Under the direction of Winston Purvine, the first classes were held in a deactivated Marine Corps hospital three miles northeast of Klamath Falls.

[7] In 2005, Oregon Tech introduced the first Bachelor of Science degree in Renewable Energy Engineering (REE) offered in North America.

Oregon Tech has a residence hall adjacent to the College Union, often referred to as "The Castle" by students because of its concrete appearance and elevated placement.

The institute of technology is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) since the 1993–94 academic year.

The close proximity of the schools and alternate academic foci (science and technology at Oregon Tech, liberal arts at SOU) result in a natural rivalry between the two.

[12] Oregon Tech basketball has been consistently competitive in the CCC and at the national level, while earning a somewhat infamous reputation within the conference for its passionate crowds and rowdy student section.

In March 2004, the Oregon Tech men's basketball team won the NAIA Division II National Championship.

In 2019, the Hustlin' Owls made another run in the NAIA National Tournament finishing as the runner-up to Spring Arbor in the championship game.

The Owl's 2019 Tournament run included upsetting the #1 ranked team, and defending National Champion, Indiana Wesleyan 107–93 in the quarterfinals.

[18] OIT’s mascot, Hootie the Owl, has been portrayed as a costumed character since 1983. Notable stunts include skydiving, ziplining, and various feats of acrobatics and professional dancing abilities.

Also, Oregon Tech's student chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers competes in the annual SAE Mini Baja event.