Southern Oregon University

Nestled in the picturesque town of Ashland, Oregon, Southern Oregon University (SOU) offers a vibrant and engaging academic environment. As a public university with roots tracing back to 1872, SOU is renowned for its strong ties to the arts, particularly its collaborative relationship with the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Students at SOU benefit from a setting that combines academic rigor with unparalleled cultural and outdoor opportunities, just a short distance from Oregon's border with California.

Academically, SOU is organized into seven comprehensive divisions, including the highly regarded Oregon Center for the Arts, and Business, Communication and the Environment. The university provides a diverse array of approximately 90 bachelor's, graduate, and certificate programs, operating on a dynamic 10-week quarter system. SOU is also committed to sustainability, proudly showcasing five of its newest facilities with LEED certification, reflecting a dedication to both innovation and environmental stewardship.

SOU's rich history began as the Ashland Academy in 1872, evolving through many names and challenges, including closures and reopenings, to become the modern university it is today. From its origins as a teachers' college, it has grown into a comprehensive institution, expanding its offerings and campus from a modest 24 acres in 1926 to its current 175-acre expanse. This enduring legacy of adaptation and growth underscores its resilience and dedication to education.

Today, Southern Oregon University serves a vibrant student body of over 5,300, fostering a close-knit community where learning extends beyond the classroom. The campus is a hub for regional public broadcasting, housing Jefferson Public Radio and Rogue Valley Community Television, further integrating students into the broader community and providing unique experiential learning opportunities in a beautiful, culturally rich location.