Draft:John Karl Scholz

John Karl Scholz currently serves as the 19th President of the University of Oregon, having assumed office on July 1, 2023, following his selection by the UO Board of Trustees on March 13, 2023.

Prior to his tenure at the University of Oregon, Scholz held the position of provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, starting in August 2019. He also served as the Dean of the College of Letters & Science at UW-Madison from 2013 to 2019. Scholz's academic career at UW-Madison began in 1988 when he joined the university's Department of Economics. Over the years, he progressed to become the Nellie June Gray Professor of Economic Policy. Additionally, he directed the Institute for Research on Poverty at UW–Madison from 2000 to 2004.

In addition to his academic roles, Scholz has contributed to government service. He served as a senior staff economist at the Council of Economic Advisors from 1990 to 1991 and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tax Analysis at the US Department of the Treasury from 1997 to 1998.

Scholz's expertise lies in various areas of economics, with his research covering topics such as household saving, the earned income tax credit, low-wage labor markets, financial barriers to higher education, and bankruptcy laws. His work has been published in leading general interest economics journals.

Scholz earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and obtained his Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University.

Recent news

Recent events have brought attention to a poignant clash between President John Karl Scholz and passionate student advocates at the University of Oregon, particularly those aligned with the pro-Palestine movement. Scholz's remarks during this confrontation have sparked outrage and underscored concerns regarding the University's stance on Palestinian rights and its complicity in global conflicts.

In response to the protesters' principled stand, Scholz's reaction was dismissive and even flippant. He remarked that he "gets fired up about these things" and made a disturbing joke about being handed a "heavy mace," suggesting it could be used against the demonstrators. Such callous remarks from a university leader, particularly in the context of peaceful protests advocating for justice and human rights, have rightfully drawn condemnation.

Critics assert that Scholz's comments not only reflect a lack of sensitivity but also betray a failure to uphold the University's commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful campus environment. They argue that campus leaders should be champions of free speech and dissent, supporting students' right to express their views without fear of reprisal or intimidation.

There have been urgent calls for accountability and transparency from the University's administration. Student protesters demand that the original statement made by Scholz be disclosed and shared with the broader UO community, emphasizing the importance of accountability and dialogue in addressing grievances and fostering understanding.

Moreover, this conflict touches upon deeper issues surrounding the University's investment practices and its role in perpetuating injustice. The UO Palestine Coalition, one of the groups involved in the protest, contends that the University's financial ties to entities involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are unacceptable. They argue that the University's endowment, which includes investments in the US-Israeli war machine, implicates it in the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people. Despite facing adversity and a breach of agreement to end the encampment, the UO Palestine Coalition remains resolute in its mission.

John Karl Scholz has maintained a relatively private personal life. He earned his undergraduate degree in economics from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and went on to obtain his Ph.D. in economics from Stanford University. Scholz has balanced his professional commitments with family life, though specific details about his family and personal interests are not widely publicized. His career has taken him through significant roles in both academia and government, shaping his perspective and approach to leadership.