Senate designates Portland State University as Oregon’s urban research university
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Summary
On May 20 the Oregon Senate passed House Bill 2556, which designates Portland State University as the state's urban research university. Legislators praised PSU’s research, economic role and student population; the bill passed with a constitutional majority.
The Oregon Senate on May 20 passed House Bill 2556, designating Portland State University as Oregon’s urban research university.
Senator Kate Lieber introduced the measure, saying, “This may be a simple bill, but it is an incredibly important bill, which designates Portland State University as Oregon's urban research university.” She described PSU as serving more low-income, first-generation and transfer students than any other Oregon university and said the statutory recognition will help with recruitment, retention and grant competitiveness.
Senate President Wagner praised PSU’s role in his personal trajectory and in the state, saying, “When you say let knowledge serve the city, that knowledge really served me,” and congratulated students and faculty in the gallery.
Supporters emphasized PSU’s research contributions, workforce training and partnerships with the community. The bill passed on third reading with a constitutional majority; the clerk recorded 28 ayes.
Background and context: Senator Lieber noted PSU enrolls more than 20,000 students and highlighted the Portland State University Chamber Choir’s performance and the university’s international awards. The designation is statutory recognition rather than an appropriation; supporters said it will bolster PSU’s competitiveness for grants and recruitment.
Decision: House Bill 2556 passed the Senate on third reading and will proceed through final legislative enrollment processes.