EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Oregon State University President Ed Ray says wealthy donors don't hold back just because the school doesn't have its own governing board.

That puts Ray at odds with the likes of Nike's Phil Knight, who are pushing for greater autonomy for the University of Oregon.

A legislative committee is studying the idea of local boards, perhaps putting them under the umbrella of the statewide board that governs all seven public universities.

The University of Oregon backers say they'll take the issue to a statewide vote if the Legislature doesn't act.

The Eugene Register-Guard reports (http://bit.ly/MHtrwk) that Ray testified Thursday before the committee. He says Oregon State is working on a $1 billion fundraising campaign and hasn't heard from potential donors saying they'd donate only if the school were more independent.

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Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com