Pacific Index

Jenny Coyle shares cookies and optimism with students

   As dozens of students swarmed around the UC patio Tuesday afternoon, a familiar and friendly face was also present in the crowd. President Jenny Coyle looked professional in her pantsuit, yet remained casual in her attitude, shaking hands and chatting with students about how they’re doing and offering them cookies. 

   Coyle will be out and about again on Friday for this year’s State of the University addressing. Taking place in McCready Hall at 3 p.m. (and online via Zoom), this event is described on Pacific’s website as “an employee-focused university update.” This update, “will focus on Pacific’s strategic plan and the work underway to advance our priorities, along with updates on the planned merger with Willamette University.” 

   When asked about the employee-focused aspect of this update, President Coyle said with a smile, “We’re sharing all the good news of all the hard work that’s been going on in the last year or two.” This includes changes such as, “We’re now going to offer three year degree pathways in addition to all of our four year degrees. We’re going to share that we’ve taken the next step to becoming an autistic-inclusive campus. Just all the hard work that people have been putting in…that will be a big part of what we talk about.” 

   Another item mentioned on the schedule is the restructuring of Pacific, a result of the merger with Willamette announced last December. Students have been promised in various emails that the restructuring will not derail their college experience. In the email from President Coyle announcing the merger on December 12 last year, it was said, “you will complete your degrees uninterrupted, as promised, with the same academic programs, advising, and campus traditions.” A later email on July 14 from President Coyle and Willamette President Steve Thorsett, they announced, “We want to assure you that this does not change the experience or community you’ve come to expect here.” 

   Fortunately, no apparent changes have been made in terms of academics, extracurriculars, and overall campus life. However, in previous statements the President’s office has made claims of improvements to come. In their July 14 update of the merger’s progress they wrote, “But when the merger is fully completed, we’ll also be part of something bigger: a combined institution that will be the largest private university in Oregon. Together, Pacific and Willamette plan to create new opportunities for you — opportunities like new academic pathways, a wider career and alumni network, and additional support services.” 

   The merger isn’t expected to be completed until 2028, so whether any of these improvements will take place this year is unclear presently. Further effects of the restructuring have not been announced, but as it progresses students will be sure to see more changes. 

   Ample information about the merger has been provided to students in emails from the President’s Office, and is also available on Pacific’s website. In regards to how much will be discussed at the State of the University, President Coyle stated, “We’ll give updates throughout the year as we progress with the merger, and as we know things we’ll start sharing. All of the messages this week we’ll share as we go. We’re still very excited.” 

   Coyle’s enthusiasm to share with students and staff the good news of Pacific’s improvements and what is still to come is a promising indication of what the discussion will be like on Friday. Coyle explains “Friday a lot is on our plan, and the things we’ve accomplished, and where we’re headed.”