The Office Government Relations supports Oregon Tech’s vision:

Oregon Tech will be a nationally recognized public polytechnic university delivering in-demand, industry-focused degrees and graduates ready to meet workforce needs in Oregon and the Northwest.

Working with local, state and nationally elected and appointed leaders, Oregon Tech’s government relations efforts are focused on enhancing student and graduate success, continuing excellence in applied degree programs, providing statewide educational opportunities, and increasing service to the community.

Oregon Tech’s Local Issues

  • Increased access for rural and under-served students to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degree programs
  • Assistance to recruit and retain companies through local partnerships
  • Engagement with local companies to support innovation, utilizing student and faculty expertise
  • Workforce development support for local industry
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Oregon Governor Kate Brown and U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici join President Naganathan and Oregon Tech students in a ribbon cutting at Oregon Tech’s newly unveiled Cyber Defense Center on November 20, 2017.

Oregon Tech’s State Issues

  • Higher education governance
  • Education policy and reform including Oregon Tech's initiatives to achieve the state's educational goals
  • Education Achievement Compacts
  • Funding models and policy option packages to support high-demand occupational programs
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education Partnerships
  • Expanded healthcare workforce development
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President Naganathan and Board Secretary Sandra Fox meet with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley in Washington DC, where the Senator shows his Oregon Tech spirit.

Oregon Tech’s Federal Issues

  • Applied research
  • Financial aid
  • Education policy including distance education
  • Energy policy, with a focus on support for geothermal and other renewable energy resources
  • Re-authorization bills that impact Oregon Tech’s portfolio of programs
  • Federal competitive grants to enhance Oregon Tech’s degree programs
  • Student access initiatives, with a focus on STEM, rural students and first-generation college students

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