Southern Oregon University President Mary Cullinan has appointed an interim executive director for Jefferson Public Radio.

JPR Associate Director Paul Westhelle will succeed Ron Kramer, whose contract was terminated, effective June 30.

“I am delighted that Paul has agreed to this interim position,” Cullinan said in a prepared statement. “He has the respect of SOU, JPR staff and the JPR Foundation board. Paul will provide thoughtful and knowledgeable leadership as we build consensus, address upcoming transition issues, and move forward.”

The appointment comes after a high-profile dispute between the JPR Foundation Board and SOU. An Oregon University System audit concluded the foundation’s non-radio projects could be too much for JPR financially.

The audit resulted in a mediation and a proposed settlement agreement, which would have split the foundation from JPR, transferred JPR’s 22 radio stations into a single nonprofit called the Jefferson Public Radio Foundation and terminated Kramer’s dual role as executive director of both entities.