The Three Strategic Imperatives
In the coming years, we must:
1. INVEST in programs that develop leaders to address the most pressing challenges of our world.
2. SCALE our impact in Portland and the region, while increasing learning opportunities.
3. MAXIMIZE the return on investment of a Lewis & Clark education, while preparing students for economic opportunity and purposeful lives of consequence.
The Five Initiatives for 2025–26
These plans are deeply rooted in core values long treasured by our community—intellectual rigor, collaborative spirit, and a deep commitment to service—and continue our tradition of fostering extraordinary individual accomplishment supported by powerful community mentorship. This strategic investment in our students’ futures reinforces Lewis & Clark’s pivotal role in leading innovation, community engagement, and excellence for years to come.
1. Integrated Pathways: Unlocking Advanced Degrees
Lewis & Clark is creating seamless academic journeys that connect our College of Arts and Sciences directly with our Law School and Graduate School of Education and Counseling. This initiative is designed to accelerate our undergraduates’ academic and professional goals.
- Students will be empowered with minors in Legal Studies and Education (with potential new majors coming soon).
- We are expanding tracks like the Teacher Pathways Program and highly efficient 3+3 (BA + JD) and 3+1 (BA + MSL) options, allowing students to earn undergraduate and professional degrees faster than ever before. This integrated approach elevates the L&C degree and creates powerful efficiencies for our students.
2. The Career Accelerator: Guaranteeing Professional Readiness
We are setting a bold new benchmark for career readiness in liberal arts education. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of alumna Heidi Hu (BS ’85) and her husband, Daniel Hsieh, who provided a foundational $5 million endowment (plus a $600,000 matched gift), we are launching a transformative Career Accelerator.
This resource ensures that every Lewis & Clark student has access to comprehensive career development, guaranteed mentorship, high-quality internships, and a robust network of opportunities. We are bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, equipping students to launch successful, impactful careers immediately after graduation.
3. Community Partnerships: Reimagining Our Role in Portland
Lewis & Clark is deepening its commitment to experiential learning through meaningful partnerships. Our flagship collaboration with the Albina Vision Trust is a commitment to community engagement that will offer our students, faculty, and staff a deeply enriching experience as they help shape the revitalization of Portland’s historic Albina District. This effort marks the beginning of a sustained strategy to expand Lewis & Clark’s positive impact across Portland and the broader Pacific Northwest.
4. Data Science and Advanced Credentialing
In today’s data-driven world, quantitative and analytical skills are essential. We are meeting this demand head-on by launching a new interdisciplinary Data Science major. This program, paired with advanced credentialing options, will provide students with the practical, in-demand skills that significantly enhance their employability across every sector. To support this growth, we are also making strategic upgrades to our technological infrastructure and learning spaces.
5. Environmental Leadership: Innovation for a Sustainable World
Lewis & Clark is already renowned for its environmental law, policy, and liberal arts programs. Our prime location in the Pacific Northwest makes us uniquely positioned to lead on environmental and climate action education. The new Environmental Innovation Lab will serve as a hub, harnessing our collective strengths to prepare the next generation of leaders to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental challenges with creativity and rigor.
Upholding a Legacy of Impact
These five initiatives are a source of immense pride for the entire Lewis & Clark community. They are a direct expression of the values and traditions—including the spirit of inquiry and commitment to service—that unite our alumni and motivate our current students. By investing in these areas, Lewis & Clark is ensuring the powerful continuation of its legacy, equipping students to lead, serve, and make a lasting, positive impact on the world.
