Media Mentions

Sept. 2, 2026 | Pacific Psychology Professor Heide Island, an expert on otter behavior, provided expert analysis for SF Gate on an incident involving a woman who was attacked by an otter while swimming in Lake Tahoe. "I'm reluctant to describe this as an aggressive animal," Island said. "It's more likely a defensive animal during a period where humans are entering its habitat."

Aug. 25, 2026 | Pacific University is among the institutions featured in the September 2026 Insight Into Academia magazine as leaders in mental health awareness and well-being. Pacific's mention is on page six of the story (links at the bottom).

Aug. 20, 2026 | Linda Venenciano, interim director of Pacific's School of Learning and Teaching, joined other leaders of college education programs in an op-ed for Lookout Eugene-Springfield, which addressed a recent article criticizing teaching preparation in the state. "If universities are to blame, then the solution seems equally simple: fix them. But literacy outcomes are shaped by a far wider ecosystem..."

Aug. 1, 2026 | Professor of Politics & Government Jules Boykoff provides his insight on FIFA's scrapped plan to build a new commercial venture with private investors. “The fervent torrent of rejection emerging from numerous federations is extremely significant.”

July 28, 2026 | In an interview with KXL-FM in Portland, Brian Jackson, associate dean of curriculum and student success, explains the benefits of Pacific's new three-year degree programs to students.

July 28, 2026 | In this blog entry from Bon Appétit, Pacific's food service provider, Mitchell Everetts talks about how sustainability is a team endeavor at the university, which he discovered during a fellowship with the company. "The fellowship taught me that no one can 'do sustainability' alone."

July 28, 2026 | OPB's coverage of Pacific adding three-year degree tracks details the offerings in chemistry, computer science, and sustainability & adaptability. “Pacific University’s announcement reflects the spirit of innovation across Oregon’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities as institutions explore new ways to serve today’s students,” said Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities President Brent Wilder in a statement.

July 28, 2026 | The Oregonian details Pacific's plans to offer the first in-person three-year degrees in Oregon. Brian Jackson, associate dean of curriculum and student success for the College of Undergraduate Studies, said students enrolled in the three-year programs will complete the same coursework within their majors as students in traditional four-year programs but their standard general education elective requirements will be reduced.

July 26, 2026 | In an op-ed published in The Oregonian, Pacific President Jenny Coyle and Willamette President Steve Thorsett outline the benefits to the region of the merger of the two institutions. "The question behind this decision is: What does Oregon need from its universities? In our view, it needs institutions agile enough to keep pace with a changing economy — and confident enough to grow when others are pulling back."

July 23, 2026 | Pacific President Jenny Coyle and Willamette President Steve Thorsett told Dave Miller and OPB's "Think Out Loud" program about how the upcoming merger between the institutions will save money and will serve the region's students better.