MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces that Melanie Landon-Hays, Ph.D., has been named Acting Dean of the College of Education, effective immediately. Landon-Hays, a faculty member in the College of Education at Western since 2013, brings extensive institutional knowledge, deep pedagogical expertise, and a strong commitment to educator preparation to her new leadership position.
A full professor in the Division of Education and Leadership specializing in Literacy, Landon-Hays’ roots in Western’s College of Education run deep. For more than a decade, she has helped shape the experiences and success of Western’s teacher candidates.
From 2016 to 2022, Landon-Hays served as MAT Program Coordinator, overseeing student recruitment and admissions and leading comprehensive program curriculum reviews designed to improve student outcomes. During that period, she also acted as edTPA Coordinator for the Division of Education and Leadership, managing the implementation of assessment efforts across all initial licensure programs. Her hands-on dedication to the college’s students is further reflected in her leadership as chair for dozens of MAT Action Research Projects and MSED curriculum projects, as well as her consistent supervision of student teachers during classroom placements.
In addition to her contributions within the College of Education, Landon-Hays has been a proven university leader focused on advancing student success and academic excellence. Most recently, she served as Director of General Education and Student Transitions, where she led key initiatives including streamlining course scheduling, maximizing transfer credits for incoming students, and building sustainable transfer protocols with Oregon community colleges.
Landon-Hays has shown collaborative campus leadership, serving as Co-Chair of the University Budget Advisory Committee (2022–2025) and holding roles in the Faculty Senate. She also served as President of the WOUFT Union (2021–2025), advocating with state legislators for higher education and participating in legislative education advisory committees. She earned her Ph.D. from Utah State University and serves as an elected member of the Central School District School Board.
“Stepping into this leadership role within the College of Education is a profound honor. In my work across the university—from teacher preparation to student transitions—I have seen firsthand how much we can achieve when we focus on removing institutional barriers,” shares Landon-Hays. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue building the supportive systems and structures that allow both our students and our faculty to truly thrive.”
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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. Where YOU belong.