Forest Grove

Former Pacific University President Emeritus Phil Creighton honored by legislature

Jordan Donegan

01 Aug 2025 — 2 min read

Oregon State Senator Janeen Sollman (center) with members of the Pacific University community who testified in favor of Senate Concurrent Resolution 7, honoring Pacific President Emeritus Phil Creighton. From left: John Miller, former served as vice president for academic affairs and provost who served under Creighton both at Pacific and Eastern Oregon University; Jan Stricklin, associate vice president for university advancement; Sollman, Pacific President Jenny Coyle '90, OD '93, MS '00, and Trustee Emeritus Tim Schauermann '66.

The Oregon State Legislature recently passed a resolution honoring the late Pacific University President Emeritus Phil Creighton for his “transformative leadership at Pacific University,” and contributions to the “growth of Washington County.”

Creighton, who served as Pacific University’s 16th president from 2003 to 2009, passed away on Sept. 16, 2024, at the age of 79. He led the university through an “unprecedented period of growth,” according to a press release from Pacific University’s Associate Director of Communications Blake Timm.

To recognize his legacy, State Senator Janeen Sollman (D-15, Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, Rock Creek) sponsored State Concurrent Resolution 7, recognizing Creighton’s contributions to both Pacific University and Washington County.

Sollman presented the resolution to the university on July 18, 2025, according to Timm.

“I was deeply honored to sponsor this memorial resolution recognizing Dr. Phil Creighton’s transformative leadership at Pacific University and his lasting contributions to the Senate District 15 community,” said Sollman. “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,” she continued.

While serving as president of the university, Creighton helped establish Pacific University’s Hillsboro Campus, “home to many of the university’s graduate programs,” Timm said. He also oversaw 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,” he continued.

“Phil Creighton was a transformational leader for Pacific University. His vision was the catalyst for the diverse institution we are today,” said current Pacific University President Jenny Coyle ’90, OD ’93, MS ’00 in a statement from Pacific University announcing Creighton’s death.

Creighton also orchestrated the development of the university's College of Health Professions, which involved the creation of “graduate health profession programs in dental hygiene studies, pharmacy and healthcare administration," according to Timm.

“I’m grateful to Sen. Sollman for honoring Phil,” Coyle said in a press release. “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,” Coyle continued.