Dr. Rahmat Shoureshi resigned as president of Portland State University on Friday.
Shoureshi released the following statement:
Dear PSU community,
For nearly two years, I have had the honor of leading Portland State University, a great public urban research university embedded in the heart of Portland, the most vibrant city in Oregon. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with innovative faculty, dedicated staff and committed students. Together, we have accomplished many significant achievements, including the creation of a vision and goals for PSU 2025, launched historic fundraising efforts and launched two Centers for Excellence addressing homelessness and digital cities.
We have initiated a new approach to affordability and experiential learning through our Co-Op Program and have developed Student Success initiatives for increasing retention and graduation rates. We have focused on student body diversity and the university’s global footprint by promoting meaningful relationships with top universities in China and Saudi Arabia.
I am truly proud of our exemplary achievements, and I will cherish my service here, but the time has come for me to focus on my family first. Therefore, I am resigning as PSU President, effective December 14, 2019.
PSU is a great university, and has an exciting future ahead of it. I wish you all well and thank you for the exceptional opportunity you provided me. I also would like to express my gratitude to all members of the PSU campus community, and those in the Portland area who have extended their support and encouragement to me and my family.
Warmest Regards,
Rahmat Shoureshi
The resignation follows an audit that was ordered by the PSU Board of Trustees. The details of the audit aren't being released, but the board had the results before they started negotiations with Dr. Shoureshi. He's currently on paid administrative leave. While his resignation is effective December 14 he will be paid through the end of his three year contract a total of $880,000.
On Monday, the PSU Board of Trustees is expected to name PSU’s College of Urban and Public Affairs Dean Stephen Percy as acting president until an interim president is appointed. The Board will seek input from the faculty and campus community in the coming weeks in selecting an interim president.