
Meerah Powell
Meerah Powell is a Higher Education Reporter for OPB. She previously worked as a news reporter and podcast producer for Eugene Weekly in her hometown of Eugene, Oregon. Along with writing and audio work, Meerah also has experience with photography and videography. She graduated from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication. Send Meerah story ideas at mpowell@opb.org.
Latest Stories

Oregon community colleges plan budget cuts due to falling enrollment, loss of pandemic funding
Linn-Benton and Chemeketa are among the community colleges planning to lay off faculty and trim programs.
1st study from Oregon data system analyzes state’s nursing shortages
The first comprehensive report from the Oregon Longitudinal Data Collaborative uses data from K-12 schools, higher education and the workforce

Oregon Senate bill would expand higher education options for students with disabilities
A very limited program at Portland State University would support more students — and expand to more institutions — under SB 572.
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University of Oregon announces John Karl Scholz as its next president
“He is truly a visionary leader with deep passion for public higher education,” UO Board Chair Ginevra Ralph said Monday. “He’s deeply, deeply committed to the success of students, to the university’s research agenda and liberal arts roots, and its focus on creating societal impact in the future.”

Portland State University announces its new president
Oregon's largest urban university has chosen Ann Cudd, currently Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh, as its next president. She will begin her new role in August.

Pandemic technology shifts have brought on difficulties, fostered innovation in teaching and learning at Pacific University
“Flipped” classrooms and “real life” physics among the new instructional approaches in response to pandemic changes.

Pandemic expansions in technology, flexibility hanging on at Linfield, as COVID impact lessens
The pandemic forced Linfield University to prioritize creating more connection and communication, and in turn students have felt more comfortable and supported through the flexibility that remote services provided.

Former Oregon State University dean wins whistleblower retaliation lawsuit
The former dean originally sued the university back in 2021

Portland schools digging out after snowfall leads to transportation delays, canceled classes and criticism
Students and employees in schools and colleges throughout the Portland region faced difficulties getting home after Wednesday's snow rolled in. And many school closures are continuing into Friday.

Portland State University expands its free-tuition program
PSU’s Tuition-Free Degree program will now cover Pell-eligible Oregon residents who are attending school part-time as well as full-time