Governor Kulongoski Names Tony Van Vliet to Oregon State Board of Higher Education
Governorto step down from temporary position on the board
(SALEM, OR) - Governor Theodore Kulongoski today announced that he has named former Oregon State Representative Antone “Tony” Van Vliet to the Oregon State Board of Higher Education.
The governor joined the board on a temporary basis in May while he searched for a highly qualified individual to fill the vacancy created by Neil Goldschmidt’s departure; with Van Vliet’s appointment, the governor will step down from his interim position on the board. The appointment is subject to senate confirmation.
“Tony brings exceptional knowledge and skills to this position,” said the governor. “Ensuring the excellence and accessibility of higher education in Oregon is one of my top priorities. It was very important to me to find a candidate who cares deeply about the future of higher education and who has the vision and experience to help move it forward. Tony’s background as both a state representative and a faculty member at OSU fits the bill perfectly and he will be a great asset to the board.”
Van Vliet is currently retired from Oregon State University (OSU), where he served on the faculty for over 30 years - most recently as the Director of University Placement and Professor of Forestry from 1978 to 1991. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Forest Products and Master’s Degree in Wood Science from OSU, as well as a Ph.D. in Forest Products from Michigan State University.
Van Vliet served as State Representative for District 35 from 1975 to 1995. He served on the Ways and Means Committee from 1979 to 1995, and was co-chair of Ways and Means in the 1991 legislative session. He also served on the Emergency Board from 1977 to 1995.
Van Vliet is currently the chair of the Oregon Public Broadcasting board. His past public service includes serving on the Corvallis Public School Foundation, the Corvallis Riverfront Commission and the state Environmental Quality Commission.
While he was serving as an interim board member, the governor also served as the interim chair of the Oregon State Higher Education Board. The Board will elect a new chair from their membership at a future meeting.
Media Contact:
Marian Hammond – 503-378-6169
Jodi Sherwood – 503-378-4656
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