Building a Life and a Career in Tillamook
Ukiah Hawkins’ journey into real estate is rooted in a decision many professionals face, choosing where to build both a career and a family. After earning his undergraduate degree in political science from Portland State University, his early path included a stint with AmeriCorps VISTA and roles in consumer banking across both national and regional institutions.
In 2016, shortly after getting married, Ukiah made the move to Tillamook, Oregon, a decision shaped not by convenience, but by long-term priorities.
“Moving to Tillamook wasn't my first choice, but I was dedicated to building a family, and that very important piece of my story is what brought me here.”
That decision ultimately grounded him in a close-knit coastal community, where relationships, stability, and local knowledge play a critical role in both life and business. It also set the stage for a career that would become deeply connected to the needs of rural property markets.
Adapting in Uncertain Times
Like many professionals, Ukiah’s career path shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, he was working in banking in Arkansas and preparing for a family transition, but uncertainty across industries led him to return to Tillamook and reassess his next steps.
That pivot introduced him to residential appraisal through a connection with friend Adam Schwend, a real estate agent in Tillamook. He then trained under Laura Adkins, owner of Pacific Coast Appraisals, who was preparing for retirement and mentored him through the required 18-month certification process.
Through this hands-on experience, Ukiah built a strong technical foundation and a clear understanding of the appraiser’s role in supporting local housing markets and lending decisions. In May 2023, he earned his Oregon Certified Residential Appraiser license.
Working with Pacific Coast Appraisals, a firm established in 1964, he stepped into a role that balances independence with responsibility. Over time, he began to see both the strengths and limitations of residential work, particularly in a rural market where commercial real estate needs are harder to meet, prompting him to think more broadly about his future.
Recognizing a Gap in Rural Markets
Operating in Tillamook gave Ukiah a clear view of a challenge common across rural communities, limited access to commercial real estate expertise. While larger urban areas often have deep networks of specialized professionals, rural regions frequently rely on a smaller pool of experts covering a wider range of needs.
For Ukiah, that gap represented both a challenge and an opportunity. Expanding into commercial real estate would not only grow his own career, it would allow him to better serve the region he calls home.
Pursuing graduate education became the next logical step, but it needed to align with the realities of his life, running a business, raising four children, and supporting his wife’s professional goals.
Why PSU’s MSRE Program Stood Out
As he explored options, Portland State University’s Master of Science in Real Estate MSRE program quickly rose to the top. Its combination of academic rigor, industry relevance, and regional connection made it especially appealing.
“The PSU MSRE program was a natural fit. I reviewed several other MSRE or MRED programs at different schools, but found that Portland was a great real estate market to study.”
For Ukiah, PSU’s emphasis on real-world application and its strong ties to the Portland real estate market offered a valuable perspective, one that could be adapted and applied to rural contexts. Just as important, the program allowed him to stay in Tillamook while pursuing his degree.
Balancing Business, Family, and Graduate School
For many rural professionals, continuing education comes with significant trade-offs. Relocating or commuting long distances is often unrealistic, especially for those with families and established careers.
PSU’s remote learning option made it possible for Ukiah to move forward without stepping away from his responsibilities.
“To be honest, pursuing the program remotely has been both very difficult and very rewarding.”
That balance is central to his experience. While the workload is demanding, the flexibility allows him to remain present for his family and actively engaged in his business. It also enables him to immediately apply what he is learning in the classroom to real-world scenarios in his community.
Turning Education into Impact
Through the MSRE program, Ukiah is building a deeper understanding of commercial real estate, from financial modeling to valuation and asset management. These skills are not only expanding his professional capabilities but also positioning him to address a growing need in rural markets.
His long-term goal is to transition further into commercial appraisal, either independently or as part of a larger valuation team. In doing so, he hopes to bring more comprehensive real estate services to areas that are often overlooked.
At its core, his journey is about more than career advancement, it is about aligning professional growth with personal values and community impact.
A Message to Rural Professionals
Ukiah’s experience offers a clear takeaway for others in rural communities who may be considering their next step. Advancing in a specialized field like commercial real estate does not have to mean leaving home.
“To those rural appraisers who are looking to expand their horizons into CRE, and who are looking to strengthen their credentials, the PSU MSRE program offers rigorous coursework, highly competent instructors, and a flexible learning environment, perfect for someone seeking to balance all of the competing demands of their life.”
Ukiah Hawkins’ story reflects a broader shift in how and where professional growth can happen. With the right combination of flexibility, support, and real-world relevance, graduate education can extend beyond city limits, creating new opportunities in the communities that need them most.
Learn more about PSU’s MSRE program here.