Transforming Our Pacific
Empowering Students, Faculty, and Staff for Future Success
At Pacific University, we are dedicated to our mission of inspiring students to think, care, create, and pursue justice in an ever-evolving world. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a transformative education that adapts to the changing landscape of higher education. While challenges like shifting demographics, rising costs, and national conversations about the value of higher education are at the forefront, they also present opportunities to innovate, evolve, and strengthen our institution.
Strengthening Our Future
During the 2025-2026 academic year, Pacific University underwent a comprehensive organizational restructure.
Part of our Our Pacific strategic plan, the comprehensive reorganization was intended to modernize and optimize our operations. It centralized administrative functions across the institution and simplified our academic structures by creating two divisions — allowing us to operate more efficiently, enhance collaboration, and better serve our students.
While Pacific has changed significantly over the past 50 years — adding new programs, majors, and campuses — we had not previously taken a step back to realign and update our administrative framework to match those efforts. With advancements in technology, communication, and the changing needs of students and industries, the time to act with purpose and vision had arrived.
Our Commitment to a Stronger Future
Higher education is evolving rapidly, and Pacific University is embracing this opportunity to grow, innovate, and strengthen our institution. By modernizing our operations and aligning our resources with the needs of today and the future, we will continue to provide an exceptional student experience while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. The restructure initiative was designed to:
Strengthen Financial Stewardship
Pacific University is committed to keeping education accessible and affordable for our students. By modernizing our administrative structure, streamlining operations, and optimizing resources, we are enhancing efficiency while maintaining the high-quality academic programs that define our institution — without relying solely on tuition increases.
Be Nimble & Responsive to Workforce Needs
The job market is changing quickly, and Pacific must be flexible in adapting majors and programs to help our students graduate with the skills employers seek. A more efficient structure allows us to expand interdisciplinary collaboration and create new academic offerings that align with emerging career fields.
Create a More Balanced Student Experience
Historically, some of our colleges and programs have had more resources and student support services than others. The restructuring ensured that every Pacific student — regardless of their major or program — has access to high-quality advising, career preparation, and academic support.
Enhance Collaboration Across Disciplines
The future of education is interdisciplinary, and we must break down silos between programs to create innovative learning opportunities. The creation of two new Academic Divisions — Undergraduate and Graduate — allows for greater collaboration across disciplines, a more cohesive academic experience, and more balanced resource distribution.
Employee Engagement
This transformation required collaboration and thoughtful planning, and we were committed to transparency and engagement throughout the process. The following is a record of communications, presentations and reports that came out of the collaborative process. Please note: As we move forward with future initiatives in the Our Pacific strategic plan, these documents will be archived in a new Our Pacific Hub. Watch for the Hub to debut in late 2026.
March 31, 2025
- Description of Academic Division Restructuring Committees (PDF)
- Description of Academic, Professional Achievement, and Community Excellence Committees (PDF)
- Description of Governance Committees to Support Restructure (PDF)
April 22, 2025
June 30, 2025
August 2025
- Committee One Page Summaries
- Undergraduate Division Committee - Proposed Models and Supplemental Documents
- Graduate/Professional Division Committee - Proposed Models and Supplemental Documents
November 2025
- Non-Divisional Committees Feedback Forms | November 2025
- Non-Divisional Committee Town Hall Slide Deck Presentation | November 2025
December 11, 2025
February 2026
Non-Divisional Committees' Restructuring Proposals | February 2026
- Boxer Journey Committee
- Student Academic Achievement Committee
- Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Committee
- Faculty Excellence Committee
- Staff Excellence Committee
April 8, 2026
Additional Information
Looking Ahead
Pacific University has a long history of leadership and innovation in higher education. As the #1 private research university in the Northwest, Oregon’s second-largest producer of healthcare workers, and a top provider of educators for Washington County schools, we are meeting critical workforce needs and strengthening our communities. Our alumni continue to make a lasting impact, serving in public service and elected state roles.
Through initiatives like the Pacific Priority program, we ensure a seamless transition for students into high-demand graduate programs in healthcare, education, business, and beyond — preparing them to lead and serve.
With the organizational restructure largely complete, we are continuing to push forward with the goals of the Our Pacific strategic plan, taking a forward-thinking approach to ensure our student success, institutional sustainability, and continued excellence.
Pacific University’s future is bright. By embracing change, we will continue to innovate, grow, and lead in an evolving higher education landscape.
For more information, please contact the President's Office at presoffice@pacificu.edu.