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 | $328.7 million (2025) |
| 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 in Salem, Oregon, United States. 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.
Approximately 2,400 students are enrolled at Willamette between its undergraduate and graduate programs. It has an additional campus in Portland, Oregon, which contains a graduate education center and the Pacific Northwest College of Art. The college is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)'s Division III Northwest Conference.