The new chancellor of the Oregon University System has a big job ahead of him – and a big opportunity. He has to help our universities steer their way through difficult financial times. At the same time, he has to continue our universities’ push toward national prominence.

Richard Jarvis comes to Oregon after being chancellor of the now-defunct United States Open University. The online project went down with other e-commerce ventures. But his qualifications are strong and we believe he will do a great job leading our university system.

Besides dealing with a $50 million budget cut, Jarvis will be working to expand on Oregon State University’s and University of Oregon’s national prominence as research institutions. Another priority is doing the same with Portland State, which he sees as having great potential. We agree.

Oregon is blessed with many things that make improving our university system easier. It’s a highly desirable place to live, and that’s something a lot of states or universities cannot overcome. The allure of the Willamette Valley, and of other universities such as Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, should be great aces in the hole as our system builds on successes and adds even more to our good reputation.

We like Jarvis’ idea to build up Portland State. The potential is incredible for this institution. An urban setting, with all the available resources for students to work and study, provides opportunities not readily found in more traditional university settings.

Beyond that, Jarvis will deal with UO and OSU seeking more autonomy to control their own destinies. That means less control from the Legislature, which allows all state universities to make better choices for each specific institution and find ways to be more efficient. We support giving our universities more independence. It appears as if that sentiment is shared with most folks, although some legislators do not want to give up their power.

Jarvis has a big job, but it should be exciting as we move into the future. If we can just get through our budget woes, we’ll be in good shape to do all the things we want to see accomplished. If we don’t deal with funding issues, however, the other points are all moot.