PORTLAND, August 1, 2008 - State Board of Higher Education (the "Board") president, Paul Kelly, announced today that Dr. Christopher Maples, executive vice president for research at the Desert Research Institute in Nevada, has been named the new president of Oregon Institute of Technology. The Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Maples as president at a special telephone Board meeting held today. Maples will replace acting president Dr. David Woodall, who has served in this role since last year after the former president, Martha Anne Dow, passed away in September 2007 after a battle with cancer.

"We are delighted with Dr. Maples' appointment as president of Oregon Institute of Technology," said Kelly. "His background in academics and research make him a wonderful match for OIT's strengths and its potential, and the strong connection he made with the entire OIT community during his campus visit bodes well for a smooth and unifying transition into Dr. Maple's new leadership role. The Klamath Falls community is united in its support for Oregon Tech, and we believe that Dr. Maples can fully support OIT's faculty, student, and program assets, and help realize the potential of the university's unique, quality programs," added Kelly.

Dr. Maples, who will begin at OIT near to October 1, 2008, has served as executive vice president for research at Desert Research Institute in Nevada (DRI) and the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) since 2006. He has also held other positions there since 2003, including Department of Defense EPSCoR program director for Nevada, interim Sponsored Projects compliance director, acting deputy director of Nevada EPSCoR and interim director of the sponsored projects office for NSHE, and vice president for research at DRI. During his tenure there, Dr. Maples has helped oversee an overall increase in research funding from approximately $26 million a year to approximately $38 million a year. In addition, DRI has hired nearly 60 post-doctoral and staff scientists and faculty members since Maples' arrival. Dr. Maples also initiated new review and evaluation criteria for the Nevada DOD EPSCoR program, which resulted in a total of approximately $3.4 million in funding for UNR and UNLV from 2005-2008.

Governor Ted Kulongoski said, "Dr. Maples is a welcome addition to the strong group of presidents at Oregon's public universities, and the right person to provide leadership at OIT and help it further realize its many goals. The Klamath Falls community is fortunate to have a strong educational institution like Oregon Tech which truly transforms lives through its programs and outreach to students in southern Oregon and statewide."

"I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to serve OIT as its next president," said Maples.  "My sincerest thanks go out to the Oregon Tech community for already welcoming me to both the Klamath Falls and Portland campuses, and for the time they have spent in helping me understand the strengths and the opportunities of this great university. OIT has so much to offer this region and the state. I will work very hard to further OIT's student-focused mission, continue to strengthen its high-quality programs, and ensure a strong financial footing. I look forward to collaborating with faculty and staff to support teaching, research and student services, and working hand in hand with other educational institutions and the community at large."

The search committee for the president of OIT, which began its work in January, was chaired by Board member Paul Kelly, who was also recently elected the president of the Board of Higher Education. "There are many people to thank for making the search process a success and bringing Dr. Maples to Oregon Tech," said Kelly. "The Search Committee worked very hard, under an aggressive time schedule, since January to make sure of a successful outcome. I also want to thank the entire OIT community of faculty, students, staff and other stakeholders, and the Klamath Falls community as well for their important contributions and input throughout this process."

Oregon University System chancellor, George Pernsteiner, said, "Dr. Maples has a high level of understanding of the challenges and of the assets of OIT, its students, faculty, staff, and community. His background as a scientist, researcher and academic is a great fit with Oregon Tech's current strengths in healthcare, engineering technologies, and its potential in renewal energy. We wholeheartedly welcome Dr. Maples to Oregon and look forward to working with him to further higher education access, affordability and quality in the state."

Prior to his tenure at Desert Research Institute, Dr. Maples served as chair of the Department of Geological Sciences at Indiana University from 1998 to 2003. He held several program director positions at the National Science Foundation from 1995 to 1998 in the following areas: Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education, Life in Extreme Environments, MarsRock Initiative, Earth Systems History, and Geology & Paleontology. From 1989 to 1992 he was with the Kansas Geological Survey, serving in the following roles: section chief of Geological Investigations, assistant, and then acting section chief of Petroleum Research, and COGEOMAP/STATEMAP coordinator. Other positions and appointments held by Dr. Maples have included faculty, adjunct, and teaching positions at Indiana University, University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Clemson University, and the University of Wisconsin. He has held scientist, curator and/or research positions at Indiana University, University of Kansas, Kansas Geological Survey, and the Smithsonian Institution.

Dr. Maples has served on numerous research review and evaluation panels and committees with the NSF and other organizations. He has also served on many boards and committees and received major awards and honors from some of these, including the American Geological Institute, the Society for Sedimentary Geology, and the Paleontological Society. Maples has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards during his career, and has been widely published, including books, journals, and other publications. Dr. Maples received his B.S. in Geology from West Georgia College, his M.S. and Ph.D. in Geology from Indiana University. Maples will be joined in Klamath Falls by his wife, Sara Marcus.

