MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University alumnus Kevin Alejandrez’s journey at Western Oregon University highlights resilience and the power of community support. Graduating in 2016 with a degree in sociology, he chose WOU for two compelling reasons: funding and familiarity. Coming from a family facing significant financial hardship, his household income during his senior year in high school was just $13,000; he was determined to pursue higher education without incurring debt. Thanks to the Pell Grant and several scholarships, he found a path to college that felt right.
His decision to attend WOU was also influenced by a desire for stability. With his father losing their home and planning to move to California, Alejandrez sought a familiar environment. Having participated in the Upward Bound program during high school, he felt at home at WOU, where he quickly integrated into the campus community.
“What stood out to me was how welcoming and inclusive the university felt,” he recalls. “The small class sizes and numerous support programs made it easy for me to connect with others.”
One of his fondest memories from his time at WOU was participating in the Student Enrichment Program’s Summer Bridge Program. Living in a tight-knit community of new students helped him acclimate to campus life and forge lasting friendships. He later served as a Peer Advisor for the program, a role he found rewarding as he supported fellow students in their transition from high school into college.
Western significantly shaped Alejandrez’s educational and career goals. Initially uncertain about his future, he discovered his passion for mentoring youth and addressing social issues within his community. Encouraged by supportive professors, he began to consider graduate school, which was not something he had thought about previously. He credits Western with equipping him with the critical thinking skills and work ethic necessary to succeed, ultimately leading him to earn a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Kentucky.
“I owe my development as a scholar practitioner to my professors, especially Dr. Maureen Dolan,” he notes. “She was pivotal in my journey, teaching courses on Chicano studies and coordinating a Latino mentorship program.”
Driven by a desire to give back, Alejandrez is dedicated to empowering the next generation of students. He actively volunteers on various community boards, speaks at local events, and makes financial contributions to initiatives that support youth. In his professional role as the School Outreach and Engagement Advisor with the Oregon Health Authority, he ensures that students and families across Oregon have access to the information and resources necessary for healthy living. Additionally, he serves on the WOU Foundation Board and is actively involved in the WOU community. Furthermore, he established the PODER Presidential Scholarship to help students facing financial challenges in their pursuit of a college education.
Alejandrez encourages prospective students to consider WOU, especially those seeking an inclusive campus environment. “WOU offers a beautiful setting filled with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. It’s a place where you can meet new friends, engage in various activities, and make meaningful connections.”
Alejandrez’s experience at Western is a beautiful example of how determination, support, and a sense of community can transform lives. As he continues to mentor youth and work towards improving his community, his story serves as an inspiration for future generations.###
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. Where YOU belong.