SOU Latest News

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 […]

Outstanding Graduate Student award recipient Matthew Havniear, SOU Ashland

SOU’s Havniear receives Outstanding Graduate Student award

(Ashland, Ore.) — U.S. Marine Corps veteran, nonprofit leader and graduating MBA student Matthew Havniear will be celebrated as the 2025 recipient of the University of Guanajuato Outstanding Graduate Student Award during the Southern Oregon University commencement ceremony on June 14. The prestigious annual award honors a graduate student who exemplifies academic excellence and meaningful […]

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 […]

Mindfulness and compassion book co-authored by Paul Condon of SOU Ashland

SOU faculty member co-authors book on mindfulness and compassion

(Ashland, Ore.) — Paul Condon, an associate professor of psychology at Southern Oregon University, is co-author of a new book that blends psychological science and contemplative theories to inform mindfulness and compassion practices for the general public. “How Compassion Works: A Step-by-step guide to cultivating well-being, love and wisdom,” was written jointly with Boston College […]

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 […]

SOU Ashland's Calli Pelkey is in top 1% nationwide in MBA test

SOU MBA student places on top percentile in nationwide test

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University student Calli Pelkey, a participant in SOU’s Online MBA Program, has earned a remarkable distinction, placing in the top 1% nationwide on the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Major Field Test for master of business administration programs. The MBA Major Field Test is a national standardized exam taken by thousands […]

Open textbooks at SOU

SOU faculty members take lead role in open textbook project

(Ashland, Ore.) — Open Oregon Educational Resources, a statewide initiative that promotes textbook affordability for students at Oregon colleges and universities, is releasing four new open textbooks whose authors include four Southern Oregon University faculty members and a student in the Criminology and Criminal Justice program. “Our goal with these projects is to provide rigorous […]

The Business Venture Tournament returns to SOU Ashland

SOU Business Venture Tournament: $4k in prizes, plus “Wildcard”

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University will bring together student innovation and live audience energy at the 2025 Business Venture Tournament final competition and gala – with more than $4,000 in prize money and an entrepreneurial head start at stake. The free event – from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, in the […]