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Supporters urge designation of Portland State as Oregon’s urban research university
Summary
Portland State University officials and the bill sponsor told the House Higher Education Committee that designating PSU as Oregon’s urban research university would recognize its role in urban research, boost profile and help attract students and faculty; presenters said the designation carries no direct fiscal impact.
Representative Dacia Graber opened the public hearing on House Bill 2556 and described Portland State University as “intrinsically bound to the life and vibrancy of the urban city it inhabits.” She asked the committee to consider a designation recognizing PSU as Oregon’s urban research university.
Anne Cudd, president of Portland State University, and Rick Tankersley, Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, testified in support. Cudd summarized PSU’s history and mission, noting the university serves a majority‑BIPOC incoming class, enrolls many first‑generation and Pell‑eligible students, and “is a model for serving underrepresented students while also driving the success of Oregon’s largest city.” Tankersley told the committee PSU brings in roughly $83 million in research funding annually and is classified as an R2 (high research activity) institution.
Nut graf: Supporters said the designation would be honorary and strategic — intended to raise PSU’s profile for research competitiveness, partnerships and recruitment — and that the university does not expect a direct fiscal impact from the designation.
Research and statewide impact Testimony detailed PSU’s statewide role in workforce pipelines, applied research and community collaborations, including work in cybersecurity, behavioral health, transportation and disaster resilience. Tankersley said PSU graduates more than 2,000 students a year from graduate programs and highlighted collaborations such as the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.
Questions and fiscal note Committee members asked whether the designation would bring new funding. Cudd responded that the designation itself would not automatically deliver funds but could improve competitiveness for external grants and recruitment. She also answered a question about compliance with federal law, stating PSU, as a public institution, “will certainly comply with all federal laws.”
Committee process No action was taken at the hearing; the committee closed the public hearing for HB 2556.
Ending President Cudd and university research leadership left materials with the committee. The presenters asked lawmakers to approve the designation to strengthen statewide partnerships and research impact.
