The Oregon Institute of Technology, “Oregon Tech,” gained approval for its revised mission statement August 8, 2019 from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) for the State of Oregon, the first significant revision since 2012. The university’s Trustees approved changes to the mission in late May, with the last step being the HECC’s review as the state authority which approves mission statements for the public universities.
Dr. Nagi Naganathan, president of Oregon Tech said, “We very much appreciate the HECC Commissioners’ review and approval of Oregon Tech’s revised mission statement. There have been many changes in Oregon higher education over the last 20 years, and also changes at Oregon Tech in terms of our degree programs, our students and our other activities. We are a public university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and we are getting ready to launch our first professional doctorate degree program. The changes to the mission more accurately reflect who we are today, what we offer, how we serve Oregonians, and what our community needs are.”
President Naganathan presented the proposed mission revisions to Commissioners along with Fred Ziari, Oregon Tech Trustee and President and CEO of IRZ Consulting and Engineering; Dr. Scott Prahl, professor of Optical, Electrical and Renewable Energy Engineering at Oregon Tech; Wakaya Wells, Multicultural Student Services Coordinator; and Mario Segura, a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering at Oregon Tech and a DeArmond Scholar.
During the hourlong presentation, Oregon Tech representatives noted that the revisions to the mission statement will help direct the organizational strategy, providing both purpose and goals, reflecting what the university sees as most important in its role as one of Oregon’s seven public universities, and the only polytechnic university in the state. The changes were vetted by faculty, staff, students and the community at-large in various settings and approved by Oregon Tech’s board of trustees before being brought before the HECC for approval.
The amendments to the mission statement included being explicit about Oregon Tech’s role as Oregon’s public polytechnic university; changes made over time to the degree types and programs offered; the university’s applied teaching and project-based learning approach; its connection to and relationship with industry; the increased importance of applied research opportunities for its faculty and students, as well as scholarship and teaching; the focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership development that is cultivated at the university; its commitment to being a vibrant and diverse community, demonstrated through its actions; and the educational opportunities and technical expertise it offers statewide as well as further afield.
The approved mission statement is:
Oregon Institute of Technology (“Oregon Tech”), Oregon’s public polytechnic university, offers innovative, professionally-focused undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the areas of engineering, health, business, technology, and applied arts and sciences. To foster student and graduate success, the university provides a hands-on, project-based learning environment and emphasizes innovation, scholarship, and applied research. With a commitment to diversity and leadership development, Oregon Tech offers statewide educational opportunities and technical expertise to meet current and emerging needs of Oregonians, as well as other national and international constituents.
