Willamette University and Pacific University are moving forward with plans to merge into a single institution serving more than 6,000 students across campuses in Salem, Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Portland.
Both universities have cleared a major step toward the merger, with plans to begin operating as one legal entity by the start of 2027.
If approved by regulators, the combined schools will likely be called the University of the Northwest.
Both universities approved the merger agreement earlier this month, according to a joint statement.
What’s the plan for university leaders?
Under the plan, Willamette President Steve Thorsett would become chancellor, overseeing business operations, while Pacific President Jenny Coyle would serve as president, leading academic and student affairs. The universities would eventually be governed by a single board of trustees.
What is the merger waiting on?
The merger still requires approval from the U.S. Department of Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and state regulators.
The legal merger is expected in 2027, but the full transition could take until 2028.
Until then, both universities will keep separate accreditation, financial aid programs, admissions, athletics and academic offerings.
What are the two universities known for in Oregon?
The two schools have limited overlap in graduate programs.
Willamette University is known for its law school, Atkinson Graduate School of Management and the Pacific Northwest College of Art.
Pacific University offers graduate programs in fields including optometry, physical and occupational therapy, education, social work and clinical psychology, and says it graduates more healthcare providers than any other private university in Oregon.
Why are Willamette University and Pacific University merging?
The proposed merger follows a growing national trend as private colleges respond to declining enrollment and rising costs.
University leaders say combining the schools will expand academic opportunities, career pathways and alumni connections while preserving each institution’s strengths.
“By combining Willamette and Pacific’s distinctive strengths, we intend to build a university with the scale to thrive and to maintain the academic quality we’re both known for,” Thorsett said in the statement.
Written by Ginnie Sandoval, a news and travel writer for Pacific Northwest Crossing. Sandoval covers travel tips, news, destinations, places to eat, and hidden gems across the Pacific Northwest. She can be reached at pnwcrossing@ramsanmedia.com.