MONMOUTH, Ore.— The Western Oregon University Foundation is proud to welcome four distinguished new members to its board of directors, effective July 1. The Foundation board serves as the governing body of the WOU Foundation, providing fiduciary oversight and strategic leadership in support of the university’s mission and long-term growth.
The newest members bring a wealth of experience, deep ties to the WOU community, and a shared commitment to advancing opportunity for Western’s students and the communities it serves.
Karl Paulson ’88, ’98 is a proud double Wolf, earning both his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and his Master of Education from WOU. Paulson dedicated 30 years to public education, 15 years in the classroom teaching in Perrydale and Salem-Keizer schools, and 15 years as an elementary school principal in Salem-Keizer, building a career defined by service to students and communities.
Randi Escobedo ’04, ’11 is also a double alum, holding a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communications and a Master of Science in Health Education from WOU. Escobedo currently serves as Chief Healthcare Experience and Population Health Officer at Providence Health Plan in Portland, bringing executive-level leadership in healthcare strategy and community health to the board.
Maria Bonifacio-Sample ’03 earned her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from WOU and her Master in Teaching degree from George Fox University. She currently serves as Director of Student Conduct at WOU, bringing both institutional knowledge and a firsthand commitment to student success to her new board role.
Loish Neth joins the board as the incoming ASWOU President, representing the voices of current Western students. Entering her senior year and majoring in Exercise Science with the goal of becoming an Occupational Therapist, Neth is deeply embedded in campus life and brings a passion for advocating for students’ needs, experiences, and educational opportunities at WOU, ensuring the student perspective remains central to the Foundation’s work.
In honor of their decades of dedicated service to Western Oregon University and its students, Carly Neal and Pat Stineff ’77, ’83 have been appointed as Emeritus members of the WOU Foundation board. .
“We are thrilled to welcome Karl, Randi, Maria, and Loish to the WOU Foundation Board of Directors. Each of them brings a unique and invaluable perspective to this work,” said Katie Wojke, Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the WOU Foundation. “What unites them is a deep love for Western Oregon University and a genuine commitment to ensuring that every student who walks through our doors has the resources, support, and opportunity to succeed. We are grateful for all of our board members, and thank those who have served.”
See the full list of board members.
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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.