Bill to include students, faculty and staff on OHSU presidential search committee attracts support

The Senate Committee on Education on April 28, 2025 heard testimony on House Bill 2695, which would require the Oregon Health & Science University Board of Directors to include at least one student, one faculty member and one non‑faculty staff member on the presidential search committee and allow official campus labor organization representatives to report to the board when requested.

Representative Lisa Bridal (testifying in support) said the measure would bring OHSU into alignment with other Oregon public universities by broadening participation in the search process. "This bill is a great opportunity to bring OHSU into compliance with all other public universities in Oregon by including community members such as students, faculty, and staff on the search committee," Bridal said.

Union leaders testified in support. Brooke Hill of Oregon AFSCME said the bill encourages transparency and accountability and that workers at OHSU deserve a voice in selecting leadership who will make decisions affecting employees’ daily work. Jenny Olsen, president of AFSCME Local 328, testified that including union and rank‑and‑file employee representation strengthens the search process and helps identify candidates who understand the institution’s full operations.

Bill sponsors and supporters characterized the change as procedural and limited to the search committee; the OHSU board would retain the ultimate hiring authority. Supporters also emphasized that broader participation can ease transitions and increase trust in leadership selections.

No committee vote on HB 2695 was recorded during this hearing.