The City Club of Eugene announced a new forum series on higher‑education challenges, kicking off Friday, Oct. 30, with a noon presentation by Joseph Womack, president of Bushnell University.
Local leaders invited to a public conversation
The meeting will be held in the WOW Hall at 291 W. Eighth Ave. and is open to anyone who wishes to attend. Admission is free, and the event will be livestreamed on the City Club’s YouTube channel. A recording will be rebroadcast the following Monday at 7 p.m. on KLCC 89.7 FM and later posted as a podcast episode.
Faith‑based mission at the center of the discussion
Womack, the university’s tenth president, will explain how Bushnell—a private nonprofit institution—has responded to demographic shifts, financial pressures and political headwinds by leaning into its Christian mission. He will highlight recent gains in enrollment, the expansion of co‑curricular programs, and new undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to meet regional workforce needs.
In addition, Womack will outline the university’s upcoming facilities expansion and the progress of its capital campaign, which aim to strengthen campus resources while preserving the school’s faith‑centered identity.
President Womack’s background ties him closely to Bushnell
President Womack has led Bushnell since June 2010. He earned undergraduate degrees from Texas Christian University and Bushnell, followed by a master’s and doctorate from Azusa Pacific University. Prior to Bushnell, he held administrative roles at William Jessup University in Rocklin, California, and California Baptist University in Riverside.
His connection to the university runs deep: both of his parents are Bushnell alumni, his wife also graduated from Bushnell, and his father served as the school’s eighth president from 1986 to 2004.
Why the forum matters to Eugene
Local colleges and universities are vital to Eugene’s cultural and economic vitality, yet they confront ongoing challenges related to enrollment trends, funding constraints and shifting political climates. By bringing the conversation to a public venue, the City Club hopes to foster community‑wide dialogue on how higher‑education institutions can continue to serve families, support the local workforce and uphold the values that many residents cherish.
The City Club of Eugene regularly explores a range of local, state and national issues, seeking new approaches and solutions. This upcoming forum adds an educational‑focused perspective to its calendar, inviting residents, students, parents and faith leaders to engage directly with university leadership.
How to participate
Anyone interested can attend in person at the WOW Hall or watch the livestream. The City Club encourages listeners to submit questions during the live broadcast, ensuring the discussion reflects the concerns of the broader community.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
