Tag: Multnomah University

Montavilla January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Multnomah Campus For Sale

Jessup University recently placed its 20-acre Multnomah campus at 8435 NE Glisan Street on the market, seeking a buyer for the entire property. The faith-based educational institution announced early this year that it would halt undergraduate programs at the campus in May and pare down postgraduate programs. The listing includes 16 campus buildings sold as a package but excludes the former dorm buildings facing NE Pacific Street that Volunteers of America Oregon started using in 2024 for its residential treatment program serving women with children.

A campus map and directory sign for Multnomah University displaying building names and locations. — *_{Campus directory showing buildings. Units 5 and 4 on the map are not included in the proposed sale}*

With undergraduate students not returning to campus this fall, most campus buildings are unused at the moment, except the Travis Lovitt building, where some remaining educational activities will continue throughout 2025. The Multnomah Biblical Seminary will conduct its coursework primarily through distance learning, and the Master of Arts in Counseling program will end in December. After ceasing its academic athletics programs, the University rented the campus’s recently constructed soccer field and gym facilities to area groups.

A view of the athletic field and building at Jessup University's Multnomah campus, featuring a soccer pitch surrounded by a fence and trees in the background. — *_{Soccer field completed in 2022 and athletic buildings}*

A representative from Terraview Partners explained that the real estate development company is working with Jessup University to “lease or sell the unused assets on the campus property.” This group previously assisted the faith-based education institution with a land deal near its Rocklin, California, campus. The Charleston, South Carolina-based real estate firm promotes its blended approach of profit with environmental responsibility, which may influence what potential buyers the group engages with. The property is currently zoned Campus Institutional 1 (CI1), restricting future reuse to campuses or medical center uses. However, it can support buildings up to seven stories tall at its core with lower-scale structures at its edges abutting residential zoning.

The Terraview Partners representative was confident that the campus would remain active with student and non-student activity starting this fall term, and he expects Rogers Cafe to reopen to the general public after operators determine ideal hours based on the new campus activity.

Interior view of Rogers Cafe at Jessup University's Multnomah campus, featuring tables, a potted plant, and a service counter in the background.

Jessup University President, John Jackson, provided details in an open letter about why the California-based educational institution adopted the Portland campus only to close it 18 months later. He stated Multnomah University’s leadership approached Jessup University in November of 2023 seeking financial support so it could continue to meet its payroll obligations and remain open for students. “Jessup continued to fund Multnomah with millions of dollars of support over the next several months until Multnomah University ceased to exist in May of 2024, and the remaining assets and liabilities were contributed to Jessup,” wrote Jackson. However, according to the written account, assuming Multnomah University’s multi-million dollar deficits were not sustainable, Jessup University could not continue funding the Portland campus. Jackson explained that his organization’s support allowed more than 80% of students to graduate from the Multnomah Campus of Jessup University who would have otherwise needed to transfer to another school without this financial support.

Sign for Multnomah University displayed in front of a campus building, surrounded by grass and trees.

The campus is over 100 years old, having started as the Oregon Employment Institution for the Blind in the 1920s. Multnomah School of the Bible purchased the property in 1952 and became Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary in May 1993. The name changed again in July 2008 to Multnomah University. As Colliers Commercial Realty works with Terraview Partners and Jessup University to find new uses or ownership for the property, its long-term future is unknown. However, its current caretakers have an interest in maintaining its positive presence in Montavilla.

Article and phots by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Top 2025 January 24, 2025January 1, 2026

Changes at Multnomah Campus

In fall 2025, the Multnomah Campus of Jessup University will cease offering traditional undergraduate classes, athletic programs, and its Master of Arts in Counseling at the Portland-based campus. The University announced these changes on January 13th, highlighting a renewed focus on Seminary, Graduate, and online education. In November 2023, Multnomah University announced they would join Jessup University, transitioning the 8435 NE Glisan Street facility into the third campus for the California-based Christian school. This partnership delivered financial stability to the Portland-based education institution, which is now rightsizing its program to meet current demands while remaining an active community resource.

At the start of the following curriculum year, the Portland Campus’s in-person education will focus on seminary, graduate, and certificate programs. They will no longer offer student housing or athletics programs, opening up the existing facilities for community benefit uses that align with the educational institution’s mission. Volunteers of America Oregon (VOA) is already using two campus dormitories for its residential treatment for women with children, and the soccer field is supporting the youth sports group Inter PDX, which removes the “pay to play” barrier that can keep some kids from participating in the sport.