Oregon Institute of Technology is the only public, accredited polytechnic university in the Pacific Northwest. The university was founded in 1947 to educate servicemen returning from World War II. Throughout its history, OIT has maintained vital relationships with industry partners to be responsive to workforce needs. Most classroom experiences are balanced between theory lecture and immediate laboratory application. OIT is a member institution of the Oregon University System. The university's main campus is in Klamath Falls, with two campuses in the Portland-metropolitan area and specific degree programs delivered in Seattle, Medford and La Grande.

The graduate placement rate is 98 percent, with an average starting salary of $48,000. The university's overall enrollment is 3,318. OIT is ranked among the USNews & World Report Top 10 Baccalaureate Colleges in the West, and is home to the national champion Hustlin' Owls Men's Basketball Team. OIT was the first university in the United States to offer a Renewable Energy Systems bachelor's degree, graduating its first student in June 2008.

Oregon University System (OUS) comprises seven distinguished public universities, reaching more than one million people each year through on-campus classes, statewide public services and lifelong learning. The Oregon State Board of Higher Education, the statutory governing board of OUS, is composed of twelve members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon State Senate. For additional information, go to http://www.ous.edu/ 

-- OUS --

Portland, OR, June 2 - A third finalist candidate for the next president of the Oregon Institute of Technology was announced today by George Pernsteiner, chancellor of the Oregon University System.

Dr. Daniel J. Bradley, president of Fairmont State University (West Virginia) joins the other two finalist candidates announced last week, Dr. Christopher G. Maples, executive vice president for research at Desert Research Institute (Nevada), and Dr. Donald H. Sebastian, senior vice president for research and development at New Jersey Institute of Technology and president of the NJIT Research Corporation.

Daniel Bradley has served as president of Fairmont State University in West Virginia since 2001, and is also a tenured professor of Chemistry and Engineering Technology there. During his tenure, he has developed the campus' 10-year physical facilities master plan with $100 million in construction recently completed. He has forged strong ties to city and county governments, business, and K-12, and helped initiate FSU's first ever capital campaign and bring it to a successful conclusion. Under his leadership the institution initiated its first graduate programs in Education, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Nursing (cooperative); and established the Fairmont State Center for Teaching Excellence and Center for Learning Technologies. Since 2000, FSU's enrollment has increased by 10% despite declining state high school graduation numbers; and the institution, as part of a far reaching master plan, has focused on student success and excellence in teaching and learning.

Prior to this position, Dr. Bradley held several positions at Montana Tech of the University of Montana (Butte) from 1979 to 2001. Most recently, he was vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and research where he was responsible for academic programming and budgeting, as well as support areas. From 1989 to 1998 he was dean of Engineering and continued as head of the Petroleum Engineering Department. From 1986 to 1989 he served as interim dean of Students and then director of international programs. Between 1979 and 2001 he also had teaching responsibilities in the areas of Petroleum Engineering, Chemistry and Geochemistry. Bradley completed fellowships at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory from 1975 to 1979.

Dr. Bradley has served in numerous board and service positions, including since 2000 the Board of Directors of ABET, the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. He also currently serves or recently completed service on the NCAA Division II Presidents Council, the Marion County Regional Development Corporation board and the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, and is a Task Force member for the Creation of a Voluntary System of Accountability with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. In other experience, Bradley served as co-director of the Montana Tech Young Scholars Program from 1990-97; has been a petroleum consultant in China, and a visiting scientist with other universities and research institutes. He has been the author and contributor to many publications, a frequent presenter at national conferences, and recipient of several professional awards. Bradley received his B.S. in Biochemistry and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Michigan State University (East Lansing), a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology, and an M.S. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Tulsa (Oklahoma).

Portland, OR, May 28 - Two finalist candidates for the next president of the Oregon Institute of Technology were announced today by George Pernsteiner, chancellor of the Oregon University System. A third candidate may be announced next week.

Paul Kelly, chair of the search committee and a member of the State Board of Higher Education, forwarded the slate of finalists to the Chancellor. The finalists are: Dr. Christopher G. Maples, executive vice president for research at Desert Research Institute (Nevada); and Dr. Donald H. Sebastian, senior vice president for research and Development at New Jersey Institute of Technology and president of the NJIT Research Corporation.

"The search committee is very pleased with the slate of finalists, and excited to bring them to OIT next month," said Kelly.  "Among them we see a wealth of experience in academia, in science and technology, in research, fundraising, and engagement with faculty and external constituencies. OIT has so many strengths to build upon and nurture, and the faculty, student and community involvement to take this institution to the next level," said Kelly. "I look forward to the OIT community meeting the candidates, and for these strong finalists to discuss their vision for the campus in the next few weeks."

