Oregon’s Legislative Assembly has recognized the legacy of Ƶ President Emeritus Phil Creighton with a memorial resolution honoring his contributions to the university and the growth of Washington County.
was passed unanimously by both houses of the Oregon Legislature during its 2025 session. Pacific’s 16th president, Creighton died on Sept. 16, 2024 at the age of 79.
State Senator Janeen Sollman, the sponsor of the bill, presented a copy of the resolution on July 28 to Pacific President Jenny Coyle ’90, OD ’93, MS ’00. In attendance were several individuals who wrote letters of support for the resolution: Jan Stricklin, associate vice president for university advancement; Tim Schauermann ’66, trustee emeritus; and John Miller, who served as vice president for academic affairs and provost under Creighton.
“I was deeply honored to sponsor this memorial resolution recognizing Dr. Phil Creighton’s transformative leadership at Ƶ and his lasting contributions to the Senate District 15 community,” said Sollman, whose district includes Pacific’s Forest Grove and Hillsboro campuses. “He was beloved by students and the broader community, and his vision helped establish Pacific as a true comprehensive university that continues to benefit Western Washington County.”
Creighton served as president from 2003 to 2009 and led the university through an unprecedented period of growth. The resolution singled out the establishment of Pacific’s Hillsboro Campus, which is home to many of the university’s graduate programs, and the construction of the Lincoln Park Athletic Complex, a joint partnership between the university and the City of Forest Grove that serves as home to the Boxers’ outdoor athletic programs.
During his tenure, Creighton oversaw the creation of the university’s College of Health Professions, which included the development of graduate health profession programs in dental hygiene studies, pharmacy and healthcare administration. The university also started its low-residency Master of Fine Arts in Writing program.
The first building constructed on the Hillsboro Campus was rededicated in 2009 as Creighton Hall upon his retirement.
“I’m grateful to Sen. Sollman for honoring Phil,” Coyle said. “He was a friend and mentor to me and so many members of the Pacific family during his time as president. His leadership helped Pacific transform into a comprehensive university and his vision will benefit Pacific for years to come.”
In addition to his tenure at Pacific, Creighton served as president of Eastern Oregon University in La Grande from 1999 to 2003.