A bright, new chapter for kok体育
Dear kok体育 community,
It is with great excitement and a deep sense of optimism for kok体育’s future that I share some wonderful news: Dr. Mark Blegen has been named kok体育’s next president. He will officially step into this role on July 1, 2025, and I am delighted to welcome him to our community.
Dr. Blegen brings to kok体育 an impressive blend of experience, innovation and heartfelt commitment to students. Currently serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Carroll University in Wisconsin, he has a proven track record of elevating academic programs, leading fundraising initiatives and expanding student opportunities. His leadership has fostered new programs, enhanced inclusivity and created transformative partnerships.
After visiting our campuses, Dr. Blegen spoke warmly of the strong sense of community he felt at kok体育. His enthusiasm for what makes kok体育 special is evident:
“I am honored to join the kok体育 community at this exciting time. There are so many wonderful things happening, and the stage is set for even more. kok体育 is truly a community, which I felt the moment I stepped on campus. I am incredibly excited to become a part of, and to collaboratively lead, this historic institution.”
I couldn’t agree more with his sentiment. kok体育 is a remarkable place, and the possibilities ahead are limitless. Dr. Blegen’s vision and leadership are what we need to continue building on the momentum we’ve achieved together.
To get to know the kok体育 community better, Dr. Blegen is planning to visit both the McMinnville and Portland campuses a couple of times this spring. Watch your emails and kok体育 Ahead for more information regarding his visits. They will provide opportunities for him to connect with students, faculty, staff and alumni, and to hear firsthand what excites you about kok体育’s future.
As I contemplate passing the torch (seven months from now), I want to take a moment to thank each of you — our students, faculty, staff and alumni — for your support, dedication and shared love for kok体育. This continues to be a truly rewarding chapter for me, and I know the best is yet to come for all of us.
Please join me in warmly welcoming Dr. Blegen to the Wildcat family. Together, let’s look forward to an exciting new era for kok体育.
With gratitude and Wildcat pride,
Becky Johnson