Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) announced it received the deed for 150 acres of land in Lebanon to be used in the university’s plan for expansion.
The land – bordered by Gill’s Landing to the north, Riverview School to the south, and the South Santiam River flowing along the east – was formerly the site of the Santiam and Willamette Industries mills, often referred to as the “old mill” property.
The Heatherington Foundation for Innovation and Education in Health Care donated the land for the new campus, while FamilyCare, Inc. donated $22.5 million toward the expansion. WesternU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest (COMP-Northwest in Lebanon) will be renamed to the Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine in honor of Dr. Jeff Heatherington, who is president of both donor organizations.
WesternU in Lebanon currently operates COMP-Northwest and the College of Health Sciences-Northwest (CHS-Northwest). The former, Oregon’s only osteopathic medical school, confers doctorate degrees in osteopathic medicine, while the latter offers a physical therapy program.
The university, which also operates colleges in California, is developing a master plan for the new land, with plans to establish a graduate program in behavioral health there.
The school reported the development will “emphasize the use of Oregon’s natural resources, net-zero construction principles, and restoration of the land’s natural habitat,” with “abundant greenspaces, art, culture, and state-of-the-art teaching and learning environments.” The school’s plan includes restoring the area’s ecosystem to encourage the return of native flora and fauna.
To see its fulfillment, WesternU will launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign.