Southern Oregon University will receive a big portion of the funding awarded by the Legislature for statewide government entity capital projects in 2024.
SOU will get $6 million for ongoing upgrades to its on-campus Central Hall and nearly $667,000 to build a master's degree program in mental health counseling.
In a press release, SOU President Rick Bailey said that lawmakers' funding decisions are "pivotal" not only for the university, but for the "entire Southern Oregon region." He said the funding is proof that SOU is reaping the benefits of working closely with local delegates of the Oregon Legislature.
In addition to the $666,667 granted by the Legislature during its recent short session, the university secured an additional $1.8 million last month from the Oregon Health Authority to expand its master's degree program. SOU will use the grant to increase the program capacity from 40 to 60 students. There is a critical shortage of mental health caregivers throughout Oregon and SOU is confident that by expanding its program the university will help to solve the problem.
The $6 million funding will cover the cost of Phase 4 of the on-campus Central Hall that includes classrooms, study areas, a computer lab, the interior design and completion of the second floor, the installation of rooftop solar panels, and landscaping and charging stations. The upgrade began in 2022 and the entire project is earmarked for completion toward the end of 2025.
SOU's Central Hall upgrade is the only one of seven public Oregon universities to receive funding for a capital project.
