At SOU, the Outdoor Adventure Leadership (OAL) Degree program highlights a blend of academic learning and immersive outdoor experiences. This offers students an incredible opportunity to learn leadership skills amid the natural landscapes of our region.
As an Olsrud scholar and Psychology major, Danni Neis’ journey through higher education is anything but traditional. She is a mother, an advocate, in recovery, and a first-generation college student.
Brad Dahlin, a graduating senior in the Communication department at SOU, is a recipient of the Olsrud scholarship, which has supported his pathway to graduation as an emerging media writer. Brad transferred from Rogue Community College as a junior, and has found community at SOU in profound ways.
Jillian Chamberlain-Seitz, a Lithia & Driveway first generation scholar in her first year at SOU, is deeply passionate about costume design and eager to explore the many creative avenues SOU has to offer.
For college students, the pursuit of higher education is often accompanied by a myriad of challenges. Beyond academic coursework, students grapple with financial constraints, housing insecurities, and the ever-present pressure to balance their studies with work and personal lives.
Sierra Sam Fong, first-year SOU student, athlete, and Lithia & Driveway Scholar, arrived at SOU in the fall of 2024 to a campus that felt like a long way from her home in Oahu, Hawaii. Yet, despite the distance, Sierra has found community and belonging at SOU.
Annabell Delgado, a first-year student and Lithia & Driveway Scholar at SOU, is making a name for herself as a first-generation college student while juggling work, school, and her passion for criminal justice.
Steve Bouck ’82 MBA ‘84, an alumnus of SOU embodies the true spirit of philanthropy. To honor the transformative impact SOU had on his professional and personal life, Steve decided to make a significant planned gift ($500,000) to support the university.
Southern Oregon University’s Innovation and Leadership (INL) program has made a significant impact on the local community since its inception in 2015. Designed to cater to working professionals, the program offers a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum that equips students with the skills necessary to excel in leadership roles.
Kayla Dumore wanted to stay close to home when she was thinking about college. Since she grew up in Central Point and graduated from Crater Renaissance Academy, place was an important factor in her decision making. She chose SOU as a way to stay close to family and also because of one of her influential mentors, Native American Studies faculty member Brent Florendo, guided her toward SOU as an exceptional educational choice.