President Mary Cullinan

Dr. Mary Cullinan
On August 31, 2006, Dr. Mary Cullinan became the eleventh president of Southern Oregon University, one of seven public higher education institutions in the Oregon University System.

President Cullinan received her BA degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She later earned her MA and PhD in English literature from the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Cullinan has published her research in the areas of business communication and literature. Prior to coming to Southern Oregon University, Dr. Cullinan served as provost/vice president for academic affairs and professor of English at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. Previously, she served as dean of the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences and professor of English at California State University, Stanislaus, and she held various positions at California State University, Hayward (now CSU East Bay).

Dr. Cullinan’s experience in facilitating partnerships with community colleges, redesigning budget processes, and increasing university enrollments has helped her assume the responsibilities and challenges faced by Southern Oregon University. She is leading a strategic planning process to refine the University’s mission and help SOU take charge of its future.

Southern Oregon University

Located in Ashland, Oregon, Southern Oregon University is a contemporary public liberal arts and sciences university. Named a “hidden gem” of higher education by The New York Times, SOU offers a challenging and practical liberal arts education centered on student learning, accessibility, and civic engagement that enriches both the community and bioregion.

SOU has been designated a Center of Excellence in the Fine and Performing Arts by the Oregon University System. With a student body of approximately 5,000 students, the University addresses regional needs through its academic programs, partnerships, public service, outreach, sustainable practices, and economic development activities. For more information, please visit www.sou.edu or call 1-800-482-7672.

SOU Mission Statement

Southern Oregon University is an inclusive campus community dedicated to student success, intellectual growth, and responsible global citizenship.

Commitments
Southern Oregon University is committed to

• a challenging and practical liberal arts education centered on student learning, accessibility, and civic engagement;
• academic programs, partnerships, public service, outreach, sustainable practices, and economic development activities that address regional needs such as health and human services, business, and education; and
• outstanding programs that draw on and enrich our unique arts community and bioregion.