A word from the president
Beautiful Ashland provides the site for a University that is just the right size — not too big and not too small. With its spectacular mountain setting, Southern Oregon University is a safe and supportive academic community, committed to student success and learning, rich with culture and outdoor activities.
At Southern Oregon University we are proud of the individual attention our students receive from a dedicated faculty. Our strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum is balanced with a focus on career preparation. Our learning is enriched with meaningful civic activities as well as internships and practical that prepare our students for success. These experiences also enable them to become a part of the supportive community that embraces them as students. They tutor in local schools, participate in service organization, and even organize projects that enhance their environment.
At SOU, the personal feel of a small college comes with the amenities of a large university: a state-of-the art library, a fully wired campus, the Schneider Art Museum, an active Theatre schedule with award-winning productions, and the new Madrone Residence Hall. Because SOU is the state’s designated Center of Excellence in fine and performing arts, the cultural activities we offer open us to our community and in turn partner us with such prestigious local organizations as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Our campus community is an integral part of what makes Ashland unique. Where else can you find a Russian composer or Oregon’s poet laureate or a scientist who is doing groundbreaking research on global warming and its impact on the wine industry. Our students, faculty and staff come here from across the globe and from down the road — diverse individuals excited about learning and working together in this beautiful setting and invested in the region.
As one of the region’s largest employers, Southern Oregon University has brought the best and brightest minds to our mission of education. In turn our faculty and staff make an educated choice to work here, live here, and contribute to their communities.
Our students are our best testimonials. There are thousands of successful SOU alumni throughout the world who are thriving as attorneys, doctors, educators, civic and business leaders, actors, musicians, legislators, journalists, scientists- in a myriad of professions. Some of them choose to stay here after college and start businesses. Many of them become educators and teach our school children. All of them are a part of the community we call SOU, a community of learners and leaders.
Mary Cullinan, PhDUniversity President
