Pacific University Health Professionals Campus

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Phase I

Space: 105,000 sq. ft. on one half acre east of 8th Avenue
Cost: $30 million
Population: 639 students, 78 faculty and staff
Programs: Dental Health Science (new), Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy (new), Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, and Professional Psychology (Counseling).
Clinics: The Health Professions Campus will feature an interdisciplinary clinic and provide comprehensive primary medical and dental services. In partnership with the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, special emphasis will be on migrant and seasonal farm workers and others who face barriers to healthcare.
Open: Fall 2006

Phase II

Space: 125,000 sq. ft. on one half acre west of 8th Avenue
Cost: $45 million
Population: 700 students, 78 faculty and staff
Programs: Optometry, Professional Psychology (Clinical)
Clinics: Additional interdisciplinary clinic services and Wellness Center
Open: Fall 2010

In the summer of 2005, Pacific University dramatically expanded its 55-acre campus in Forest Grove, OR with the purchase of land for its new Health Professions Campus in the neighboring city of Hillsboro. The campus will house the University’s College of Health Professions and College of Optometry. It is adjacent to the Tuality Healthcare Hillsboro Campus (anchored by Tuality Community Hospital), and the MAX Light Rail Line.

The Health Professions Campus represents a significant expansion for Pacific University, both for its health professions and core liberal arts programs. First, it affords the space necessary to house current and new health professions programs. Second, the relocation of Pacific’s existing healthcare programs to Hillsboro frees space at the Forest Grove campus for expansion of Pacific’s undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education.

The decision to locate Pacific University’s Health Professions Campus adjacent to Tuality Community Hospital was a strategic move. Partnerships with the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, the City of Hillsboro, Washington County, TriMet, Metro, and the Hillsboro School District facilitated the process. Tuality Community Hospital was a key facilitator as well, and will continue to be a partner as the Health Professions Campus is further developed.

Pacific University also partnered closely with other organizations such as the Hillsboro Chamber and the City of Hillsboro. Both entities provided an inventory of rental housing along the light-rail for use by Pacific University. By providing this amenity to students, Pacific is encouraging use of transit by students thereby decreasing the traffic and parking burden to downtown Hillsboro. The City continues to facilitate business and community relationships with the University, devising new neighborhood parking strategies and offering meeting spaces.

Pacific University College of Health Professions website.