10 Questions With… Ed Feser, provost and executive vice president of Oregon State University. Feser will be leaving the university March 31 to become the 34th president of Saint Louis University.
What originally drew you to Oregon State University in 2017?
Its land grant mission and strong culture of serving Oregon and the Pacific Northwest through its research and public engagement. I was also impressed by its upward trajectory and continued potential, compelling leadership, and willingness to innovate and experiment. OSU’s well-known productive and collaborative relationship between faculty as represented by the Faculty Senate and administration was also a draw. We have a culture of transparency and mutual respect at OSU that is an asset for us compared to many of our peers.
How did the pandemic change you as a leader?
Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been humbled by the fundamental caring of faculty and staff and their ability to rise to the occasion in a crisis. The response of our community to the pandemic was no different. Our people were truly amazing. However, I did learn that we could consider and implement decisions more efficiently and promptly than we were accustomed to, when lines of communication are open and stakeholders are fully engaging. It’s one of several reasons I’m confident universities will adjust successfully to the present challenges—enrollment, affordability, funding, politics and otherwise—facing the sector.
What makes you passionate about higher education?
Excellent higher education provides access to the knowledge and discipline of thought people can use throughout their lifetimes to help them live virtuously and to the benefit of others and communities, whatever the field or profession they elect to pursue. It’s extraordinarily powerful, and while preparation for entering the workforce is an important function, at its best higher education is much more than that. It’s why we should, as a society, care very much about access and affordability. While not everyone needs to go to college, a university education must not become a luxury of the well-off.
You’ve guided the university through several strategic plans. How has Oregon State changed and grown in your time at the university?
Clearly, we’ve become bigger, but I think we’ve also become better in all mission areas. Our profile has grown nationally and we’re attracting more and more students from well beyond Oregon, which reflects our growing reputation and commitment to students’ success. The second fundraising campaign in OSU’s history is well on track, which speaks to a willingness to invest in us; PRAx and its vision and programming are game-changers for the arts and humanities at OSU, and for the Corvallis community; OSU-Cascades and HMSC are going strong, with new facilities and programs serving all mission areas; and the Jen-Hsun Huang and Lori Mills Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex will dramatically improve our core research infrastructure. Work we’re doing on the Administrative Modernization Program, research computing, marine operations, and new educational ventures, among other things, will yield great benefits. It has been such a privilege to work with so many others on these initiatives.
What advice would you give the younger version of yourself who was just starting college?
First, recognize it for the gift it is and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Second, know that faculty and staff are committed to your success. They want to help you. Go to their office hours; seek assistance and guidance; become fully part of the university community. Your time in college will pass too quickly.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received from a mentor or leader that has shaped how you’ve lived your life?
Listen, be patient, listen some more. Oh…and speak and write directly and clearly (thank you sincerely, Sister Maureen).
What was your favorite course in college?
A course on twentieth century European history taught by a masterful professor. He delivered articulate, truly spellbinding lectures and his expectations for our preparation, attention and engagement in class—what he viewed as appropriate professionalism—were high. You rose to the occasion.
You’ve worked and done research in various countries during your academic career. Why do you think international experiences are important in higher education?
Navigating significant intercultural differences lends perspective and builds skills that offer incredible benefits both personally and professionally. I’ve lived abroad both temporarily (study abroad as a student, on a Fulbright as a professor) and in immigrant status (teaching at the University of Manchester in the UK), and both types of experiences helped me better understand human nature and the importance of giving grace and kindness.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned at Oregon State that you’ll take with you into your new job?
Work alongside talented colleagues who are deeply committed to the university’s core mission and to working as a team and there are very few challenges you can’t solve or opportunities you can’t capture.
What is your favorite non-academic pursuit or passion?
Spending time with my family. Reading for an hour first thing each morning…political economy, history, philosophy, theology. I love hiking, camping and Nordic skiing as well.
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