Cover of book titled Southern Oregon University

A New History of SOU

Using photographs largely drawn from the University Archives, Southern Oregon University tells the story of our remarkable academic institution, its students, and academic leaders. With origins as the Ashland Academy in 1872, SOU has served the educational and cultural needs of Southern Oregon for 150 years. This book traces the institution’s history from a normal school focused on teacher training to a university offering a wide-ranging and innovative curriculum, nationally-recognized diversity and sustainability initiatives, outstanding graduate programs, champion athletic programs, and a center for the arts. The authors are Mary Jane Cedar Face, a librarian at SOU since 1993, and Maureen Flanagan Battistella (SOAN) who work to preserve regional history. The foreword was written by President Linda Schott. All proceeds from book sales book will go to Hannon Library.