Willamette University and Pacific University merger information

Photo montage with Willamette and Pacific Universities logos

Willamette University and Pacific University agree to merge to create the largest private university in Oregon

The two oldest universities in the West have signed an agreement to unite to form the largest private university in Oregon. With more than 6,000 students and a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs spanning the liberal arts and sciences, law, business, health professions and optometry, education, arts, design, and computing and data science, the combined university intends to expand academic opportunities, career pathways, and service to the region.

Shared History & Mission

Willamette, founded in 1842, and Pacific, founded in 1849, were the first universities in the western United States. Both rooted in a commitment to serving the public good through education, the two universities have — for nearly two centuries — championed the role of private universities in serving the needs of their communities.

Each centered on a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, Willamette and Pacific have developed distinct strengths in different arenas while expanding educational and career opportunities for their students. Pacific launched the state’s first degree programs in teaching, optometry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and dental therapy, and today is the No. 1 private educator of healthcare professionals in Oregon. Willamette launched the state’s first medical school and law school, and produced generations of leaders and changemakers who have shaped the region’s civic, legal, and cultural fabric.

A Willamette student sits next to a tree working on a laptop computer

Expanded Academic Pathways

By joining forces, Willamette and Pacific will be poised to expand opportunities for students and alumni. In the future, the combined university can offer broader academic pathways, student services, and career networks. Our vision for the future includes:

Direct pathways between the universities’ undergraduate and graduate programs
“Study away” opportunities for students at Pacific, Willamette or the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA merged with Willamette in 2021)
Access to research opportunities or faculty expertise across campuses
New academic programs to meet the changing student and workforce demands of the future

Regional Leadership

As higher education faces significant headwinds, Willamette and Pacific are coming together to expand what can be offered under one university and intend to do more with more by leveraging our complementary programs and strengths.

The merger of equals is expected to position the historic institutions to continue their legacy of service with a greater capacity to grow and serve the emerging needs of the state and the region through meaningful undergraduate and graduate education, workforce development, and leadership in the region’s civic, legal and cultural arenas.

“This is a moment for innovation and leadership. By combining Willamette and Pacific's distinctive strengths, we are building a university with the scale to thrive and to maintain the academic quality we’re both known for.” - President Thorsett
“This merger is built on shared values, complementary missions, and a common purpose. As institutions across the country are having to do more with less, we decided we want to do more with more.” - President Coyle

Building the New American Collegiate University

The combined university will adopt a collegiate model rare in American higher education. Under this structure, each school or college of the merged university is expected to retain its name, campus, admissions process, traditions, clubs and athletic programs — and the unique identities that are central to student and alumni belonging and pride.

Each school or college benefits from the scale, strength, and breadth of a larger institution without losing the close-knit communities and sense of belonging that generations of students have enjoyed and valued.

Timeline

•	DECEMBER 2025
	Willamette and Pacific boards sign letter of intent to merge
•	JUNE 6, 2026
	Willamette and Pacific boards vote unanimous approval to move forward
•	JULY 2026
	Willamette & Pacific boards sign plan of merger
•	SUMMER/FALL 2026
	Implementation teams begin plans for future integration of university systems
•	EARLY 2027 (Anticipated Corporate Merger)
	After the first stage of regulatory approvals, Willamette and Pacific complete the corporate merger, becoming a single nonprofit entity.
•	2028 (Anticipated Institutional Merger)
	After additional required regulatory approvals, Willamette and Pacific will merge into a single higher education institution.

What is Next?

We’re integrating with intention: Open communication, community collaboration, and a relentless focus on student success.

FAQs See Recent Updates MyWillamette merger page for faculty, staff and current students

Historic Strength Meets Future Purpose

1 /

Oregon’s oldest private universities are officially becoming its largest

Pacific and Willamette Universities signed a definitive merger agreement uniting two of the west's oldest universities to expand opportunity, broaden academic pathways, and deepen their commitment to the region.

Link to story

2 /

Pacific and Willamette Universities explore joining forces to create Oregon’s largest private university

Oregon’s two founding institutions consider joining together to change the future of private higher education in the Pacific Northwest.

Intent to Merge

Stay Connected

We're building this together, and your perspective matters. Contact our merger integration team with your questions or ideas and we will route them to the right person.

Contact the merger team

Better Together