Lewis & Clark Names Wim Wiewel as Its President
Lewis & Clark selected Wim Wiewel (pronounced Vim VEE-vel) in June 2017 to lead the institution forward as its next president. Wiewel, who completed a nine-year run as president of Portland State University earlier this year, started in his new role on October 1.
The search committee noted the strength of Wiewel’s relationships in Portland and across the Pacific Northwest as a leading factor in their decision.
I’m incredibly energized by the opportunity to lead Lewis & Clark, an institution so demonstrably committed to producing smart, engaged, critically thinking citizens of the world.” Wim Wiewel
“I’m incredibly energized by the opportunity to lead Lewis & Clark, an institution so demonstrably committed to producing smart, engaged, critically thinking citizens of the world,” said Wiewel. “Lewis & Clark is an important part of what makes Portland great, and I look forward to leveraging the strength of our city and region as partners in the vital work ahead.”
In nearly a decade as president of Portland State University, Wiewel guided the school through the Great Recession and into a dramatic period of growth and independence. During his time at PSU, Wiewel focused on five strategic goals: elevating student success, advancing excellence in teaching and research, extending leadership in community engagement, expanding commitment to equity, and innovating for long-term stability. Wiewel tripled fundraising, greatly increased the diversity of the student body, and was instrumental in the renovation or construction of 10 major buildings. His achievements attracted the attention of the presidential search committee cochaired by trustee and prominent Portland attorney Jay Waldron of Schwabe, Williamson and Wyatt, and Jon Jaqua BS ’70, trustee and owner and manager of McKenzie Oaks Ranch and owner and partner of Metal Products Company.
“We couldn’t be happier to have found the right leader close to home in Wim,” said Waldron. “In an era of increased competition for students, faculty, and donors, there is great opportunity for liberal arts colleges, law schools, and graduate schools like ours to benefit from strong and proven leadership. We’re confident his blend of experience, energy, and vision will lead Lewis & Clark to even greater levels of success.”
We’re confident his blend of experience, energy, and vision will lead Lewis & Clark to even greater levels of success.” Trustee Jay Waldron
Vice President, Secretary, and General Counsel David Ellis served as interim president from January to October. Former board chair Scott Dubchansky said the trustees and the entire community are deeply indebted to Ellis for his dedication to Lewis & Clark.
“David has served at the institution for over 15 years and, as many of you know, was planning to retire this spring,” Dubchansky said. “We’re thankful he took on this new role, and he has done a tremendous job as interim president. He will be a valuable asset to Wim as we move through this leadership transition.”
In addition to Waldron, the presidential search committee included several other members with ties to the law community: Libby McCaslin JD ’87; Patrick Nielson BA ’71 of the Law Office of Patrick A. Nielson, PC; Associate Dean of Faculty (law school) and Edward Brunet Professor of Law John Parry; Ronald Ragen, formerly of Davis Wright Tremaine; Dean of Diversity and Inclusion and Douglas K. Newell Professor of Law Janet W. Steverson; and Mark Tratos JD ’79.
