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Portland State University

Former names	Vanport Extension Center (1946–1955) Portland State College (1955–1969)
Motto	Doctrina urbi serviat (Latin)
Motto in English	"Let knowledge serve the city"
Type	Public research university
Established	1946; 79 years ago (1946)
Accreditation	NWCCU
Academic affiliations	CUMU GCU HECC ORAU USU Space-grant
Endowment	$98 million (2023)
President	Ann Cudd
Academic staff	1,796 (research and instructional faculty) 742 (academic professionals and managers)
Administrative staff	3,800
Students	26,012
Undergraduates	20,969
Postgraduates	5,052
Location	Portland , Oregon , United States 45°30′46″N 122°41′07″W / 45.51278°N 122.68528°W / 45.51278; -122.68528
Campus	Large city, 50 acres (20 ha)
Newspaper	Portland State Vanguard
Colors	Green and white
Nickname	Vikings
Sporting affiliations	NCAA Division I FCS - Big Sky
Mascot	Victor E. Viking

Portland State University (PSU) is a large public university in Portland, Oregon. It's a place where students can do a lot of research. It started in 1946 to help World War II veterans go to college. Over the years, it grew into a four-year college and became a university in 1969. PSU is known for its strong research programs.

The university has seven main colleges. They offer many different degrees, including 123 for undergraduate students and 117 for graduate students. PSU's sports teams are called the Portland State Vikings. Their colors are green and white. They compete in NCAA Division I, mostly in the Big Sky Conference.

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History of Portland State University

How PSU Started (1946–1964)

Portland State University began as the Vanport Extension Center in June 1946. It was founded by Stephen Edward Epler. He wanted to help World War II veterans get a college education. Many veterans could go to college thanks to the G.I. Bill, a law passed in 1944.

The first classes were held in the Vanport Junior High School. Because it was in a low-lying area near the Columbia River, people jokingly called it "The U by the Slough." In the first summer, 221 students attended. By fall 1946, over 1,410 students joined. The school used buildings that were once childcare centers and a shopping center. They also used classrooms in other high schools and the University of Oregon's dental and medical schools.

Lincoln Hall around 1920. It was a high school then, but now it's PSU's performing arts center.

In 1948, a big flood hit Vanport. The college became known as "the college that wouldn't die" because it kept going even after the flood. Students also nicknamed it "The college without a future." After the flood, the school moved to Grant High School and then to the Oregon Shipyard. In 1953, the school moved to downtown Portland. It took over the old Lincoln High School buildings, including Lincoln Hall.

The school changed its name to Portland State College in 1955. This showed it was now a four-year college that could give out degrees. Stephen Epler, who helped start the college, left to become president of another college. By 1956, fewer veterans were attending, and the college focused more on regular students.

Growing and Developing (1965–2000)

For many years, Portland State University's growth was limited. This was because of a rule that said public universities in Oregon shouldn't offer the same programs. However, PSU still added more programs. Graduate programs were added in 1961, and doctoral programs (the highest degrees) were added in 1972. In 1969, the school officially became Portland State University.

In 1993, PSU changed how its undergraduate students learned. They started a new program called University Studies. This program helps students connect different subjects. It includes special courses for freshmen and sophomores, and then "junior cluster" courses. Finally, seniors complete a "capstone" project. This project involves working with a community group and often includes a public presentation. This new program got national attention for its unique way of teaching. In 1995, Stephen Epler was honored for starting the university.

Recent Years (2001–Present)

In 2003, Portland State started offering degrees in Black Studies. That same year, a center for Native American students opened. In 2004, the College of Engineering and Computer Science was named after a former student, Fariborz Maseeh.

In 2020, the university decided that its campus police would no longer carry guns while on patrol. This decision was made after protests and a past incident. If there was a dangerous situation, the Portland police would respond instead. This policy started in September 2021. However, in early 2023, campus police started carrying weapons again.

Leaders of the University

Here are some of the people who have led Portland State University since it began:

Stephen E. Epler (Vanport Extension Center), 1946–1952
John F. Cramer, 1955–1958
Brandford P. Millar, 1959–1968
Gregory B. Wolfe, 1968–1974
Joseph C. Blumel, 1974–1986
Natale A. Sicuro, 1986–1988
Roger N. Edgington (Interim President), 1988–1990
Judith A. Ramaley, 1990–1997
Daniel O. Bernstine, 1997–2007
Michael F. Reardon (Interim President), 2007–2008
Wim Wiewel, 2008–2017
Rahmat Shoureshi, 2017–2019
Stephen Percy (Interim President 2019–2020), 2020–2023
Ann Cudd, 2023–present

Academics at PSU

Shattuck Hall, where the university's school of architecture is located.

