A Letter from our Acting President

I am delighted that you are interested in University of Portland, and I hope what you find here, what you learn about our university in other venues, and perhaps what you experience on a campus visit, leads you to apply for admission at Oregon’s Catholic University and one of the premier private universities in the Pacific Northwest.

A University of Portland education is a uniquely personal experience. Here on The Bluff, we educate the whole person — the mind, heart, and hands — because we believe college isn't only about earning a degree, it’s about finding your purpose. Indeed, we are an intimate community of diverse students, first-rate faculty, and dedicated staff who ask deep questions, expand knowledge, and make a difference in society through scholarly contributions and service to others.  

The virtues of the University are many: strong residence hall communities, small classes, wide range of courses and majors, opportunities to grow and explore your spirituality, a beautiful campus overlooking the Willamette River, NCAA Division I Athletics, and easy access to the lush natural beauties of Oregon and Washington’s mountains, forests, coast, and the vibrant city of Portland. What I would emphasize most of all about the University, though, is its attention to the student as an individual person. At UP, you will get to know your classmates, professors, and residence hall staff, and they will know you.

For these and other reasons, we are recognized as one of the finest universities in the American West. For years, the University of Portland has been consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top 10 universities in the west region, the last two years at #2, and one of the top 20 “best value schools” in the west.

We are ready to welcome you as part of our outstanding academic community. I sincerely hope you’ll join us!

Herbert A. Medina, Ph.D.
Acting President
Provost