On November 7th, Multnomah University announced they would join Jessup University, becoming the third campus for the California-based Christian school. This merger of faith-based higher education organizations will enhance the Jessup brand, with the Montavilla facility becoming the Multnomah Campus of Jessup University. The financial security created in this partnership will secure the long-term viability of the 8435 NE Glisan Street education facility and potentially reverse declining enrollment.
Even before the pandemic, Multnomah University experienced class size reductions that mirrored a national shift. Recognizing the need to adapt to new conditions, school administrators sought opportunities to satisfy current educational demands while maintaining their academic goals. “Faith-based, small Christian education is susceptible to a lot of different changes in culture and economics. I think we’re not alone in that downward trend, and we will continue to see those downward trends unless we have some really innovative partnerships,” explained Dr. Jessica Taylor, President of Multnomah University. However, finding a partner organization with shared values and a track record of increasing the student population was essential. University leadership also wanted to retain the identity of the nearly 90-year-old institution. Taylor feels Jessup University will provide the support without erasing the University’s unique offerings. “I think that we have strengths that they don’t have. They have strengths that we don’t have, but the distance actually creates some autonomy that I think is really healthy because we are keeping our legacy, our name, and the distinctiveness that has been important to our community for a long time,” said Taylor.
Jessup University’s Rocklin, CA, campus currently houses many administrative and support staff for its schools. Those centralized services extend to the San Jose campus and will soon take over some roles at Multnomah University. According to Taylor, a “large majority” of Multnomah University staff will retain their position in the new structure. “We love our community. Our people are really the backbones [of the University]. So we are trying to prioritize [retention], although, in a situation like this, there’s no way to avoid some type of reduction,” explained Taylor.
Multnomah University students should see little change during the transition to Jessup. Athletics programs and most courses will remain the same. “A lot of our programs are staying here. So I think if you walk on our campus six months from now, it’s going to feel the same,” reassured Taylor. Having access to a multi-campus university network will ultimately increase options for the Oregon-based students who can take advantage of the California curriculum through remote learning opportunities. The Jessup approach emphasizes a seamless customer-centric environment that delivers on the dual desires of their student population. “Christian families are looking for faith-based education, but wanting their students to be educated in a way that allows them not to just be in a bubble. People want faith integrated into their education so that their degree isn’t only something that gets them a job, but something that develops their character,” said Taylor.
Multnomah University’s transition to the Multnomah Campus of Jessup University could take up to eight months to finalize. Staff are working to complete as much restructuring as possible before the spring semester starts in early January. That way, any significant changes happen between terms. Taylor explained that the transition team will ensure students see little disruption to their education. “We want a seamless experience where they don’t experience any interruption in their funding, coursework, or showing up with their beloved professors. We want to make sure that all of that is really smooth.” Montavilla residents can expect to see some signage changes over the next year and potentially more students as the campus regrows its population.
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