Multnomah Campus of Jessup University Chancellor Jessica Taylor is committed to using the institution’s educational resources for positive community uses that also support student needs. “Our goal is to always utilize the campus for a community benefit. I don’t want anything shuttered, boarded up, and not being utilized,” said Taylor. However, the University is not interested in becoming a landlord renting space to any tenant. Student safety and support will remain top priorities when considering partner uses of the property. Taylor explained that the organization supports behavioral health services and other critical resources. Its VOA Oregon partnership is a prime example of auxiliary uses for excess campus resources fitting their goals. However, they would not consider programs with drop-in services that could disrupt their educational work or the wider community. “We want to care about the [partner’s] community, but of course balancing that with both safety and operational functioning,” remarked Taylor.

The University’s course reduction in Portland will significantly impact students and staff. At the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, the Multnomah Campus of Jessup University will eliminate over 70 percent of staff and faculty positions. Students continuing in-person classes have various options based on degree path, including transferring to the Rocklin California Campus of Jessup University if the program is supported. Alternatively, George Fox University‘s Newberg and Portland campuses, as well as Corban University’s Salem campus, will offer a teach-out option to enrolled Multnomah undergraduates. Western Seminary University and George Fox University will support Master of Arts in Counseling transfers. This path allows students to stay in Oregon and complete their work towards a degree. Students can also transfer to other higher education programs outside the teach-out options.

Online education is an option for some students due to a new offering from the University dubbed Jessup Global. In the Fall of 2024, the Portland Campus began headquartering that international online education platform for the organization. Chancellor Taylor explained that Jessup University did not offer a seminary education program and that its partnership with Multnomah University added that expertise to its course catalog. Taking the programs online lets the West Coast-based organization reach everyone seeking an Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accredited Seminary degree, regardless of location.

The reduction in courses and campus community has been difficult for Chancellor Taylor. However, this change secures a future for the school, which faced economic challenges with declining enrollment made worse during the last few years. The campus has dropped from a 1000-student maximum enrollment to a few hundred, with half the remaining students graduating this spring. Jessup University’s support gave the Portland campus enough time to reorganize and find its sustainable path. “Without the support and this partnership, Multnomah would have had a sudden and abrupt closure in the fall of 2023,” said Taylor. “The community’s been through so much change, but they are most resilient.”

The NE Glisan Street Campus will remain open to the community during its transition, and University leadership still welcomes people visiting Roger’s Cafe. Taylor said they are open to partnering with complimentary groups for facility uses and look forward to remaining an active part of the Montavilla neighborhood.

Community, Food and Drink November 5, 2024November 5, 2024

Roger’s Cafe at Multnomah Campus

With recent updates at the Multnomah Campus of Jessup University, Montavilla residents now have access to a hidden coffee shop within the school’s grounds at 8435 NE Glisan Street. Roger’s Cafe opened in July 2010 after the faith-based school renovated its student cafe to provide an on-campus Portland coffee house experience. Named for Roger Porret, a longtime food service volunteer who passed away at the beginning of 2024, the shop serves as a social gathering point for the university’s community and now area residents.

Visitors can find the cafe on the west end of the JCA Student Center building, adjacent to the Student Lounge. Earlier this year, the campus food service provider Pioneer College Caterers began running Roger’s. Students can use flex credits included with their meal plan to purchase drinks or food, but anyone can pay cash or use a standard credit card to buy menu items. In addition to a wide range of caffeinated beverages, staff can prepare hot breakfast and lunch items at a reasonable price.

Portland Maps image with MV News illustrations
JCA Student Center

Roger’s Cafe offers guests several sections to enjoy their meal with counters, bar-hight tables, and group seating. A couch-adorned room next to the barista station offers living room-style seating with some separation from the main shop area. The cafe’s adjacent stage provides a venue for artists and performers to host poetry slams, speeches, and music shows. However, most days, the sound of conversations fills the air as students and guests talk about the topics of the day at this central meeting point.

The cafe’s namesake volunteered at the university for decades, earning the respect and adoration of students and staff. The coffee shop took his name in 2010, and he continued to work at Multnomah University until his retirement in October 2018. During its years of operation, Roger’s Cafe employed many students. Past versions of the cafe’s social media include views of the community that formed around this shop, including a goodbye video for longtime manager Jose David Lopez, who left in October 2023. This fall, university leadership unified the management of Roger’s and the student Dining hall under Pioneer College Caterers.

