Who’s who at PSU?

Whether you’re a newly transferred student to Portland State, an incoming freshman, a longtime member of the PSU community or an alumnus just trying to see what’s happening, knowing who runs campus is important. Here’s a rundown of PSU’s top brass.

Michael Reardon, acting president

The president’s position at Oregon’s largest university remains unclaimed after former PSU president Daniel Bernstine left office in June to pursue other employment. A national search is underway to bring in candidates for Bernstine’s permanent replacement.

Former PSU Vice President and Provost Reardon has stepped in to temporarily fill the large shoes left by Bernstine. Appointed to the post in July, Reardon is expected to serve as acting president at least until the end of 2007, and possibly longer. Reardon spent over 40 years at PSU, working as a history professor and in the Honors College before leaving the university in 1999.

Lindsay Desrochers, vice president of finance and administration

In her third year back at Portland State after a 10-year absence, Desrochers is a favorite for the president’s position. This would be her second time applying for the post, which she lost to Dan Bernstine in 1997. Desrochers left her current job in 1995 for a stint at the University of Georgia, where she was senior vice chancellor for capitol resources and treasurer to the Board of Regents, managing a $4 billion budget for 34 institutions. In 2000, Desrochers took a position at the University of California, Merced as vice chancellor of administration, where she managed the building of a brand new campus.

Roy Koch, provost and vice president for academic affairs
Koch came to PSU in 1982 as a history professor and has since held numerous academic positions at the university. In his current job since 2005, Koch oversees the quality of learning available to students at PSU.

Dan Fortmiller, interim vice provost for student affairs

Fortmiller’s position is a catchall of responsibilities, from overseeing the admissions and enrollment process to registration and records. The position of vice provost has been empty for two years now, and PSU has hired a professional search firm to find a replacement, which could take through the end of the year.

Mark Gregory, associate vice president for partnerships, planning and technology

Now beginning his second year in this position, Gregory oversees the physical growth and expansion of PSU as the university expands within the city of Portland. Gregory was previously the director of information technology at PSU, and he regularly watches over his former department in addition to his current position.

James Francesconi, former Portland mayoral candidate and head of the PSU presidential search committee

Francesconi has been appointed by George Pernsteiner, chancellor of the Oregon University System, to oversee the selection committee searching for Portland State’s new president. Francesconi said he is hoping the committee can find a new president who will continue the legacy of PSU’s community. Oregon University System President Henry Lorenzen has high hopes for Francesconi’s leadership during the selection process, based upon his contributions to the state Board of Higher Education made since becoming a member of the Board in January of 2007.

Jerry Glanville, PSU Vikings football coach

A former NFL coach, Jerry Glanville’s flashy presence and commitment to training is hoped to yield a team of stronger players as well as a higher game attendance in his first season with the PSU Vikings. Former President Bernstine is responsible for bringing the new coach to Portland—he hooked Glanville to the job after the two spontaneously belted out a blues duet.

Michael “Torre” Chisholm, athletic director

Chisholm came to PSU in the spring from University of California, Irvine. The new athletic director has said he is looking forward to growing public support for PSU’s football team, as well as working on the athletic department’s physical needs.