Portland State offers many different degrees. You can get a bachelor's degree in 123 subjects and a master's or doctoral degree in 117 subjects. The university has added more doctoral programs as it has grown into a research university. Some of the newer doctoral fields include math, biology, computer science, and engineering.

In 2006, PSU started its first fully online degree program. This was for a bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice. In the 2014–15 school year, Portland State gave out over 6,000 degrees. This included bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Applying to PSU

Getting into Portland State University is not too difficult. In 2015, about 61% of students who applied were accepted. PSU also has agreements with local community colleges. This allows students from Portland Community College and Clackamas Community College to easily transfer to PSU after two years.

Colleges and Schools

Portland State University has nine main academic areas:

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
School of Business Administration
College of Education
OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science
College of the Arts
School of Social Work
College of Urban and Public Affairs
University Honors College

PSU also offers short courses and training for adults and businesses through its Center for Executive and Professional Education.

University Studies Curriculum

The university's motto on a campus skybridge over SW Broadway St.

In 1993, PSU started a special way of teaching called University Studies. This program is unique to PSU. It helps students learn how different subjects connect. It also teaches important skills like writing, critical thinking, and understanding different cultures.

The program starts with Freshman Inquiry courses. These classes are interactive and explore topics from many different angles. Sophomore Inquiry courses focus on communication, group discussions, and research projects.

As students move to their junior year, they take Upper Division Cluster Courses. These courses are more detailed and relate to their chosen major.

In their senior year, students complete a six-credit senior capstone project. This project combines classroom learning with real-world community work. Students often work with local organizations on issues like social justice or environmental protection. They usually give a public presentation about their project.

This program has been praised by many national organizations for its new approach to college education.

Research at PSU

Millar Library viewed from the entrance.

Portland State is known as a university with "higher research activity." The Branford Price Millar Library is the main library on campus. It has over 1.4 million books and many other resources. The library was built in 1966. In 1989, a curved glass wall was added to protect a large copper beech tree planted in 1890.

The Millar Library has many books, online journals, and government documents. It's open to the public, so even non-students can use some of its resources.

University Rankings

Fariborz Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized Portland State as a good research university. The Princeton Review has listed PSU as one of "The Best 376 Colleges" and a "College With a Conscience." They also named PSU's MBA (Master's of Business Administration) program as one of the top 100. In 2015, PSU was ranked among the "Most Innovative" colleges in the country.

PSU's School of Business Administration is also highly ranked. Its Urban & Regional Planning Program is considered one of the best in the nation. Other top programs include Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, and the Graduate School of Education. The university is also known for its strong undergraduate engineering programs.

Campus Life

Campus map.

Most of PSU's campus is in downtown Portland, covering about 50 acres. It's located near the West Hills. The main street, SW Broadway, runs through the campus. Many central buildings like Lincoln Hall and Cramer Hall are connected by tunnels and skybridges. This allows students to move between buildings without going outside.

The university's South Park Blocks are beautiful green spaces that run through the campus. The northern part of campus is close to Pioneer Courthouse Square and the Portland Art Museum.

Simon Benson House, the alumni and visitors' center.

In 2010, PSU opened a new Student Rec Center. This six-story building has a pool, a climbing wall, sports courts, and a fitness area. It's in the university's Urban Center, which also has the bookstore and restaurants. The Portland Streetcar runs through this area.

Students also run the 5th Avenue Cinema, one of the few student-operated theaters in the United States. It shows movies weekly, and students get in for free.

Where Students Live

St. Helens Court, a residence hall at Portland State University.

While many students commute, about 3,000 students live in PSU's ten residence halls. Some of the largest are University Pointe, a sixteen-story building, and Ondine, a fifteen-story high rise. Some older residence halls, like Blackstone and Montgomery Court, were originally apartment buildings.

Student Groups

PSU has a small but active Greek system, which includes sororities and fraternities:

Sororities:

Alpha Chi Omega
Delta Gamma
Kappa Delta Chi

Fraternities:

Omega Delta Phi
Phi Delta Epsilon
Phi Delta Theta

Art and Galleries

Portland State University has many public art pieces around campus. These artworks are by famous local, national, and international artists.

There are several art galleries at PSU where students and artists can show their work. These include the MK Gallery, AB Gallery, Sugar Cube Gallery, and the Broadway Gallery. The Littman + White Galleries are special because they are run by students. A new art museum, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, will also open at PSU.

Being Green (Sustainability)

Shattuck Hall Ecological Learning Plaza.

The university works hard to make its buildings environmentally friendly. Many buildings on campus are "LEED-certified," meaning they meet high standards for being green. Two buildings even have the highest Platinum status. Portland State is known as one of the most eco-friendly universities in the U.S.

PSU is also recognized for its use of public transportation like light rail, streetcars, and buses. Many students also travel by bicycle. In 2013, PSU was ranked one of America's most bike-friendly universities.

