MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees welcomes three new trustees after being nominated by Governor Tina Kotek and confirmed by the Oregon State Senate on October 1.
“I am thrilled to welcome the new members of our Board of Trustees,” said Angela Fasana, board chair. “I eagerly anticipate working alongside them as we uphold our commitment to making Western Oregon University an outstanding choice for students.”
The new trustees are:
Bob Dalton
Dalton is a WOU alumnus, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and social designer working to reclaim human connection in the digital age. As the founder of Sackcloth & Ashes, he’s donated hundreds of thousands of blankets to homeless shelters through a one-for-one model. Named a Forbes Changemaker and a CNN Champion of Change, Dalton has traveled to over 50 cities, uncovering a core issue: local communities lack a digital space to connect and be seen. His latest venture, LOCL (locl.com), addresses this by utilizing technology to help people discover and engage with local communities and events.
Bianca Espain Acevez
Espain Acevez will serve as an undergraduate student non-voting member on the board. She is a first-generation college student at Western Oregon University, majoring in political science with a minor in legal studies. She aspires to help strengthen student representation and support the university’s success through her education and leadership skills.
Susanna Winkler
Winkler (or Z) will serve as a student voting member on the board. They are a third-year biology major planning to continue their studies in marine biology in graduate school. As Vice President of the Aqualife Sciences Club, you might find them around the natural science building, helping to care for the various fish tanks or helping out in the animal room. They are committed to giving students a voice in how WOU is run and forming connections between faculty, staff, administration, and students, ensuring the university grows and thrives.
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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.