Pictured from left to right: Malissa Larson, Megan Habermann-Guthrie, Leanne Merrill Ph.D., and Melanie Landon-Hays Ph.D.

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University staff from the Division of Student Affairs has been selected for The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) Mission Fulfillment and Sustainability Fellowship. 

Megan Habermann-Guthrie, director of New Student & Family Programs, and Malissa Larson, dean of students, were selected to participate in a cohort over the next 18 months. 

The fellowship program is designed to introduce faculty, staff, and administrators from NWCCU institutions to regional and national leaders in various areas such as equity-mindedness, assessment, accreditation, data analysis, quality assurance, educational innovation, and educational effectiveness.

“I am honored and excited to embark on this project to better Western and work with our accreditors more closely on enhancing college life for Western students,” shared Habermann-Guthrie. 

“I’m so excited, and a bit anxious if I am honest, to participate in the NWCCU fellowship. This is an incredible opportunity to not only enrich my path as a professional but also to add tools to better advocate for and support Western students,” shared Larson. She adds that she looks forward to being better and doing better for students. 

Habermann-Guthrie and Larson will join Leanne Merrill Ph.D., professor of mathematics, and Melanie Landon-Hays Ph.D., professor of education and leadership, who are currently participating in a cohort from the Division of Academic Affairs. Together, these teams from Western will contribute to the ongoing efforts of the NWCCU in promoting excellence and innovation in higher education.

Learn more about NWCUU’s Mission Fulfillment and Sustainability Fellowship

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction.  Together we succeed.