringing to light thoughts that are compelling and powerful-and he does it again and again and again. What's more, he lets student know they are capable of the ame great thinking." Lincoln Hall will close for two years, starting in summer 2008, for needed upgrades. Reardon, 68, is also no stranger to administration. He erved as provost, the head academic position at PSU, from 1992 to 1997, and filled the same post on an interim basis during the 2004-05 school year. He was also vice provost for Academic Affairs and for 12 years erved as director of the Universiry Honors College. 1hrough the years, Reardon has received teaching awards, a career award, and national awards for transforming undergraduate education. This year, Reardon will help advance the Universiry's lead– ership position of engagement. This describes the collabora– tive approach Portland State uses in exchanging knowledge and resources with local, national, and international partners to benefit students and the communiry. The Universiry's core competency in civic engagement has garnered national recog– nition in US.News & World Report, contributing to its rising stature within academe and growing appeal among prospec– tive students. Reardon will return to semi-retirement once the search committee identifies a new president in 2008. The committee is chaired by Jim Francesconi, local attorney, Oregon State Board of Higher Education member, and former Portland ciry commissioner. ► What's new? More than $29 million in state-approved money to renovate Lincoln Hall, resulting in: ■ a leak-free roof ■ improved drinking water ■ a code-compliant seismic upgrade ■ a new heating and cooling system ■ a move out, starting in summer 2008, until work is complered in 2010. ◄ A plaque was installed this summer in Neuberger Hall to commemorate U.S. Sen. Rich– ard Neuberger, for whom the hall was named. The plaque is located in the north side lobby. As a writer and politician, Neuberger was instrumental in the effort to have Vanport Extension Center become Portland State University. FALL 2007 PORTLAND STATE MAGAZINE 5