A letter from President Murthy
Dear OSU community,
At Oregon State University, we fervently believe that a bright future is within reach, with opportunities for all to contribute to and share in the benefits of prosperity and stability. Last fall, we launched a new strategic plan that will focus the efforts of the OSU community to realize this vision.
With the pursuit of our three big goals underway, I would like to share an update with you on how we are advancing the plan:
Oregon State: a university focused on big discoveries that drive big solutions
To advance OSU’s reputation as a research and education powerhouse, the university is making investments in faculty excellence, research and best-in-class facilities — such as the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx), entering its first full season Sept. 27, and the Jen-Hsun Huang and Lori Mills Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex that broke ground in April and will harness the power of AI to solve some of the most pressing health and climate problems the world faces, among others. These two remarkable buildings, made possible in part by generous donors, will attract top talent and support groundbreaking research, creativity and innovation that transcends traditional academic disciplines.
Oregon State: a university where every student graduates
Earning a college degree is not only a rite of passage, but a predictor of long-term health, income and social stability. Many students begin this journey, but don’t finish it. It is unacceptable for students to enroll in college, accumulate debt and not graduate, and leave financially worse off than if they had never come at all.
To address this challenge, OSU established the new Finish in Four program to provide four-year scholarships to students with the greatest need, bridging the gap between the resources these students have and the actual cost of an OSU degree.
OSU’s colleges and departments are also helping to increase on-time degree completion with improved advising to ensure students are taking the right classes, enhanced programming for new OSU students and deeper partnerships with community colleges to make transferring seamless.
Combined, these efforts will help foster a sense of belonging, provide support systems to all students and help those with the highest need earn a high-quality education with little to no debt.
Oregon State: a university that fuels a thriving world
A truly resilient future for Oregon and the world hinges on a robust economy and a healthy planet. They are inherently connected. Grounded in OSU's successful track record of research and innovation that strengthens communities and solves problems, OSU has been tasked with developing solutions for clean energy, fueling our state’s economy, creating living wage jobs and making a more sustainable future possible for our nation and world.
PacWave South, nearing completion off the Oregon Coast, is the nation's first grid-connected wave energy test site, with the potential to deliver ocean-generated electricity to homes and businesses. Oregon State is also a lead collaborator on the state’s new Clean Tech Manufacturing Task Force. I am proud to represent OSU along with Senior Advisor to the Provost Roberta Marinelli, a former National Science Foundation director, on this team driving clean tech job creation, climate preparedness and economic vitality for Oregon.
These are just a couple examples of the ways OSU’s expertise fuels our workforce and economy, fueled by our strong partnerships with industry, government agencies and communities.
As Oregon State students arrive this term with big goals of their own, together we are setting a powerful example for them. I invite you to explore the full plan and determine how you can join our efforts.
Thank you for your support and involvement as we work toward these ambitious targets for the future of OSU and the future of our incredible students.
Sincerely,
Jayathi Y. Murthy
President, Oregon State University
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OSU must pursue every possible means of ensuring each student graduates. Students are the heart of our university. They are why we are here. We must support their dreams for a better life for themselves and their families, for fulfilling work, for lives of impact. When we do, we position Oregon for a future that is more equitable and prosperous – and that will benefit every one of us.
OSU must pursue every possible means of ensuring each student graduates. Students are the heart of our university. They are why we are here. We must support their dreams for a better life for themselves and their families, for fulfilling work, for lives of impact. When we do, we position Oregon for a future that is more equitable and prosperous – and that will benefit every one of us.