FOREST GROVE, Ore., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Lesley M. Hallick was named the 17th president of Pacific University in a morning ceremony today at Old College Hall on the University's Forest Grove campus. Pacific University alumna and Trustee Mindy Cameron '65 chaired the Presidential Search Committee and made the announcement before a crowd of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. Hallick will begin serving as Pacific President on August 1, 2009, succeeding Dr. Phillip Creighton, who has served as Pacific President since 2003. Creighton joined Cameron today in welcoming Dr. Hallick to Pacific.

"This is a great day for the Pacific community," said Cameron. "On behalf of the faculty, students, staff, alumni, and Board [of Trustees] of Pacific University, we are honored to welcome Dr. Hallick as our new President."

Cameron said the committee searched for a leader who embodies the passion for knowledge and service that our community values. "Dr. Hallick's experience at a multi-campus university, coupled with a foundation in the sciences and as a professor, researcher, and board member, gives her a unique breadth of experience working with diverse groups in the academic, scientific, and professional world," said Cameron.

Dr. Hallick comes to Pacific from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) where she served a 20-year tenure as the chief academic officer.

"I am deeply honored and incredibly excited about the opportunity to serve this university," said Hallick. "When I interviewed for this job, [Current Pacific President] Phil [Creighton] said, 'The place just weaves its way into your heart,' and I felt that from the moment I stepped on this historic campus.

"There is a strong tradition at Pacific, and recent strategic developments have positioned the University to make a reaching impact without losing the intimacy one feels here."

Dr. Hallick comes to Pacific with a long history of commendations for her work with students and the communities she has served. She currently serves on boards for Northwest Health Foundation, Oregon Historical Society, and Oregon Healthcare Workforce Institute. Throughout her tenure at OHSU, Hallick has developed a reputation for building partnerships in and out of the university, developing and improving upon new and existing programs of study, and garnering internal and external support for programs and partnerships. These skills will be much welcomed at Pacific University, a school that boasts programs at four locations in Oregon (Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Portland and Eugene) and more than 3,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

With over 20 years' experience in academic leadership in the Portland area, Dr. Hallick's background championing equality, environmental stewardship, and philanthropy make her an ideal leader to tell the Pacific story and advance a developing tradition and success in Arts and Sciences and innovation in healthcare and education graduate programs.

Pacific University is one of the West's first chartered higher education institutions. From its founding in 1849 as a pioneer-era school for orphans, Pacific University has always been about making a difference in people's lives. Today, as one of the finest liberal arts and health professions universities in the country, that spirit of caring and service still pervades every aspect of campus life, and fuels the desire to have an even greater impact on our students, our community and the region. www.pacificu.edu.

For complete coverage and more information about Pacific's 17th President, go to: http://www.pacificu.edu/about/presidentialsearch.

Photo and Press Kit materials: www.pacificu.edu/about/presidentialsearch

SOURCE Pacific University Oregon