University of Portland Honored with Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification

University of Portland (UP) is one of the 25 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the first Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification, which recognizes institutions committed to campus-wide efforts to advance leadership in pursuit of public goods like justice, equity, diversity and liberty.

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University of Portland is one of 25 institutions nationwide to receive the inaugural Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose. (Photo: Business Wire)

This elective designation is awarded by the American Council on Education (ACE), the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

University of Portland is one of five institutions in the West Region selected in the inaugural 2024-2030 Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose cycle. UP is the only private university in the Pacific Northwest among 15 private schools honored nationwide.

“Our city, our nation and our world yearn for leaders who pursue justice, equity, diversity and liberty,” said University of Portland President Robert D. Kelly, Ph.D. “For nearly 125 years, UP has excelled at preparing students for lives of conscientious leadership in their careers, communities and the broader society — precisely the type of leaders our world needs. We accept this special recognition with humble gratitude, and we look forward to redoubling our efforts to prepare the next generation of leaders who serve the greater good.”

In a joint announcement, the Carnegie Foundation, the Doerr Institute and ACE accentuated UP’s “excellent alignment among campus mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices that support dynamic and noteworthy leadership for public purpose.”

“Congratulations to these pioneering recipients of the inaugural Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification,” said Carnegie Foundation President Timothy F.C. Knowles. “These institutions have demonstrated a relentless commitment to fostering leaders dedicated to the pursuit of vital public goods. Students from these institutions will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for us all, upholding fundamental American values and advancing opportunity for the nation.”

“We are delighted to receive the Carnegie Foundation's Elective Classification in Leadership for Public Purpose because it highlights the exceptional leadership education and development initiatives across the University of Portland,” said Dave Houglum, Ph.D., Director of Leadership and Leadership Professor of Practice. “Receiving this honor underscores our dedication to nurturing ethical leaders who make a positive impact locally, nationally and globally."

Within days of receiving the Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification, University of Portland earned a premier 4.5-star rating on Money magazine’s list of ‘The Best Colleges in America—2024.’

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“For nearly 125 years, UP has excelled at preparing students for lives of conscientious leadership in their careers, communities and the broader society — precisely the type of leaders our world needs." Robert Kelly, Ph.D., University of Portland President