CORVALLIS, OR -- Oregon State University has named Sherman “Sherm” Bloomer as the next Chancellor and Dean of OSU-Cascades. Bloomer is currently associate vice president of budget and resource planning at the university. He will take on the top leadership position at the Bend campus effective May 1. Bloomer served as dean of OSU’s College of Science for 11 years prior to leading the university’s budget and resource planning office in 2012.
“I’m tremendously excited to join OSU-Cascades and engage with faculty, staff, students, community leaders, donors, and elected and education leaders to advance higher education learning opportunities and research impacts in Central Oregon,” Bloomer said in a statement. “OSU-Cascades’ distinctive character and growth providing an innovative, small-university learning experience is exciting and unique, and is made even more powerful while drawing on its connections to all of Oregon State University.” He added, “I’m committed to work with colleagues at OSU-Cascades and the Bend area community members to continue building new academic programs, expanding research and innovation activities, and collaborating with Bend and Central Oregon stakeholders on the next phases of campus development.”
Bloomer’s appointment follows Andrew Ketsdever’s service as interim vice president. Ketsdever took over in May 2021, when Becky Johnson was named OSU’s interim president. Johnson had served as OSU-Cascades vice president since 2009. Ketsdever will return to his previous role as dean of academic affairs.
“Andrew Ketsdever accomplished a great deal as interim vice president, leading OSU-Cascades with a steady hand during the pandemic, including advancing work around the Cascades Innovation District and launching an innovative new career planning program for students,” said Ed Feser, OSU Provost and Executive VP, “I’m delighted he’ll continue to lead OSU-Cascades’ academic affairs going forward.”
OSU-Cascades’ campus footprint has grown to 128 acres from its initial 10 acres. Enrollment has increased to approximately 1,300 students.
On Friday, OSU announced a 3.9% tuition increase for returning undergraduate students in Corvallis and Bend, beginning in the fall. New undergrads will see a 4.4% increase at both campuses.
