Jessup University has announced its expansion into Oregon through a partnership with Multnomah University of Portland. Under the agreement—which the institutions jointly described as a “merger of mission”—Multnomah’s 22-acre campus has become the Multnomah Campus of Jessup University.
The Rocklin, Calif.-based Jessup receives all of Multnomah’s assets and liabilities under the agreement between the schools, which both were founded in the 1930s as Christian institutions. The transition is focused on stability and preparing for future growth, the schools announced earlier this month.
In a Q&A about the merger posted at Multnomah’s website, the Portland school indicated it sought a partner because of “growing financial challenges, declining enrollment, and economic uncertainties” that have affected Christian institutions nationwide. “It was no longer financially feasible for Multnomah University to operate as an independent institution.”
“I’m truly excited about the opportunity for Multnomah and Jessup University to come together and make a positive impact in the kingdom of God,” said John Jackson, Jessup University’s president. “Our institutions have found a Spirit-led trust since the beginning, and I believe that by working together and aligning our missions, we will create something transformative. . . . We believe we can contribute and strengthen the Portland region and community with transformational leadership. We’re looking forward to continuing to offer a high-quality education for their students.”
The historic and strategic move allows Jessup to extend its partnership between local churches and communities by equipping students wherever they operate to be transformational leaders in culture, a news release from Jessup stated.
This fall, Multnomah was serving just over 500 students. Jessup will continue to offer top educational programs for these individuals, many of whom are first-generation college students. Jessup offers more than 70 programs on its Rocklin and San Jose campuses “while guiding students toward fulfilling careers and authentic relationships with Christ,” Jessup stated. Jessup’s total enrollment was 1,624 in fall 2022, according to usnews.com.
Multnomah’s president, Dr. Jessica Taylor, commented, “This partnership is an amazing opportunity to model what a loving and Christlike presence is and can become across state lines and throughout the Pacific Northwest.”
In its news release, the Portland school said the “meaningful collaboration will preserve the rich legacy of Multnomah while propelling both institutions into a more promising and interdependent future.”
Student credit will transfer from Multnomah to Jessup, according to the Q&A. Most of the staff and faculty in Portland will be retained.
Jessup University was started in 1939 as San Jose Bible College; it has been associated with Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ throughout its history. Its first president was William Jessup, and the school has also been known as William Jessup University. (Not long ago in our “Throwback Thursday” feature, we shared an article from 1943 in which the school’s first president told how he started in ministry.)
Multnomah University was founded in 1936 by Portland-area ministers and businessmen. Their website states: “Compelled by the love of Christ, we integrate biblical wisdom with academic and professional excellence to engage humbly in God’s redemptive work in the world.”
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