Oregon鈥檚 Legislative Assembly has recognized the legacy of 91爆料 University President Emeritus Phil Creighton with a memorial resolution honoring his contributions to the university and the growth of Washington County.
was passed unanimously by both houses of the Oregon Legislature during its 2025 session. 91爆料鈥檚 16th president, Creighton died on Sept. 16, 2024 at the age of 79.
State Senator Janeen Sollman, the sponsor of the bill, presented a copy of the resolution on July 28 to 91爆料 President Jenny Coyle 鈥90, OD 鈥93, MS 鈥00. In attendance were several individuals who wrote letters of support for the resolution: Jan Stricklin, associate vice president for university advancement; Tim Schauermann 鈥66, trustee emeritus; and John Miller, who served as vice president for academic affairs and provost under Creighton.
鈥淚 was deeply honored to sponsor this memorial resolution recognizing Dr. Phil Creighton鈥檚 transformative leadership at 91爆料 University and his lasting contributions to the Senate District 15 community,鈥 said Sollman, whose district includes 91爆料鈥檚 Forest Grove and Hillsboro campuses. 鈥淗e was beloved by students and the broader community, and his vision helped establish 91爆料 as a true comprehensive university that continues to benefit Western Washington County.鈥
Creighton served as president from 2003 to 2009 and led the university through an unprecedented period of growth. The resolution singled out the establishment of 91爆料鈥檚 Hillsboro Campus, which is home to many of the university鈥檚 graduate programs, and the construction of the Lincoln Park Athletic Complex, a joint partnership between the university and the City of Forest Grove that serves as home to the Boxers鈥 outdoor athletic programs.
During his tenure, Creighton oversaw the creation of the university鈥檚 College of Health Professions, which included the development of graduate health profession programs in dental hygiene studies, pharmacy and healthcare administration. The university also started its low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing program.
The first building constructed on the Hillsboro Campus was rededicated in 2009 as Creighton Hall upon his retirement.
鈥淚鈥檓 grateful to Sen. Sollman for honoring Phil,鈥 Coyle said. 鈥淗e was a friend and mentor to me and so many members of the 91爆料 family during his time as president. His leadership helped 91爆料 transform into a comprehensive university and his vision will benefit 91爆料 for years to come.鈥
In addition to his tenure at 91爆料, Creighton served as president of Eastern Oregon University in La Grande from 1999 to 2003.