WesternU’s Historic Land Gift Signals a New Era for Health Sciences Education in Oregon
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) is entering a bold new chapter in its history with a transformational gift of 150 acres of land in Lebanon, Oregon. This milestone, one of the largest philanthropic contributions in the institution’s history, will allow WesternU to expand its academic programs, strengthen healthcare training pipelines, and deepen its commitment to meeting the growing health workforce needs of the Pacific Northwest.
A Legacy of Medical Training in Oregon
WesternU, an independent nonprofit health sciences university with campuses in Pomona, California, and Lebanon, Oregon, has already become a vital presence in the state. The Lebanon campus opened in 2011 with the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest (COMP-Northwest), which has since established itself as Oregon’s only osteopathic medical school. COMP-Northwest, which is in the process of transitioning to its new name, the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine, has graduated more than 1,000 physicians in just over a decade.
The school’s mission has always been to prepare doctors for the communities that need them most, with a strong emphasis on primary care. Nearly 60 percent of alumni who pursue primary care careers remain in the Pacific Northwest, with the majority practicing in Oregon. That impact is especially critical in rural and medically underserved areas, where access to physicians can be limited. The program also boasts a 100 percent residency placement rate, with 57 percent of its graduates choosing primary care specialties. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a Tier 1 program for primary care, COMP-Northwest exemplifies how WesternU blends rigorous academics with a community-first focus.
Expanding Beyond Medicine
WesternU’s reach in Lebanon has grown further with the launch of the College of Health Sciences-Northwest (CHS-Northwest) in 2021. The college began with a Doctor of Physical Therapy program designed to provide students with both classroom instruction and immersive real-world experience. Through its Practical Application Labs, CHS-Northwest students work directly with community volunteers, applying their learning while delivering tangible benefits to local residents. This model reflects WesternU’s broader philosophy: healthcare education is not just about technical training but about meaningful connections with patients and communities.
The addition of CHS-Northwest underscores WesternU’s multidisciplinary approach, which spans across its programs in biotechnology, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, veterinary medicine, and more. By building a diverse portfolio of healthcare training, the university positions itself to respond dynamically to the evolving needs of patients and the industry.
Planning for Growth
The newly acquired 150-acre property will provide the space and flexibility for WesternU to dream big while planning responsibly. University leaders are currently developing a comprehensive master plan that emphasizes sustainability.
A signature initiative on the horizon is the creation of the Interprofessional Behavioral Health Institute. Designed to address Oregon’s growing mental health crisis, the institute will advance both education and research while training healthcare providers to respond to behavioral health challenges. With the state struggling to meet demand for mental health services, this project could become a regional hub for innovation and collaboration.
Building a Complete Healthcare Pipeline
Beyond classrooms and laboratories, WesternU is working to expand residency opportunities across the Pacific Northwest. Medical schools nationwide recognize that physicians often choose to practice in the same communities where they complete their residencies. By strengthening this critical stage of medical training, WesternU can help ensure that more physicians remain in Oregon, serving the very communities that need care the most.
This comprehensive approach—from graduate training to residencies—reflects WesternU’s philosophy of developing healthcare providers who are both highly skilled and deeply rooted in service. By aligning academic expansion with workforce development, the university is helping to close persistent gaps in care.
A Catalyst for Community
The land gift represents more than just space for new buildings; it is an investment in Oregon’s health and future. Expanded programs will create opportunities for students, foster partnerships with healthcare providers, and support the local economy. At the same time, the focus on sustainability ensures that growth enhances rather than detracts from the natural beauty of Lebanon and surrounding areas.
WesternU will soon launch a fundraising campaign to support construction, new programs, and the broader educational mission tied to the land. With community engagement and philanthropic support, the university is prepared to transform the Lebanon campus into a model for the next generation of healthcare training.
Looking Ahead
From its beginnings as a California-based institution to its growing footprint in Oregon, WesternU has always focused on preparing compassionate, collaborative healthcare professionals. The gift of 150 acres provides the physical foundation to extend that mission for decades to come. By training doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers, launching initiatives like the Interprofessional Behavioral Health Institute, and expanding residency opportunities, the university is ensuring that patients in Oregon and beyond will have access to the care they need.
