Interim President Youngblood greets Oakland community

Oakland University Interim President Betty J. Youngblood addressed the university community for the first time this July, at a reception attended by nearly 400 faculty and staff members.

Youngblood was appointed by the Board of Trustees to replace Gary D. Russi, who has served as president since 1996. A national search will be established to secure a permanent president.

An Oakland alumna and proud supporter of the university, Youngblood is currently responsible for all OU programs in Macomb County. 

Throughout her career, Youngblood has held a variety of leadership positions at universities across the country, including serving as vice chancellor and chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Superior, president of Western Oregon University, and president of Lake Superior State University.

She holds a Ph.D. in political science and a master of arts in South Asian area studies from the University of Minnesota, as well as a bachelor of arts in South Asian area studies from Oakland. She is a native of Macomb County.

Youngblood has also served in numerous administrative positions at institutions across the country, following 10 years of full-time university teaching in political science. These positions include vice president for academic affairs, college vice president, dean, director of academic services, registrar and academic advisor.

View highlights from Youngblood’s Thursday, July 11 speech below.