Life history interview conducted by Chris Petersen.
February 10, 2015Location: Austin Hall, Oregon State University.
Ilene Kleinsorge (b. 1949) was a member of the OSU College of Business faculty from her arrival in 1987 to her retirement in 2015. For the final twelve years of her career, Kleinsorge served as the college's Dean, a time period that saw significant change within Business. As Dean, Kleinsorge oversaw broad changes to the college's curriculum as well as the implementation of several new programs, a strengthened emphasis on innovation, and the construction of a state-of-the-art facility, Austin Hall. Her interview focuses on her atypical career path - which included stints as a factory worker and licensed practical nurse - as well as the strategic planning process that was central to the renewal of the College of Business. She also discusses her interactions with Ken and Joan Austin, and recounts the story behind Austin Hall.