History

From its beginning, Pioneer Pacific College has been committed to preparing every student for a successful career.

Founded in 1981 as Skilltronics, Inc. in Corvallis, Oregon, the school began as a unique training program for students interested in entering the growing electronics industry.

Over the years, the school has continued adding programs and evolving training to better meet the employment needs of industries in demand.

Here are some highlights of the school's history:

1981: Pioneer Pacific is founded by James and Irene Childers as Skilltronics, Inc. in Corvallis, Oregon.

1983: The school relocates to Wilsonville, Oregon to facilitate job placement in the greater Portland metropolitan area.

1989: The school is purchased by Pacific Education Corporation and renamed Pioneer Pacific college. It immediately expands its range of programs to better meet the requirements of employers in both the private and public sector.

1995: Pioneer Pacific receives accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools

1996: The state of Oregon grants Pioneer Pacific the authority to award Associate of Applied Science degrees.

1999: The college establishes a learning site in Clackamas, Oregon, to better serve students from the north and east sides of the Metro area.

2000: The main campus moves to a new location in Wilsonville, Oregon. The completely renovated site provides additional facilities and a more collegiate atmosphere.

2002: Classes begin in the new branch campus of Eugene, Oregon. A year later, the college moves from its temporary quarters to a permanent, custom-built campus in Springfield, Oregon.

2004: Pioneer Pacific begins offering its first baccalaureate degree program the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, offered through the Main Campus in Wilsonville. Another highlight of the year is the opening of the Health Career Institute adjacent to the Wilsonville campus. Serving as the latest example of the school's commitment to better serving students and the community, this 21,000 square foot facility is home to many new and exciting health-related career education programs.

2005: Pioneer Pacific received approval to offer additional bachelors degrees in Criminal Justice, Business Management and Health Care Administration. Following final approval by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, the first cohort of nursing students begin study in the Practical Nurse (PN) program during the fall of 2005 at our Health Career Institute.

2006: In February 2006, the College began enrolling students at their first culinary branch campus. Oregon Culinary Institute offers both professional and consumer education classes in our Portland facility.