Oregon State University-Cascades awarded its 2026 Distinguished Service Award to former Oregon state Senator Tim Knopp.
The annual award honors individuals, businesses or organizations who have made exceptional contributions to OSU-Cascades, Central Oregon, Oregon or the world.
“Through service in public office, providing small business leadership, engaging in community issues, and now as Oregon’s Chief Prosperity Officer, Senator Knopp has demonstrated a decades-long commitment to Oregonians and Central Oregonians,” said Christine Pollard, interim chancellor and dean of OSU-Cascades. “He has also been a dedicated advocate for OSU-Cascades.”
An Oregonian and resident of Central Oregon for more than 40 years, Knopp served three terms in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1999 to 2005, including a term as majority leader. Knopp later served in the Oregon State Senate from 2013 to 2025, serving as Minority Leader and on multiple policy committees with responsibilities spanning workforce, health care, education and human services.
During his time in office, Knopp helped secure capital funding for OSU-Cascades for land remediation and to construct Tykeson and Edward J. Ray halls, and the Student Success Center.
In 2025, Governor Tina Kotek appointed Knopp as Oregon’s Chief Prosperity Officer, a role with responsibilities for increasing the state’s gross domestic product, creating family-wage jobs and growing Oregon businesses.
Knopp received the award during a recent gathering of OSU-Cascades’ leaders and donors.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
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