Outside Shattuck Hall, the architecture department built the Shattuck Hall Ecological Learning Plaza. This garden has green walls, solar panels, and special pavement. The university also has its own community garden.

Student Life

Student body makeup as of May 2, 2022
Race and ethnicity	Total
White	51%	51
Hispanic	19%	19
Other	11%	11
Asian	10%	10
Black	4%	4
Foreign national	4%	4
Native American	1%	1
Pacific Islander	1%	1
Economic diversity
Low-income	52%	52
Affluent	48%	48

Student Body

The Helen Gordon Child Development Center offers preschool for children of Portland State students and faculty.

Portland State is different from other universities in Oregon because it's in a city. This means it attracts older students. In 2010–2011, the average age of an undergraduate student was 26. Some programs even offer only night classes.

The students have their own government called the Associated Students of Portland State University (ASPSU). They have a President, Vice President, and a Student Senate.

Student Publications

The student-run newspaper at Portland State is the Portland State Vanguard, which started in 1946. Students also run the radio station KPSU and the television station PSU TV. The Portland Review is a magazine that publishes poetry, fiction, and art by students.

Student Support

Campus Queer Resource Center.

The university has many centers to support students. These include centers for women, students with disabilities, students with children, LGBT students, and veterans.

The "Greek Life" or "Greek Council" helps connect the university with the fraternities and sororities on campus. They help organize social events, fundraisers, and charity events.

Getting Around (Transportation)

Portland Streetcar at the university's Urban Plaza.

PSU has four parking garages for cars. The university is also well-connected by public transportation. TriMet offers fifteen bus lines and the MAX light rail system.

There are also shuttle buses available from Oregon Health & Science University and Portland Community College. Many students at PSU also ride their bicycles to campus.

Religious Services

A Mormon Institute of Religion and church located on campus.

PSU's campus has two Christian churches. St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church serves Catholic students. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has an Institute of Religion that holds Sunday services.

Hillel International hosts Jewish religious services on campus. There are also many clubs for Christian, Muslim, and Jewish students that meet on campus.

Athletics at PSU

The Viking Pavilion is home to Vikings basketball and volleyball.

Portland State competes in NCAA Division I sports. These include football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and more. They are part of the Big Sky Conference. The football team plays in Division I FCS.

Before joining Division I, PSU won national championships in women's volleyball and wrestling in NCAA Division II. The school also placed second nationally in football and women's basketball at the Division II level.

Portland State's colors are green and white. Their mascot is "Victor E. Viking." Famous former athletes include Freeman Williams, a basketball scoring leader, and Neil Lomax, a record-setting football quarterback. The "Run & Shoot" offense in football was first used at the college level at PSU.

Home football games are held at Hillsboro Stadium. Home basketball games are played on campus in the Viking Pavilion. In 2008, the men's basketball team played in the NCAA tournament for the first time.

The university also has 30 student-run club sports, like rugby, ice hockey, and lacrosse. There are also 120 student clubs, from Tango to Brewers' clubs.

Famous Alumni and Faculty

Notable Alumni

Many successful people have graduated from Portland State University. These include people in law and government, like Barbara Roberts, who was the Governor of Oregon. Other alumni are U.S. Federal Judge Anna J. Brown and diplomats Joseph LeBaron and Marisa Lino. Betty Roberts, the first woman on the Oregon Supreme Court, and Margaret Carter, the first African American woman elected to the Oregon House of Representatives, also went to PSU. Casten Nemra, a former president of the Marshall Islands, is also an alumnus.

PSU alumni include many academics, like cultural anthropologist Lee D. Baker and historian Michael Kazin.

Business leaders like United Parcel Service CEO D. Scott Davis and Judi Hofer are also graduates. Phil Knight, who co-founded Nike, Inc., was a professor at PSU. His son, Travis Knight, who is an animator and CEO of Laika, is an alumnus. Carolyn Davidson, who designed the Nike swoosh, was a student at PSU when she created it.

Writers like Francisco Laguna Correa and poets Michael Dickman and John Sibley Williams are among PSU's alumni. Mike Richardson, who founded Dark Horse Comics, also graduated from PSU. Dark Horse Comics has donated all its published works to the PSU Library.

In science, alumni include computer scientist Ivan Sutherland (who won the Turing Award) and Antarctic researcher Jill Mikucki. Social activists like Robert Robideau and Paul Popham are also alumni.

In entertainment, PSU alumni include actors Mark Dacascos and Terence Knox, singer Esperanza Spalding (who won four Grammy Awards), and film composer Rob Simonsen. Courtney Love, a singer from the band Hole, also attended PSU.

Famous athletes include football players DeShawn Shead (a Super Bowl champion) and Neil Lomax. Basketball player Freeman Williams also went to PSU.