SOU Campus News

Central Hall project funded in legislature short session

SOU receives support from legislature

(Ashland, Ore.) — Statewide headlines about this year’s “short” session of the Oregon State Legislature, which adjourned last week, generally characterized it as an opportunity for lawmakers to bolster the governor’s fight against homelessness and to address issues with an earlier ballot measure that decriminalized drug possession. But a close look through a regional lens […]

SOU at Special Olympics polar plunge

SOU Raiders make a big splash for Special Olympics

The SOU Raiders were freezin’ for a reason last weekend in support of the 16th annual Southern Oregon Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Oregon, held March 2 at the Rogue Valley Country Club. The SOU Raider team consisted of 16 SOU students, one faculty member and three staff members who donned their red and black […]

SOU government relations director Marc Overbeck

Career policy advocate takes on government relations position with SOU

(Ashland, Ore.) — Marc Overbeck, who has served for the past 12 years in a variety of legislative and policy roles for the Oregon Health Authority, has been selected to become Southern Oregon University’s director of government relations. He will begin his duties at SOU on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Overbeck has served in a variety […]

four appointed to SOU board

Four appointed to SOU Board of Trustees

(Ashland, Ore.) — A local entrepreneur and double-alumna, a chemistry professor and campus leader, a graduate student in the School of Education and an undergraduate Honors College student have been appointed by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and confirmed today by the Oregon Senate to serve on the Southern Oregon University Board of Trustees. Sachta Bakshi […]

SOU completes first phase of core information system upgrade

SOU successfully shifts to innovative core information system

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University has successfully completed the first phase of its transition to a cutting-edge core information system – a process that most of Oregon’s colleges and universities, and many other government entities, are expected to duplicate in the coming years. SOU is switching its primary operational software from a platform that […]

SOU Institute for Applied Sustainability faculty and staff

SOU Institute for Applied Sustainability celebrates with Innovation Fund kickoff

Southern Oregon University’s Institute for Applied Sustainability is stepping into its second year with the official launch of its IAS Innovation Fund and recognition of the institute’s many first-year accomplishments. The Innovation Fund, which provides micro-grants for forward-thinking projects by SOU faculty and staff, is an example of the IAS commitment to creative and collaborative […]

SOU and other local organizations sponsor MLK, Jr. celebration

Southern Oregon MLK, Jr., Celebration on Jan. 15 in Ashland

(Ashland, Ore.) — Southern Oregon University will join several other local organizations in sponsoring this year’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Celebration for southern Oregon from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, at the historic Ashland Armory and in downtown Ashland. All community members are invited to participate in the event, […]

SOU President's Medal, highest award, goes to three retired faculty members

SOU’s highest award to go to three retired faculty members

(Ashland, Ore.) — SOU President Rick Bailey will present three retired faculty members with the highest recognition of service to the university during a celebration from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, in the Rogue River Room of SOU’s Stevenson Union. The SOU President’s Medal will be awarded to poet Lawson Fusao Inada, […]

Fall term enrollment continues rebound at SOU

SOU fall enrollment expands on recent upturn

(Ashland, Ore.) — Fall term admission numbers suggest the continuation of a strong rebound in enrollment at Southern Oregon University, led by the institution’s largest freshman class since 2018. The number of new freshmen at SOU increased this fall by 15.1% compared to a year ago, while the number of incoming transfer students is up […]

Hybrid pickup trucks added to SOU vehicle fleet

SOU takes steps in sustainable vehicle use

Two recent developments have boosted hybrid and electric vehicle use at SOU: the addition of two gasoline-electric hybrid pickup trucks to the university’s fleet of vehicles, and the completion of two new, dual electric vehicle charging stations to serve residents of Student and Family Housing. The new hybrid Ford Maverick trucks have replaced a pair […]