The school changed its name to the Portland State Extension Center between December 1951 and February 1952,[1] and also earned a colloquial title, "The U by the Slough."[11] In 1955, the Center changed its name to Portland State College to mark its maturation into a four-year degree-granting institution,[9][12] although severe restrictions were placed on the college's curriculum and growth.[4] Epler, who had campaigned for a presidency role at the college, was not elected by the State Board.