Lisa Newbore with the Multnomah Campus of Jessup University hopes that more residents will see Roger’s Cafe as a community resource and encourages people to “drink, snack and hang out.” For many neighborhood residents, this is the most convenient coffee shop east of 82nd Avenue and north of SE Stark Street. Residents have walked around the university’s property for many years without venturing inside. Now, the administration invites people to sample the food and drinks available at Roger’s Cafe while meeting the students and faculty of this educational institution. Roger’s is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and they serve breakfast from 10:30 a.m. to noon on weekends.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Services November 1, 2024

VOA Oregon Rents Space at Jessup University’s Multnomah Campus

At the end of October, Volunteers of America Oregon (VOA Oregon) began using two buildings at Jessup University’s Multnomah Campus for its residential treatment for women with children. This partnership leverages surplus dormitory space at the faith-based higher education institution to support the behavioral health and recovery service provider. Thanks to the new partnership, students enrolled at Jessup will have an opportunity to expand social services, healthcare, and counseling internship activities with hands-on experience in a behavioral health setting on campus. Additionally, VOA Oregon will benefit from a modern facility in close proximity to its future campus east of the college.

VOA Oregon leased Memorial Hall and the Ambassador Apartments on the northwest corner of Jessup University’s campus at 8435 NE Glisan Street. Program operators will house participants in designated areas separated from academic buildings by a fence. VOA Oregon staff will have office spaces onsite, with additional rooms for therapy, counseling, and program-related group meetings. The center provides trauma-informed integrated chemical dependency and mental health services in a residential setting to women. Women and their young children can temporarily live at the facility, removed from triggering environments, so they can effectively receive individual and group counseling, medication management, naturopathic health care, and case management. Program participants will also have access to education, training, and other resources through this move to the Montavilla campus.

*_{VOA’s future site rendering looking northwest, courtesy VOA Oregon created by Opsis Architecture}*

The partnership between the two institutions began with VOA Oregon utilizing Jessup’s catering services for lunch and dinner. Multnomah University experienced a declining student population in its dormitories for several years. When they joined Jessup University in 2023, new leadership looked for ways to effectively utilize school resources to fit the institution’s educational and social goals. That expanded from commercial kitchen capacity to hosting VOA Oregon’s woman-focused program. University food service will continue when program participants move to the campus, and the educational partnership will likely strengthen after VOA builds its facility on the neighboring block of NE Glisan Street.

Leaders at Jessup University’s Multnomah Campus feel that VOA Oregon’s commitment to helping people reach their full potential aligns with their student’s values of service and compassion. The organizations believe everyone deserves access to health care, housing, and supportive services. This partnership also introduces VOA Oregon services to Montavilla, several years ahead of the organization’s expansion into the community on the group’s six-acre site at 8815 NE Glisan Street. Jessup staff created a frequently asked questions section on the University’s website. They plan to update this resource with new information to keep students and the community updated on the partnership. Both institutions expressed a commitment to being good neighbors and hope the expanded access to critical behavioral health services for women in recovery will positively impact participants’ lives and the greater community’s overall health.

Article and photo by

Jacob Loeb

Community, New Business November 22, 2023

Multnomah U Joins CA Based Jessup

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.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Community, Construction March 12, 2022March 25, 2023

New Soccer Pitch at Multnomah University

This month, dozens of artificial turf rolls arrived at Multnomah University’s new soccer pitch currently under construction. Crews recently leveled the new athletic field, laid crushed gravel, and fenced in the parameter. Now, many yards of the synthetic playing surface wait to be edged and seamed together.

The school’s new athletics field will host competitive men’s and women’s soccer matches and support expanded student recreational activities. The project brings a regulation-sized soccer field with stadium lights and a scoreboard, allowing Multnomah University to host home games into the evening hours. The University’s Athletics site contains the soccer schedule and indicates that members of the public are welcome to attend home games. Located at 8435 NE Glisan Street, the athletics field is accessible from NE Glisan Street, NE 87th Avenue, and NE Pacific Street.

The Cascade Collegiate Conference has not yet posted the 2022 soccer schedule. However, at the current pace of construction, the university should be ready to host home games this year. Check the University’s Athletics website this summer to see when matches are scheduled in Montavilla and consider attending a home game to show support and enjoy the game.

*Rendering courtesy of Multnomah University*

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News has a Patreon account. We invite those who can contribute to this local news source to please consider becoming a paid subscriber or sponsor. We will always remain free to read regardless of subscription.

New Business, Property Sale August 12, 2021

Volunteers of America Buys Glisan Property

In May, the Oregon branch of Volunteers Of America (VOA) bought a large property on NE Glisan Street from Central Bible Church. The property spans two blocks, encompassing the large church building at 8815 NE Glisan Street and the unpaved parking lot across NE 90th Ave.

