President of Southern Oregon University
Joined February 2022
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Thank you, Senator @RonWyden, for taking the time to hear our vision for SOU’s future. I’m grateful for your engagement and for the community partners and advocates who share our commitment to building a stronger university. SOU’s future is the Rogue Valley’s future! ♥️🖤♥️🖤
Impressed by all the fresh & forward-thinking ideas I heard yesterday from @SOUAshland officials + partners & advocates about the vitality plan for the school’s long-term future.
Bottom line, this university is a vital piece of the Rogue Valley.
Have you picked up your “Support SOU” sign yet? ♥️🖤
Congrats, Josh!
Big national recognition for one of our own! 🏆
Congratulations to SOU’s Josh McDermott, named the NAIA Sports Information Director of the Year!
A well-deserved honor for an outstanding storyteller and champion of Raider student-athletes. @SOURaiders
bit.ly/4cIBvTh
President Rick Bailey (he/him/his) retweeted
What does the future of Southern Oregon University look like?
In a new guest column for the Rogue Valley Times, SOU @PresRickBailey shares why he believes the university's best days are still ahead.
rv-times.com/2026/07/31/gues…
In this month’s video message, I discuss the work underway to shape @SOUAshland's future. We started with Deloitte’s recommendations, but the plan we’re building is our own — grounded in SOU’s values, community connections and long-term sustainability.
sou.edu/president/messages/
President Rick Bailey (he/him/his) retweeted
What began in local classrooms just reached the national stage!📢
SOU faculty and educators presented research on computational thinking, shaping how students learn to problem solve.
Read more here: news.sou.edu/2026/04/sou-led…
ALT A group of educators and faculty stand together at a conference, wearing name badges and smiling in a meeting room setting.
These are challenging times for higher ed, and certainly so for us here @SOUAshland. But we will come together as a community to fight for this institution we love. Special thanks to @JeffExchange for having me on air yesterday! www-ijpr-org.cdn.ampproject.…
Mike was one of a kind. Let’s all please remember – and celebrate – Mike for the superstar team member and dedicated Raider that he will always be. ❤️🖤❤️🖤
Mike Beagle, SOU’s Alumni Director and lifelong Raider, has passed away. A proud veteran, educator, conservationist, and passionate champion of our university, Mike dedicated his life to building community and connecting generations of alumni. We send love to his family.❤️🖤
ALT Photo taken in 2013 by SOU Alumni Director Mike Beagle. Features Mt. McLoughlin, one of Mike's favorite hiking spots.
President Rick Bailey (he/him/his) retweeted
Scholarships are open for Southern Oregon University students 🎓💸 Apply through Scholarship Universe to get matched with opportunities, including awards from AAUW Ashland worth $4K–$6K. Deadline March 16. sou.edu/financial-aid/schola…
Congratulations, Dennis! Proud moments, indeed!
Proud moment for SOU! 🎉
Congrats to Dennis Slattery, School of Business professor and Faculty Senate chair, on receiving the Alan Bates Public Service Award for his service to Ashland and our community. ashland.news/ashland-mayor-h… @cityofashland
Hi Everybody! In this month's video update, we focus on enrollment and retention, two things that will keep the university humming as a key state economic prosperity engine. Please help send prospective students our way. Thanks, and have a great rest of your week!
It was a distinct honor to serve as the keynote speaker for today's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr celebration. Special thanks to DL Richardson, Gina DuQuenne, and an entire community of loving people who made it such a beautiful event. #MLKDay
m.youtube.com/watch?v=HSSdk_…
Hi everybody!
SOU is one of three public universities in Oregon that grew enrollment this fall. That momentum drives Project Architect, our push to boost first-year enrollment and improve retention.
Watch my full video message here: sou.edu/president
Happy holidays ☃️
Higher education is facing real challenges, but SOU’s future is bright because of people like you! 💛 Your gift to the SOU Fund supports scholarships, fuels innovation, and ensures our students have the resources they need to thrive. 🌟
#SOU #SOUAshland #StudentSuccess
I was grateful to speak with Sharlyn Carrington on “Higher Thinking” recently about how @SOUAshland turned the pressures of exigency into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and a stronger campus culture. youtube.com/watch?v=CUgORgdy…
President Rick Bailey (he/him/his) retweeted
Oregon needs more special ed teachers—and SOU’s School of Education is stepping up. 💪 With expanded MAT programs, online options, and strong support, we’re preparing educators to make a difference. 🍎 kobi5.com/news/southern-oreg… #SOUashland #TeachOregon
President Rick Bailey (he/him/his) retweeted
Care in Action: Connection. Creativity. Community. 🌿
The Behavioral Health Initiative (BHI) invites you to the Fall Behavioral Health Institute on Nov. 4 at SOU. A full day of learning, creativity, and connection in behavioral health.
Tuesday, Nov. 4
8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
President Rick Bailey (he/him/his) retweeted
SOU’s UCAM program is redefining student success. With one-on-one coaching, holistic support, and a 94% retention rate, students like Quinn Barrabee are thriving in and out of the classroom.
Read how SOU is leading in neuro-inclusion 👉 tinyurl.com/2vnfbav5
President Rick Bailey (he/him/his) retweeted
Professor John A. Powell, Director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, will lead a community conversation. Moderated by SOU President Dr. Rick Bailey.
October 6, 2025
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Angus Bowmer Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival
bit.ly/3IO2xgd
President Rick Bailey (he/him/his) retweeted
Raider Fam! Ready to re-connect, celebrate, and make new memories? SOU Homecoming 2025 is here this weekend! From the alumni tailgate and football game to art exhibits, theater performances, golf, open play, and more! alumni.sou.edu/homecoming/ #RaiderUp #souashland
