SOU Campus News

SOU embraces energy resilience with new solar projects

SOU expands solar and energy resilience footprint

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University has embraced its role as an energy resilience leader in the region – supporting both the SOU community and the surrounding community – by completing two new solar arrays and installing its first battery system for energy storage. The moves edge SOU closer to its goal of generating 100% […]

Philanthropy accounts for second-highest total ever in 2025

Fiscal year 2025 among best for SOU philanthropy

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University continued its historic fundraising run in fiscal year 2025, raising $14.17 million. The philanthropic total for FY25 is the second-highest annual total ever raised for the university; in fiscal year 2023, the university raised more than $19 million, including $10 million from Lithia Motors and Green Cars. “We’re generating […]

SOU Ashland will rebuild itself, President Rick Bailey announced

SOU announces plan to rebuild itself in response to fiscal crises

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey announced today that the university will rebuild itself as an institution with a target of a $60 million annual budget – 15% lower than its current total – in response to devastating funding trends at both the state and federal levels. The university will rely, in […]

Town hall at SOU Ashland with Attorney General Dan Rayfield

SOU to facilitate AG’s town hall

(Ashland, Ore.) — Oregon Attorney Dan Rayfield will hold a town hall event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Rogue River Room of Southern Oregon University’s Stevenson Union. The event – part of the Rayfield’s ongoing series of “Safeguarding Oregon: Federal Oversight” meetings – will feature a panel with the attorney general, State […]

OLLI at SOU members on trip to Talent Maker City

Where curious minds gather: OLLI at SOU Open House

No tests. No grades. Just the joy of learning and making connections. That’s the spirit behind the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Southern Oregon University (OLLI at SOU), a thriving community where adults aged 50 or better explore new interests, form lasting friendships and continue discovering the world around them. OLLI at SOU – entering […]

Older adult housing and education facility finalists come to campus

SOU considers partners for older adult housing and education facility

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University is in the process of selecting an official partner to build and operate a housing and educational facility for older adults on a 4.3-acre site previously occupied by the Cascade Complex of residence halls. “SOU is excited to continue advancing this initiative to identify a partner company that aligns […]

Sustainability Director Becs Walker among solar panels at SOU

SOU maintains “Gold” in prestigious sustainability rating

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University’s rating for campus-wide sustainability achievements remains at the “Gold” level and is the highest of five participating colleges and universities in Oregon, as measured by an evaluation system developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). SOU improved its score from three years ago […]

Surprise speaker Tina Kotek at SOU Ashland commencement

Commencement surprise: Gov. Kotek addresses SOU graduates

(Ashland, Ore.) — Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek surprised graduates and audience members by visiting Ashland to deliver the commencement address for Southern Oregon University’s class of 2025 on Saturday. The event – SOU’s 99th Commencement – marked the first time the governor has spoken at a graduation ceremony since taking office. “I know that young […]

SOU Ashland Spring Wellness Event

Highlights from SOU’s Spring Wellness Event

The Spring Wellness Event that was held recently at SOU transformed the lawn in front of Britt Hall into a hub of creativity, movement and community connection, with more than 30 students, staff and faculty taking time to prioritize their well-being during the busy end of spring term. Attendees at the event – hosted by […]

Faculty union and SOU Ashland extend contract

SOU and faculty union agree to extend contract

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University and its faculty union have signed an agreement that will postpone bargaining on a new contract for 18 months, allowing the university to better navigate fiscal uncertainties at the state and federal levels. The current collective bargaining agreement with the Association of Professors of Southern Oregon University (APSOU) was […]