CORVALLIS, OR — Paul Risser, who served as Oregon State University’s 13th president from 1996 to 2002, died Thursday at his home in Norman, OK. He was 74.
“President Risser led Oregon State during a time of challenge and transition,” current OSU President Ed Ray said in a statement on the school’s website. “He helped re-energize the intercollegiate athletics program and increase enrollment.”
On the athletics front, Risser supported more competitive teams, improved facilities, reduced athletic department debt, and watched as the OSU football team reached the 2001 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, defeating Notre Dame 41-9. Risser left the Corvallis school in 2003 to return to his home state as chancellor of the Oklahoma state system of higher education.
A memorial service is scheduled Monday in Norman, OK.
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