University of Portland Honored with Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification

The University of Portland  is one of the 25 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the first Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification, which recognizes institutions committed to campus-wide efforts to advance leadership in pursuit of public goods like justice, equity, diversity and liberty. This elective designation is awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE), the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

UP is the lone Oregon institution and one of five in the west region selected in the inaugural 2024-2030 Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose cycle. UP is the only Catholic university in the West to make the list, and it is the only private university in the Pacific Northwest among 15 private schools honored nationwide. 

“Our city, our nation, and our world yearn for leaders who pursue justice, equity, diversity and liberty,” said University of Portland President Robert D. Kelly, Ph.D. “For nearly 125 years, UP has excelled at preparing students for lives of conscientious leadership in their careers, communities and the broader society — precisely the type of leaders our world needs. We accept this special recognition with humble gratitude, and we look forward to redoubling our efforts to prepare the next generation of leaders who serve the greater good.”

The Elective Classifications provide an independent and rigorous assessment of an institution’s extraordinary commitment to, investment in, and accomplishment at addressing pressing issues of the societies they serve. There are currently two elective classifications that institutions in the United States can pursue: community engagement and leadership for public purpose.

“Congratulations to these pioneering recipients of the inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification,” said Carnegie Foundation President Timothy F.C. Knowles. “These institutions have demonstrated a relentless commitment to fostering leaders dedicated to the pursuit of vital public goods. Students from these institutions will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for us all, upholding fundamental American values and advancing opportunity for the nation.”

UP’s selection to the inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose cohort adds to its list of Spring 2024 accolades, including: Leading all Oregon private and public institutions in four-year graduation rates for a 10th consecutive year according to the National Center for Education Statistics and placing six recent UP graduates in the 2024 Fulbright U.S. Student Program.