The University of Oregon (also referred to as UO or Oregon) is a public flagship research university located in Eugene, Oregon. UO was founded in 1876.The institution's campus is 295 acres in size and is situated along the Willamette River. Since July 2014, UO has been governed by the Board of Trustees of the University of Oregon. The university is classified as having very high research activity and has 19 research centers and institutes.he institution's campus is 295 acres in size and is situated along the Willamette River. Since July 2014, UO has been governed by the Board of Trustees of the University of Oregon. The university is classified as having very high research activity and has 19 research centers and institutes.