A Shared Story of Faith, Struggle, and Legacy
Jessup University and Multnomah
Multnomah University and Jessup University share roots that reach back nearly a century. Founded in 1936 and 1939, just years apart, both institutions began with the same calling to provide Christ centered education and to prepare men and women for lives of ministry, leadership, and service. Because of that shared heritage, the recent closure of the Multnomah Portland campus carries real emotional weight. For many alumni and friends, Multnomah represents a place of deep spiritual formation. At Jessup, we recognize that grief and honor the legacy Multnomah represents.
The partnership between Jessup and Multnomah arose during a time of significant pressure across higher education. National reporting shows that nearly 300 colleges and universities closed between 2008 and 2023, reflecting broad financial and demographic challenges facing smaller institutions.¹ Multnomah encountered sustainability challenges that threatened its ability to continue independently. Public coverage at the time described the partnership as an effort to preserve Multnomah’s legacy and continue serving students.² Both institutions entered the partnership with hope that together they could sustain programs and support students connected to Multnomah’s mission.
As Board Chair Bonnie Gore shared recently, “We recognize that this decision is difficult and carries emotional weight for many who have invested time, faith, and devotion into the Multnomah legacy. Please know that this decision was not made lightly, but with deep respect for all who have served, studied, and led through the years.” Jessup worked in good faith with Multnomah faculty, staff, alumni, and representatives to explore options and support students through a responsible teach out process. Through the partnership, classes continued for approximately a year and a half, allowing Multnomah students to complete their programs and graduate. Efforts were made to preserve important elements of Multnomah’s academic heritage, including digitizing the Multnomah library for continued theological education. Multnomah Biblical Seminary continues within Jessup as an active expression of that shared mission.
Despite sincere effort and shared optimism, enrollment and operational realities ultimately proved unsustainable for the Portland campus. After careful evaluation and prayerful consideration, the decision was made to close it. The closing of a campus does not erase a legacy. Multnomah’s influence continues through its alumni and through the ongoing work of Multnomah Biblical Seminary within Jessup. Interim President Dr. Parnell Lovelace notes, “Our commitment to Christ centered higher education has not changed. The continuation of Multnomah Biblical Seminary within Jessup reflects our desire to honor that legacy while equipping the next generation of leaders to serve the Church faithfully.”
This is a story of shared faith and shared struggle faced by many Christian institutions today. We acknowledge the disappointment surrounding these events while remaining committed to honoring Multnomah’s legacy and moving forward in our shared mission. We pray for healing, unity, and renewed strength across the Christian education community, grateful to continue the calling that shaped both institutions.
¹ The Hechinger Report, “College Closures,” https://hechingerreport.org/college-closures/
² Inside Higher Ed, “A Look Back at College Closures and Mergers in 2023,” https://www.insidehighered.com/news/business/financial-health/2023/12/21/look-back-college-closures-and-mergers-2023