In a message from the Central Bible Church about the sale, they described VOA’s intentions for the property. VOA of Oregon runs programs throughout the State that focus on serving the elderly, youth, individuals released from incarceration, people with disabilities, and recovering addicts. At this facility, they will repurpose the existing building and campus to expand the availability of programs they currently offer in Portland. Although VOA is in the early stages of planning, some services expected at this site include the VOA Family Relief Nursery, recovery services, and counseling services.

The Central Bible Church supported its members for 89 years. However, financial difficulties forced the organization to cease operations last year. They held their final service on Sunday, February 23rd, 2020. In a letter to the congregation, church leaders explained that the staffing levels and size of the property were more than what members could support. Mounting utility costs for the 60,000 square-foot facility outpaced its active use, and 65% of the operating budget went to employee-related costs, 15% greater than similar faith-based operations.

Church leadership also pointed to new seismic requirements in the Portland code and over one million dollars in deferred maintenance as deciding factors in the church’s decision to shut down. Staff gifted historically significant documents and pictures from Central Bible Church to the Multnomah University library, which will become part of the school’s permanent archive. Displaced members and leaders created a new church in NE Portland called Stone Table Church and are slowly building up that congregation.

Central Bible Church leadership was happy to have sold to an organization in line with its goals. Like the previous owners, Volunteers Of America is a faith-based organization. Unfortunately, the sale has displaced the SkateChurch that shared the property with Central Bible Church. SkateChurch is currently seeking a new location.

With such a large property, VOA has many options to develop the land further. Although, there are significant changes needed to the existing structures to meet future requirements. Look for the long-vacant building return to use soon, as it transforms to serve its new function in the community.

*View of unpaved parking lot across NE 90th Ave from the main property*

Community, Construction, Infrastructure April 30, 2021

Spectator Sports in Montavilla

This summer, Multnomah University will begin work on a new athletics field that will host competitive men’s and women’s soccer matches. The project will create a regulation-sized synthetic turf soccer field with lights and a scoreboard. Beyond hosting games, the enhancements will support expanded student fitness and recreation opportunities.

Matches at the new field will be open to the public, and the University encourages neighborhood attendance. “We would love for community members to attend the games,” remarked Multnomah University representative Gina Berquist. Located at 8435 NE Glisan Street, the athletics field is accessible from NE Glisan Street, NE 87th Ave, and NE Pacific Street. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the upcoming fall schedule is unconfirmed and contingent on future guidance. The University’s Athletics site will post the fall soccer schedule when confirmed with other Cascade Collegiate Conference members.

The school hopes to wrap up the permitting process soon, allowing the completion of work by the end of summer and ahead of the upcoming season. When completed, this new field will provide residents with an opportunity to watch a favorite Portland sport played in the neighborhood. Keep an eye on gomulions.com for updates on the schedule and support the athletes by attending the games.

Cascade Collegiate Conference Schools

University of British Columbia
Bushnell University
Corban University
Eastern Oregon University
The Evergreen State College
The College of Idaho
Lewis-Clark State College

Multnomah University
Northwest University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Southern Oregon University
Walla Walla University
Warner Pacific University

Demolition March 30, 2021June 5, 2021

Multnomah University A-Frame Demo

Multnomah University will demolish the structurally-compromised A-Frame building on the northeast portion of the campus. The damp wooded environment surrounding the structure’s all-wood construction caused its gradual decline over the last decade. Consequently, the building served as a storage space for the school during the previous nine years.

According to Gina Berquist, Vice President of Enrollment Management at the University, staff reluctantly chose to remove the building from a concern for students’ and employees’ wellbeing. “It was a difficult decision to make to demolish it, but we believe our campus will be safer because of it.” Demolition Permit 21-027906 is currently under review but is not subject the Portland’s 35-day delay period.

In 1974, one of the university’s founding presidents, Dr. Willard Aldrich, commissioned the A-Frame’s construction. It served as an event space, study hall and housed student government offices before becoming storage space. Multnomah University has not announced plans to replace this building after its demolition.

UPDATE – June 5th 2021 add image of site after A-Frame’s removal.

Montavilla News

Tag: Multnomah University

Top Articles of 2025

Multnomah Campus For Sale

Changes at Multnomah Campus

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Volunteers of America Buys Glisan Property

Spectator Sports in Montavilla

Multnomah University A-Frame Demo

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