Once appointed, the new president will begin his leadership at OIT in the fall. The successful candidate will replace acting president David Woodall, who has served in this role since spring 2007 during the illness of former OIT president Dr. Martha Anne Dow, who succumbed to cancer last September. Dr. Woodall will return to his role as provost once the new president begins.

Christopher G. Maples has served as executive vice president for research at Desert Research Institute in Nevada (DRI) and the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) since 2006. He has also held other positions there since 2003, including Department of Defense EPSCoR program director for Nevada, interim Sponsored Projects compliance director, acting deputy director of Nevada EPSCoR and interim director of the sponsored projects office for NSHE, and vice president for research at DRI. During his tenure there, Dr. Maples has helped oversee an overall increase in research funding from approximately $26 million a year to approximately $38 million a year. In addition, DRI has hired nearly 60 post-doctoral and staff scientists and faculty members since Maples' arrival.  Dr. Maples also initiated new review and evaluation criteria for the Nevada DOD EPSCoR program, which resulted in a total of approximately $3.4 million in funding for UNR and UNLV from 2005-2008.

Prior to this, Dr. Maples served as chair of the Department of Geological Sciences at Indiana University from 1998 to 2003. He held several program director positions at the National Science Foundation from 1995 to 1998 in the following areas: Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education, Life in Extreme Environments, MarsRock Initiative, Earth Systems History, and Geology & Paleontology. From 1989 to 1992 he was with the Kansas Geological Survey, serving in the following roles: section chief of Geological Investigations, assistant, and then acting section chief of Petroleum Research, and COGEOMAP/STATEMAP coordinator. Other positions and appointments held by Dr. Maples have included faculty, adjunct, and teaching positions at Indiana University, University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Clemson University, and the University of Wisconsin. He has held scientist, curator and/or research positions at Indiana University, University of Kansas, Kansas Geological Survey, and the Smithsonian Institution.

Dr. Maples has served on numerous research review and evaluation panels and committees with the NSF and other organizations. He has also served on many boards and committees and received major awards and honors from some of these, including the American Geological Institute, the Society for Sedimentary Geology, and the Paleontological Society. Maples has been the recipient of numerous grants and awards during his career, and has been widely published, including books, journals, and other publications. Dr. Maples received his B.S. in Geology from West Georgia College, his M.S. and Ph.D. in Geology from Indiana University.

Donald H. Sebastian has been senior vice president for Research and Development at New Jersey Institute of Technology since 2004, and president of the NJIT Research Corporation since 2007. His work has included managing research administration and fostering academic research, state and federal relations, patent and licensing activities, oversight of one of the country's largest business incubators, operation of the state's homeland security technology center, and supervision of NJIT's commercially focused technology centers. During his tenure, total research expenditures grew from $41 million to almost $100 million in 2008. Sebastian has also served in other positions at NJIT since 1995, including vice president of R&D, vice president Technology Development, associate provost R&D, executive director of the Center for Manufacturing Systems, and professor. Other responsibilities at NJIT include Dr. Sebastian's role in creating the Newark-based coalition for regenerative medicine research, as well as a statewide Homeland Security Technology Systems Center, reorganization and integration of university transportation research, development of child-safe handgun technologies, creation of the R&D office, implementation of a branding and visibility strategy, and development and execution of plans to grow and maintain separate machining, micro-electronics fabrication, and materials characterization facilities supporting researchers and commercial users.

Dr. Sebastian is currently founder and chief technology officer at Auxilia, Inc. Prior to his positions at NJIT, he held several positions at the Stevens Institute of Technology from 1978 to 1990, including professor, associate professor and assistant professor. He was head of Inf. and Comp. at the Polymer Processing Institute, Inc. from 1983 to 1990 at Stevens, and co-director and founder of the Design and Manufacturing Institute from 1990 to 1995, also at Stevens.

Dr. Sebastian has served on numerous boards, including currently with the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, the Polymer Processing Institute, Inc., the Henry H. Kessler Foundation, the Newark Innovation Zone, and SMART (Strengthening the Mid-Atlantic Region for Tomorrow), among others. He has also been chair of the R&D Council of New Jersey, and founder and chair of the New Jersey Nanotechnology Consortium. Sebastian has published numerous books, journal articles and other writings, and is a frequent speaker at national conferences. Dr. Sebastian received his B.E., M.E. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Pernsteiner said the finalists will visit the OIT Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro campuses between June 2 and 13. Visits and forums with students, faculty, campus administration and community leaders will be included in the schedule for each candidate, with the public meeting schedule posted on the OIT website. The State Board of Higher Education will interview candidates after the campus visits are completed, and expects to make a decision on the next president of OIT once that process is concluded.

Oregon University System (OUS) comprises seven distinguished public universities, reaching more than one million people each year through on-campus classes, statewide public services and lifelong learning. The Oregon State Board of Higher Education, the statutory governing board of OUS, is composed of eleven members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon State Senate. For additional information, go to http://www.ous.edu/.