This is an interesting topic for sure. I always thought that the Greater Portland area, in particular, was oversaturated with religious-affiliated liberal arts colleges. I believe a couple have shut down in recent years. The deal by Jessup for Multnomah seems similar to what happened to Cascade College and some Oklahoma school back in the day. They ended up shutting up over cash issues, which, as you mentioned, Jessup will be mindful of. Fun fact, Multnomah and Cascade College were actually only a few blocks apart.
If Multnomah were to go to D3 there would be 6 schools in the conference pretty close together, depending on how close you feel Salem is. In the case of the Cascade Conference, you've also got Warner Pacific in Portland and Corban in Salem. It's a very diverse conference in terms public/private split and differences in size.
The key for all these small schools is going to be finding a niche in demand and offering a strong program in that area.
The issue of restrictive religious policies always feels like it limits the possibility of enrollment, but it is probably closer to a net zero due to people who want to attend *because* of those policies.
Portland State always feels so poorly supported, and their stadium situation is sad for a program in the Big Sky.
This is an interesting topic for sure. I always thought that the Greater Portland area, in particular, was oversaturated with religious-affiliated liberal arts colleges. I believe a couple have shut down in recent years. The deal by Jessup for Multnomah seems similar to what happened to Cascade College and some Oklahoma school back in the day. They ended up shutting up over cash issues, which, as you mentioned, Jessup will be mindful of. Fun fact, Multnomah and Cascade College were actually only a few blocks apart.
If Multnomah were to go to D3 there would be 6 schools in the conference pretty close together, depending on how close you feel Salem is. In the case of the Cascade Conference, you've also got Warner Pacific in Portland and Corban in Salem. It's a very diverse conference in terms public/private split and differences in size.
The key for all these small schools is going to be finding a niche in demand and offering a strong program in that area.
The issue of restrictive religious policies always feels like it limits the possibility of enrollment, but it is probably closer to a net zero due to people who want to attend *because* of those policies.
Portland State always feels so poorly supported, and their stadium situation is sad for a program in the Big Sky.