The Senate Committee on Education convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2,695, which aims to reform the presidential hiring process at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). The bill mandates that the hiring committee for the university president must include representatives from the university community, specifically one faculty member, one non-faculty staff member, and one student. Additionally, it allows for a representative from campus labor organizations to provide input during the hiring process.

Representative Lisa Bridal, who spoke in support of the bill, emphasized the importance of including diverse perspectives in the selection process. She noted that this initiative aligns OHSU with other public universities in Oregon, promoting a more equitable and transparent hiring process. Bridal shared her experience as Board Chair at Lane Community College, where inclusive participation in the selection process led to a smoother transition for the incoming president.

Representative Zack Hudson, who introduced the bill, reiterated its goal of enhancing participation in university leadership selection. He highlighted the collaborative nature of the bill's development, which garnered support from various sectors within the education community.

Brooke Hill, representing Oregon AFSCME, expressed strong support for the bill, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in OHSU's leadership. She pointed out that the bill ensures that faculty, students, and labor organization members have a voice in the hiring process, which is crucial given the significant impact leadership decisions have on their daily lives.

Jenny Olsen, president of AFSCME Local 328, also voiced her support, stressing that the bill would ensure the presidential search committee reflects the diverse perspectives of all OHSU employees. She shared her experience as a union representative during a previous presidential search, highlighting the importance of including non-faculty voices in the decision-making process.

The committee concluded the public hearing on House Bill 2,695, which aims to foster a more democratic and inclusive approach to leadership selection at OHSU. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to enhancing community engagement in university governance. The next item on the agenda was the public hearing on House Bill 2,586.