Oregon Institute of Technology

Oregon Institute of Technology
Name	Oregon Institute of Technology
Established	1947
Type	Public
President	Nagi Naganathan
City	Klamath Falls
State	Oregon
Country	United States
Campus	Rural, 190 acres (Klamath Falls)
Affiliations	Oregon University System
Mascot	Hootie the Owl
Website	www.oit.edu

Oregon Institute of Technology is a public polytechnic university in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Founded in 1947, it is the only public institute of technology in the Pacific Northwest and emphasizes hands-on, applied education in engineering, health, business, and technology fields. Its main residential campus is located in Klamath Falls, Oregon, with a significant urban campus in the Portland metropolitan area.

History

The institution was established by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education in 1947 as the Oregon Vocational School to train returning World War II veterans. It initially operated out of the deactivated Camp Adair facility near Albany and was relocated to its permanent home in Klamath Falls in 1964. Under the leadership of presidents like Larry Blake and Martha Anne Dow, it evolved into a comprehensive polytechnic, gaining university status and joining the Oregon University System. A major expansion occurred in 2009 with the establishment of the Portland-Metro campus in Wilsonville.

Academics

The university is organized into several colleges, including the College of Engineering, Technology, and Management and the College of Health, Arts, and Sciences. It is renowned for its accredited programs in mechanical, civil, and Renewable energy engineering, as well as its highly regarded diagnostic medical sonography and Dental hygiene programs. Oregon Institute of Technology grants bachelor's and master's degrees, with a curriculum deeply integrated with industry partners like Boeing, Intel, and Pacific Power.

Campuses

The primary campus occupies 190 acres on the slopes of Mount McLoughlin overlooking Upper Klamath Lake near Klamath Falls. This location supports its geothermal heating system, one of the largest in the nation. The Portland-Metro campus in Wilsonville serves the urban population and focuses on upper-division and graduate programs in fields like software engineering and Healthcare management. The university also operates sites in Seattle and through online programs.

Student life

Student life is centered around over 60 clubs and organizations, including chapters of Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Alpha Pi, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The student government, known as the Associated Students of Oregon Institute of Technology, organizes events and represents student interests. Traditional events like the annual Mud Bowl and Homecoming week foster campus community. Many students participate in cooperative education and internship programs with companies throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Hustlin' Owls and Lady Owls, compete in the NAIA, primarily within the Cascade Collegiate Conference. Basketball and track & field are notable sports, with the men's basketball team winning the NAIA Division II national championship in 2004 and 2012. The campus features the Danny Miles Court and hosts the Oregon Tech Track & Field Complex.

Notable alumni and faculty

Notable alumni include John Kitzhaber, former Governor of Oregon; Brett Smith, co-founder of SurveyMonkey; and Kevin Boss, former NFL tight end for the New York Giants. Distinguished faculty have included Larry Blake, who served as president and was instrumental in the university's growth, and Chris Maples, a noted geologist and former interim president. Many graduates hold leadership positions at Microsoft, Nike, and the Oregon Health & Science University.

Category:Universities and colleges in Oregon Category:Public universities and colleges in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 1947