Purpose

Three students walk across the Tillikum Crossing

Let Knowledge Serve the City

OUR PURPOSE: Portland State University, Oregon’s most diverse and only urban public research university, was founded in 1946 to serve veterans returning from World War II.

PSU provides access to a top-tier education as a key driver of economic and social mobility, a source of growth for the diverse communities in the region and a catalyst for social progress. And this isn't just what we do – it’s who we are.

Much has changed in our world since 1946, and our communities face profound challenges. With our Future in Focus, we express our unwavering purpose: to support learners to follow their dreams and achieve their goals for a better life for their families and communities.

As we remember our institutional founding with pride, we embrace our future as an urban minority-serving research institution, inspiring each other to create new opportunities for our region and our world.

FUTURE IN FOCUS

Portland

2030 VISION: PSU thrives as Oregon’s urban research university where every student develops the knowledge and skills they need to successfully engage in careers and the world. We are a national leader for social mobility through higher education, a model for serving minoritized learners and a driving force for Portland’s success. PSU is a dynamic workplace that supports the professional development and well-being of all employees. We harness our academic excellence, innovative research, strategic partnerships and community engagement to address local, regional and global challenges.

OUR GUIDING COMMITMENTS

PSU’s foundational commitments to our community anchored our process and informed our strategic plan. 

  • Providing equitable access to quality education
  • Welcoming and supporting all learners
  • Building a community ethos of care and well-being
  • Co-creating the future of our region
  • Modeling responsible stewardship
More about guiding commitments about this content

Equal Opportunity Statement

Portland State University supports equal opportunity in admissions, education, employment, housing, and use of facilities by prohibiting discrimination in those areas based on age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion or creed, sex or gender, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis in law. This policy implements state and federal laws. Send inquiries about this policy to the Office of Equity and Compliance, 1600 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 830, Portland, OR 97201; call 503-725-5919 or send an email to Equity and Compliance staff to: equityandcompliance@pdx.edu.

Portland State University prohibits any form of interpersonal violence, including sexual assaults, date or domestic violence, and stalking. PSU is committed to responding promptly and effectively to complaints of interpersonal violence and providing support to those who experience any form of interpersonal violence.