a four-year college over the next 20 years and was granted university status in 1969. It is one of two public universities in Oregon that are in a large city. It is governed by a board of trustees. PSU is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".
Portland State comprises seven constituent colleges, offering undergraduate degrees in 123 fields and postgraduate degrees in 117 fields. As of 2023, the university had a total enrollment of approximately 21,000 students. Its athletic teams are known as the Portland State Vikings, with school colors of green and white. They compete at the NCAA Division I level, primarily in the Big Sky Conference.
== History ==
=== 1946–1964: Establishment ===
Portland State University was established as the Vanport Extension Center in June 1946, founded by Stephen Edward Epler, a native of Iowa. Epler graduated from Cotner College in Lincoln, Nebraska, and later Columbia University in New York City, before joining the army to fight in World War II. After …
