Bushnell University Announces Largest Single Expansion in 130-Year History

At its 130th Convocation Chapel on August 26, Bushnell University President Joseph Womack announced the University is acquiring two former PeaceHealth at University District hospital buildings, adding 125,000 square feet of academic space to its campus. The pending acquisition, the single largest in Bushnell’s history, will dramatically expand the College of Health Professions and position the University to help meet Oregon’s urgent healthcare workforce needs. 

Founded in 1895 as the Eugene Divinity School, Bushnell’s history is intertwined with the healthcare story of Eugene. In 1924, under the leadership of its first president, Eugene Sanderson, the University founded Pacific Christian Hospital, which later became Sacred Heart Hospital and is now part of PeaceHealth. The hospital also trained nurses through a program operated in partnership with the University. 

“This significant property acquisition ensures the future growth of Bushnell University well into the next decade. Our partnership with PeaceHealth has been important to the University for a century, therefore we believe the strategic use of this space to expand the College of Health Professions aligns with our shared commitment to the health and well being of our community.” 

– Joseph Womack, President, Bushnell University

Now, 100 years later, Bushnell is once again expanding its role in healthcare education. The acquisition of the former PeaceHealth property will allow the University to: 

• Seek expanded enrollment in its nursing program to address the state’s critical shortage of nurses. 
• Grow the number of graduates in clinical mental health counseling, where Bushnell already provides Oregon’s largest pipeline. 
• Launch new programs to support both behavioral and physical health needs. 

“We are very happy to come to an agreement with Bushnell for two of our University District buildings,” said Dr. Jim McGovern, chief hospital executive of PeaceHealth Oregon Network. “Bushnell’s campus can now continue to grow, as can its nursing program.” 

With this expansion, Bushnell’s campus will gain significant new space for student learning, creating a contiguous footprint in Eugene’s University District. The property includes facilities that will be repurposed as classrooms, labs and clinics while maintaining space for ongoing community health services. 

Left: PeaceHealth executives Alicia Beymer and Jim McGovern flank Bushnell President Joe Womack as he announces Bushnell’s expansion. Right: Bushnell University’s newly renovated Goodrich Hall.

The announcement underscores Bushnell’s long tradition of cooperative Christian service. As its founders worked alongside civic and faith leaders to open a hospital in 1924, today Bushnell partners with healthcare organizations, legislators and community members to prepare graduates who will serve with wisdom, faith, and service. 

“The great opportunity before us here at Bushnell is to work with partners across the region to understand what our communities need [in physical and behavioral healthcare] and then to set about meeting those needs with strong academic programs,” said Reed Mueller, vice president for academic affairs at Bushnell University. 

Workforce development remains a central pillar of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s strategic plan, and the expansion of Bushnell’s College of Health Professions reflects the kind of investment needed to prepare a strong healthcare workforce. In an official letter, the Chamber voiced its support for this project earlier this year, recognizing its alignment with regional needs and its potential to strengthen opportunities for students and employers alike.

About Bushnell University 
Founded in 1895, Bushnell University helps students discover and answer God’s call on their lives. Devoted to offering a Christ-centered environment, Bushnell encourages students to grow in wisdom, informed by faith, and leading to lives of service. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the University was founded by pastor-educator Eugene C. Sanderson and pioneer businessman and church leader James A. Bushnell. Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant University District. The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees for undergraduate and graduate studies through on campus, online, and hybrid formats. More information about the University is available at www.bushnell.edu.