(OSU-Cascades biology and pre-med major Mia Bagaric joined a research project led by biology instructor Heather Broughton that examined the health of walruses | Photo courtesy of Oregon State University – Cascades)
It has been more than two decades since Oregon State University-Cascades established a presence in Central Oregon, and nearly five years since its new campus opened near downtown Bend. During that time, OSU-Cascades has become one of the fastest-growing public university campuses in Oregon, with 1,374 undergraduate and graduate students; a burgeoning research program; extensive community partnerships; a slate of events and opportunities for community members; and an innovative campus expansion plan with ambitious net-zero energy, water and waste goals.
“The momentum is a reflection of OSU-Cascades’ goal to serve Central Oregon families and the region’s economy,” says Christine Coffin, director of Communications. “It is a mission that is threaded throughout academics, research, student support and community outreach activities, and that will continue to guide the campus as it grows in number of students.” Beyond Tykeson Hall, the university is expanding to create a 128-acre campus for 3,000-5,000 students.
Coffin says the primary areas of focus for OSU-Cascades currently are as follows:
Degrees that produce talented workers. Degrees in computer science, energy systems engineering, engineering science, hospitality management and outdoor products were developed to meet the needs of regional businesses and nonprofits. “Business leaders and other experts provide valuable feedback about skills and qualities they look for in future employees, as well as in student interns,” says Coffin. “Most employers prefer hiring local talent, saving expense and time and the risk associated with hiring from outside the area. OSU-Cascades graduates are well-qualified to step into professional roles in Central Oregon.”
Small classes with big impact. At OSU-Cascades, students receive Oregon State University’s quality education, but in a smaller campus environment. “With an average of 18 students per class, faculty get to know students, as well as their interests and goals,” says Coffin. “These mentor relationships can accelerate a student’s career interest. More than eight out of ten recent graduates said their faculty helped them succeed academically, professionally and personally. It makes a difference after graduation, too. Nearly 85 percent of OSU-Cascades’ 2020 graduates were employed in their field within six months of graduation.”
Community members are transforming lives. Without a university nearby, Coffin says many students would not be able to earn a bachelor’s degree, reducing their earning ability measurably over a lifetime, as well as their ability to contribute to their community. “At OSU-Cascades, 59 percent of students are from Central Oregon; 28 percent are first-generation college students and may lack the support or knowledge to make decisions regarding their education; and more than a third are Pell Grant eligible, indicating financial need,” she explains. “Local community members generously support students like these through scholarships, relieving students’ financial burden so that they can focus on their academic success and future.”
Researchers who solve local and global challenges. A growing research enterprise at OSU-Cascades is addressing some of our community’s — and the world’s — most pressing problems, Coffin says. “The Water Energy Technologies Lab innovates ways to increase usable water where it is needed most. The Energy Systems Lab investigates how to power engines more efficiently. In the Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability Lab, scientists measure how plants and animals respond to a changing environment.” She continues, “The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lab provides training to help organizations increase social equity and inclusion in the workplace. Researchers in the Laboratory for the American Conversation develop practical strategies to move our most divisive issues forward. And in the FORCE Lab, kinesiologists focus on building stronger bodies and preventing injuries.”
The Innovation Co-Lab brings teams of student interns to help launch ideas. “This was never more evident than during the pandemic,” says Coffin. “The Co-Lab partnered with the Bend Chamber to develop Central Oregon SOS, a website with resources for employers and employees; convened a virtual summit to provide business owners a framework for flexible decision-making; developed the Blue Fund program to help minority-owned businesses successfully secure grant and other funding; and worked with the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council and local counties to develop data processes to distribute $5 million in relief funding to small businesses.”
Programs that expose young people to college. During the annual week-long Summer Academy, high school students explore college and career interests with professors, experts and undergraduate students. To date, Coffin says young participants have explored computer programming, exercise science, writing, graphic design and video and photo editing. This summer, students will lead a mock business and navigate financial and marketing issues facing their company. “Showing students at a young age that they can succeed in college gives them the confidence to raise the bar for their own education,” she says. “This is something we all benefit from.”
A growing campus with ambitious sustainability goals. “With innovative design and construction features, Edward J. Ray Hall is OSU-Cascades’ ‘North Star’ for sustainability, setting a standard for future campus buildings and advancing net-zero goals laid out in the campus’s long-range development plan,” explains Coffin. The 50,000-square-foot academic building will be the first in Central Oregon to be fully constructed using cross-laminated timber, instead of steel or concrete. “It will also be the first of all future campus buildings to be heated and cooled using geothermal energy sourced beneath the campus surface,” she says. The building, named for OSU President Emeritus Ed Ray, opens to students this fall. Edward J. Ray Hall will serve the STEAM disciplines of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics with classrooms and labs, and will house makers’ spaces and event spaces. The building was made possible due to a $5 million gift from an anonymous donor, a $1 million gift from Charles McGrath (founder and former president of Grace-Bio Labs) and gifts from other donors, who together contributed $10 million to match state funding. The total cost of the new building is $49 million.
“Community members and alumni are invited to engage with OSU-Cascades by hosting an internship, giving to student scholarships or attending a lecture or presentation,” says Coffin. “Learn how you can make a difference at your growing university.”
For more information, visit osucascades.edu or contact info@osucascades.edu.
