Irem Tumer, vice president for research and innovation at Oregon State University, has been named the 2025 Chair of the Council on Research for the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, or APLU.
APLU is a higher education advocacy organization, and convenes all public and land grant universities on an annual basis, with multiple councils under the umbrella that meet once or twice per year separately.
“As chair of the Council on Research, OSU gets visibility in a leadership role, playing a critical role in expanding the Council’s influence in addressing emerging challenges in the research and innovation enterprise, and continuing to support the vital role of research in public universities,” Tumer said.
The Council on Research consists of the senior university officers at member campuses and systems with responsibility for research strategy, policy and administration. The committee provides an opportunity for vice presidents and chancellors for research and selected associates to share information and advice on common issues and university practices, as well as to develop understanding and strategy in response to government policies and regulations affecting research and innovation.
In addition to the annual APLU meeting, the council meets twice a year and covers a variety of topics, including the assessment and development of policies pertaining to academic research and graduate education relevant to the member institutions.
Tumer said the council will have a variety of projects to focus on in the coming year. They include increasing opportunities for advocacy work, increasing impact through partnerships with industry and state agencies, focusing on reducing administrative burdens on faculty and researchers, and taking a close look at what advantages AI can provide.
“We have to be laser focused on all things AI,” Tumer said. “We have a unique opportunity to understand what strategic advantage AI will bring to research and innovation, as well as to leverage and scale the use of AI for our administrative work, for the good of all of our universities.”
Samaritan Health CEO announces he’ll leave in 2025
This month, Samaritan Health Services President and CEO Doug Boysen, announced he is planning to step down from the role in 2025. Boysen has been working with the Samaritan Health Services board to develop a transition plan, which will begin with the recruitment of a new CEO for the system.
System Board Chair Nancy Seifert, PhD, said, “It has been a distinct pleasure working so closely with Doug during the past seven years. He is an authentic, smart, mission-driven leader who has guided Samaritan through unforeseen challenges. We’re sorry to see him go, but glad to have the opportunity to partner with him to orchestrate a smooth transition for the system.”
“The board has been incredibly supportive of me and the organization. I am grateful that they have given me the honor of being CEO of Samaritan,” Boysen said. “Together, we have built two new hospitals, navigated a world-wide pandemic, and developed many new clinical programs to enhance the health of the communities we serve. I have given it my all as a leader and feel it is the right time for new leadership at Samaritan.”
Boysen has not announced the timing of his last day. He plans to remain in his role to support the transition once a new CEO has been identified.
Correction: We ran the wrong photo. The photo of Samaritan Health CEO Doug Boysen has now been updated. A prior version of this story included a photo of someone else in his place.
Irem Tumer by Theresa Hogue, Boysen resignation by Mark Ylen
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