University Press Release Regarding Portland State Athletics Five-Year Strategic Plan

Viking Supporters: 
 
I am pleased to share with you that Portland State University President Steve Percy today announced that the university has officially committed to the five-year strategic plan for Portland State Athletics that I presented to leaders earlier this year.
 
Central to this new Build the Ship Strategic Vision is PSU's continued allegiance to the Big Sky Conference membership, one of the nation's finest Division I collegiate conferences. This element of our program is critical to our future and to the experience of our student-athletes.  

The plan also outlines a more sustainable financial approach, which includes stabilizing institutional investments and increasing athletics revenue. Importantly, PSU has identified stable budget funding for Viking Athletics and will discontinue the use of university financial reserves to fund the program. New revenue, meanwhile, will come through expanded ticket sales and student attendance, new sponsorships and game guarantees, and growth in philanthropic support. 

Our new plan reflects extensive research and outreach conducted over two years. The insights of many helped us come to this important inflection point and gave us valuable data on which to build. Together, we can Build the Ship at Portland State.
 
I am confident that this plan will help us to rally students, our campus, the greater Portland community, fans and Viking boosters – and I want to assure you that our incoming President, Ann Cudd, is also fully in support of this exciting direction.

As Dr. Percy said when announcing this decision, PSU's student-athletes exemplify the best of the university. Our student-athletes shine in the classroom, excel athletically, and go on to become future leaders across our region. Supporting Viking Athletics is not just about taking in a game; it's about taking PSU to the next level.

In closing, I want to thank all Viking supporters, boosters, sponsors and student-athletes for their commitment to the Portland State program. It will take all of us to Build The Ship!

Additional details of the Build the Ship plan will be announced over the coming weeks.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Johnson
Portland State Director of Athletics