The Rise and Fall of Concordia University Portland: A History of Closure
Concordia University, a private Lutheran institution in Portland, Oregon, closed its doors in the spring of 2020, marking the end of an era that began in 1905. The university's closure was a multifaceted event rooted in financial struggles, contentious relationships with its parent organization, and a rapidly changing higher education landscape. This article delves into the history of Concordia University Portland (CUP), tracing its growth, its challenges, and its ultimate demise.
Early Years and Growth
Concordia Academy was established in 1905 by the Lutheran community in the Pacific Northwest. Its original purpose was to train future pastors and teachers for parochial schools. By 1950, the institution had expanded to include a junior college. Women were first admitted to Concordia High School in 1962.
In 1977, the Portland Lutheran Association for Christian Education assumed ownership and management of the high school, renaming it Portland Lutheran High School. This separation allowed Concordia to evolve into a four-year institution, and it awarded its first baccalaureate degrees in 1980. The institution officially became Concordia University in 1995, transitioning to a semester calendar.
The university continued to expand its academic offerings, adding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in 2005-the first new nursing program in the state in 40 years. In 2007, the College of Health and Human Services was established, followed by a bachelor's degree in music in 2009.
The Online Education Boom and Subsequent Challenges
The early 2010s witnessed a surge in enrollment in Concordia University's online programs, particularly its Master of Education program. By 2016, Concordia University awarded more Master of Education degrees than any other public or private nonprofit school in the country.
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This rapid expansion was fueled by an agreement with HotChalk, a private contractor that managed the university's online programs, marketing, recruitment, enrollment, course design, and delivery. While this partnership initially led to significant growth, it eventually became a source of financial strain, with HotChalk receiving over half of Concordia Portland’s tuition payments.
Financial Troubles and Contentious Relationships
Despite its academic growth, Concordia University faced increasing financial difficulties. Like many small universities, CUP struggled with declining enrollment, unpaid construction debts, and decreasing donations. In November 2019, the university received $9.2 million from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s (LCMS) extension fund as part of a financial recovery plan overseen by the synod.
However, tensions between the university and the LCMS further complicated matters. One point of contention was the establishment of the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) in 2018, which aimed to support LGBTQ+ students and promote progressiveness on campus. The synod expressed concerns that the center would contradict LCMS doctrine and values.
In 2014, the university's first Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) was founded. Former CUP President Charles Schlimpert reportedly prohibited the club from using the word "queer" in its name. Later, the synod's representatives met with Schlimpert, QSA advisor Reed Mueller, and then student body president Ernesto Dominguez. The representatives' report led to Schlimpert rescinding the club charter in January 2020. This decision sparked backlash from students and faculty, leading Schlimpert to reinstate the club without consulting the LCMS.
The Closure
In February 2020, Concordia University's parent entity, the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, decided to withdraw financial support, leading to the announcement that the university would close after the completion of the spring 2020 semester, with a shut down as of April 25.
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The closure left 5,455 students with unrefunded tuition and without degrees, and 430 employees without jobs. A class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of students, alleging that the university collected spring tuition under false pretenses.
Aftermath and Legacy
In June 2022, the University of Oregon finalized its purchase of the former Concordia campus for $60.5 million. The sale was made possible by a $425 million gift from former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie Ballmer. The University of Oregon has transformed the campus into the Ballmer Institute, which focuses on child behavioral health. The plan for the new institute is to link UO’s research programs with providers public schools in Oregon and community support groups to improve treatment for struggling K-12 students. Portland real estate consultancy firm Colliers, in partnership with Foundry Commercial, finalized the sale.
One remaining program, the accelerated bachelor's degree in nursing, continues to operate under another Concordia University System school, Concordia University of St. Paul.
Athletics
The Concordia athletic teams were called the Cavaliers. The university was a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) from 2015-16 to 2019-20. The Cavaliers previously competed in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1993-94 to 2014-15. Concordia was known for the consistent success of its athletic teams. Both men's and women's soccer established their programs with titles at the conference, regional and national level. In 2012, Concordia opened a new athletic complex, Hilken Community Stadium, which was built at a cost of $7.5 million.
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