Abstracts
“Coming to OSU and Establishing an Agenda”
March 24, 2014
Location: One Partners Place, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. Watch Video | Download Transcript (PDF)
In interview 1, Risser discusses his decision to pursue the presidency at OSU, his initial impressions of the university, his early points of emphasis, and colleagues that were important to achieving his objectives. He also reflects upon the relationship between OSU and the city of Corvallis, university budgets and funding, promoting and enhancing OSU athletics, diversity at OSU, renovating Weatherford Hall, and the creation of the Austin Family Business Program.
“Continuing to Build at OSU and Reflections From Afar”
March 25, 2014
Location: One Partners Place, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. Watch Video | Download Transcript (PDF)
In interview 2, Risser share his memories of changes in the OSU Colleges of Business and Engineering, the construction of the Kelley Engineering Center, upgrades in the campus technical infrastructure, and developing the environmental sciences at OSU. He likewise provides his perspective on the creation of an OSU branch campus in Bend, Oregon, the expansion of the Valley Library, the formation of the University Honors College, and the move to OSU of the Linus Pauling Institute. Other topics discussed include visits to OSU by major speakers including Hillary Clinton and Desmond Tutu; the reaction on campus to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; working with the OSU Alumni Association; Risser's own scientific research; OSU's commencement traditions; leaving OSU for Oklahoma; thoughts on the current direction of OSU and advice to OSU students.