President
August 27, 2019
University of Portland faculty and staff gathered together in Buckley Center Auditorium on Tuesday, August 27, for a Convocation address by President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., titled "A Commendation and a Challenge." Fr. Poorman identified the many headwinds that higher education is currently facing: dwindling budgets and enrollments, mounting student debt, and a lack of diversity among students and faculty, among others.
Despite these issues institutions nationwide are facing, Poorman pointed out the causes for "hope and optimism" at UP.
"I am convinced that the University of Portland is as strong today as it has ever been in its proud, 118-year history," Poorman said. "That’s a bold statement. But when one studies the data, and when one looks across the University at the quality of our students, our faculty, our staff, our alumni, and our community, I’m convinced that it’s an accurate statement."
Poorman's commendation included recognizing UP's increasingly diverse student population (approximately 40 percent of students identify as persons of color), large first-year classes, faculty professional development resources, and student/faculty ratio of 12:1.
"Today, I offer a commendation on a job performed magnificently, and a challenge that we all do more," said Poorman. "When we work together to harness and channel the creativity, the intellectual resources, and the drive that exist at the University of Portland, amazing things can, and will, happen."
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