Willamette University
Former names | Oregon Institute (1842–1852) Wallamet University (1852–1870) |
|---|---|
| Motto | Non nobis solum nati sumus (Latin) |
Motto in English | Not unto ourselves alone are we born |
| Type | Private liberal arts college |
| Established | February 1, 1842 |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
Religious affiliation | Methodist Mission |
Academic affiliations | |
| Endowment | $351.6 million (2021) |
| President | Stephen E. Thorsett |
Academic staff | 247 (2020) |
Administrative staff | 438 (2020) |
| Students | 2,402 (2022–23) |
| Undergraduates | 1,367 (2022–23) |
| Location | , , United States 44°56′09″N 123°01′53″W / 44.93583°N 123.03139°W |
| Campus | Urban, 60 acres (0.24 km2) |
| Newspaper | Willamette Collegian |
| Colors | Cardinal and Gold |
| Nickname | Bearcats |
Sporting affiliations | NCAA Division III – Northwest |
| Mascot | Blitz |
| Website | willamette.edu |
Willamette University is a private liberal arts college with locations in Salem and Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1842, it is the oldest college in the Western United States. Originally named the Oregon Institute, the school was an unaffiliated outgrowth of the Methodist Mission. The name was changed to Wallamet University in 1852, followed by the current spelling in 1870. Willamette founded the first medical school and law school in the Pacific Northwest in the second half of the 19th century.
The college is a member of the NCAA's Division III Northwest Conference. Approximately 2,400 students are enrolled at Willamette between the graduate and undergraduate programs.