Oregon Public Broadcasting

The University of Oregon has a new president.  The state Board of Higher Education Friday unanimously selected University of Kansas provost, Richard Lariviere to lead the Eugene school starting July first. Rob Manning reports.

Lariviere was in the running for a few open presidential posts across the country, but he says U of O was his first choice. He says he and his wife, Jan, are thrilled.

Richard Lariviere: “University of Oregon is a remarkably good institution, the teaching and research that goes on there is world-class. And we’re delighted to be associated with it.”

Lariviere says he appreciates the Oregon University System’s open mind about considering big changes to deal with public universities’ financial difficulties.

He’s advocating continued efforts to raise private money -- on the heels of an $850 million capital campaign at U of O.

Lariviere will succeed Dave Frohnmayer, who’s retiring at the end of June, after 15 years as U of O president.

University of Oregon also announced Friday that head football coach Mike Bellotti will advance into the job of Athletics Director, the same day Lariviere becomes U of O president - July 1st.

The football team’s offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly, will become the team’s head coach.