Pictured LTR: Students Arlette Moreno Escamilla and Allison Lopez Martinez, Dr. Gina Garcia (2025 HSI Summit Keynote Speaker), and students Erika Aguilar Moreno, and Alex Gutierrez.
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is now the first public, four-year university in Oregon to have reached Hispanic-Serving Institution eligibility, after having met the requirements of having at least 25 percent of undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent student enrollment.
The classification of Hispanic-Serving Institutions was formally recognized in federal legislation for capacity-building support to improve the access and quality of education for Latino and other low-income students. HSIs are defined as accredited, degree-granting public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education with 25 percent or more total undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent (FTE) student enrollment.
“Becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution is an important milestone for Western Oregon University and stems from the dedication and hard work of our employees over many years,” said President Jesse Peters. “This designation not only reflects our commitment to supporting Latino students but also enhances our ability to provide resources and opportunities that will benefit all our students. We are committed to maintaining a diverse learning environment where all students feel a sense of belonging and to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for all.”
Representative Andrea Salinas, serving Oregon’s 6th congressional district, acknowledges Western’s accomplishment and shares that, “As a first-generation college graduate and the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, I have firsthand understanding of the transformative power of education. I applaud Western’s work to move beyond access and create welcoming environments where everyone in our community can be themselves and define success on their own terms.”
Western joins several other Oregon institutions that hold the HSI designation, including Blue Mountain Community College, Chemeketa Community College, Columbia Gorge Community College, Mount Angel Seminary, Tillamook Community College, and Warner Pacific University.
In addition to its HSI status, Western is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Last Friday, Western hosted the fourth annual Hispanic Institution Summit with more than 200 participants, which included state and national partners, universities, and greater community members sharing ideas and best practices throughout the day in plenaries and workshops.
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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.
