MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of alum Justin Martin ‘96, a business owner and lobbyist. Martin received his bachelor’s in public policy and administration from Western, which helped him achieve career...

Written by Maureen Brakke Pictured left to right: student panelist Moises Leal Zepeda, Brenda Rocio Martinez, America Joselyne Salazar Nava, Andy Rincon, and moderator Ricardo Lujan Valerio at the 2024 HSI Summit MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces...

Photo: Cristian Mendez Garcia Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently added a new position of Assistant Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives in its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support efforts to...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University received a five-year grant from the US Department of Education through the Office of English Language Acquisition’s program Project PROMISE, which provides professional development for teachers both in-service and...

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees convened on April 16 and 17 to consider and approve several items, including the tuition & fees for the 2024-25 academic year. The Tuition Advisory Committee, which includes...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s men’s and women’s+ rugby clubs have qualified for the Rugby 7s Collegiate National Championships.  This is the first time both teams qualified in the same year, and the first time Western’s women’s+ team...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University student Caiden Madzelan is a first-year majoring in exercise science and has competed on the hit show, American Ninja Warrior, three times at 19. American Ninja Warrior is a competition show where elite athletes compete on...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will host the third annual Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Summit on April 26, 2024. This year’s summit will focus on what it means to truly serve students. Following the previous two years, this summit will continue...

Photo: Carlos Camacho teaching his masterclass to Western students MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s percussion ensemble hosted guest artist Carlos Camacho from the University of Panama for a week-long residency in March. The percussion ensemble recently...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of alumnus Michael Waller ‘08. Waller received a bachelor’s degree in social science from Western, leading him to a career in social work. Western introduced Waller to his two...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted Polk County’s youth conference earlier this month for the second year in a row. The conference invited all rural Polk County high school juniors to Picture their Future.  Polk County Family & Community Outreach...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Aquarium Science program received a grant from the Western Foundation Competitive Grants program to create a display aquarium in the lobby of the Natural Science building.  The Aquarium Science program trains students in...

Pictured: Wyatt Smith MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University student Wyatt Smith is a senior majoring in Political Science and minoring in History. He recently traveled to Florida with USA Track & Field to narrate a championship road race.  USA Track &...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, held on March 5, saw great engagement. With 696 donors giving to nearly 60 funds, Giving Day raised $208,406 as of Friday, March 15. These funds will support scholarships, campus...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University highlights the publications of new works by staff and faculty. From October 2023 to February 2024, 37 works have been published, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the Western community. In addition to traditional...

2024 Cohort Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University, in partnership with Uplift Oregon, and additional sponsoring state agencies, introduces the Career Mobility Accounting Program, which is a groundbreaking professional development...

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces Isaac Ford Jr. as the upcoming speaker for the Jensen Lecture Series on Thursday, April 4 in the Columbia Room in the Werner University Center.  The public is invited to attend a reception...

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –  Western Oregon University unveils its new transformative strategic plan accompanied by a new mission and vision statement and core values that was approved by the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees at the February...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s College of Education has received a Grow Your Own grant (GYO) from the Educator Advancement Council. This funding aims to address the critical need for recruiting and retaining educators across the career continuum. Under...

Pictured from left to right: Malissa Larson, Megan Habermann-Guthrie, Leanne Merrill Ph.D., and Melanie Landon-Hays Ph.D. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University staff from the Division of Student Affairs has been selected for The Northwest Commission on...

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –  Since 1999, Western Oregon University’s Division of Behavioral Sciences has supported Talmadge Middle School students in Independence, Oregon to foster positive mentoring relationships. Juniors and seniors at Western...

Pictured: Henry Hughes Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –  Western Oregon University Professor of Literature and Writing Henry Hughes, Ph.D., recently returned from an expedition to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula to...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University along with the six other Oregon public higher education institutions, lobbied together at the Oregon State Capitol building during Advocacy Day which took place on February 8 during the 2024 legislative session. All seven...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of former Oregon State Representative and alum Teresa Alonso Leon ‘02. Alonso Leon received a bachelor’s degree in social science from Western and a Master of Public Administration...

Starting from back left: Max Smoot-Brown, Layla William, Nancy Montecinos, Wolfie, President Peters, David Echevarria, Hunter Hall, Brenda Rocio Martinez, and Aneli Godinez-Martinez at The College Tour VIP launch event. Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –...

Starting from left to right: Brenda Rocio Martinez, Ricardo Pelegrin, Ph.D., Mary Pettenger, Ph.D., Makeena Helseth, Tyler Plath, Sophie Davenport. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Model United Nations (MUN) club hosted its annual International Awareness...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces its annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, on March 5, 2024. Giving Day is a crowdfunding day that allows everyone to financially contribute to the projects they want to focus on. Since its inception in 2016, the...

Photo credit: @woucampusrecreation MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will be hosting its annual Health & Exercise Science Career Day on February 8. This event invites current and prospective students to explore the exciting opportunities in public health...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Cybercrime Investigations and Enforcement (CIE) is an innovative and hands-on program, that addresses the critical skills gap in cybercrime investigations for businesses and especially public service agencies in Oregon. The...

Image of Geological Society of America conference poster presentations MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Earth and Environmental Science (EES) Alumni Society presented at the recent Geological Society of America conference, highlighting the program’s...

Pictured: Students hanging out in the Veterans Resource CenterMONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently was selected as one of 14 institutions to receive funding from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs through the Campus Veteran Resource Center Grant,...

AARP and the IRS sponsor Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs that offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to...

Image of Western students participating in day of service for MLK Jr. Day MONMOUTH, Ore. – In honor of the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Western Oregon University is excited to share the opportunities happening this month to commemorate his life and...

Pictured starting from left: Halley Read, Ph.D., OTR/L, Katie O’Day President, OTAO MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Halley Read Ph.D., OTR/L, doctoral capstone coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, was recently the recipient of...

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Since 1856, Western Oregon University has been committed to the region, to serving the people of Oregon, and to the core values of student success. As an innovative public liberal arts institution historically...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Smith Fine Arts Series is proud to present the Rainbow Dance Theatre’s “Maria de Buenos Aires” on January 19, 2024. This interactive performance will mesmerize the audience with its display of dancing lights. The dance...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s List for their academic honors for fall 2023. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close...

Image of Emily Swart ’20MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to highlight the achievements of alumni, Emily Swart ‘20. She majored in interdisciplinary studies, leading her to embark on a fulfilling career as the donor relations manager at Marion...

Pictured left to right: Jaxon Hutchinson, Meriby Salgado Ydrac, and Arlette Tapia Written by Maureen Brakke, Director of Marketing and Communications MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to showcase the achievements of three outstanding students who...

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Professor of Theatre and Dance, Leslie Watanabe, has received several prestigious awards for his film Bonsai released this year. It was showcased at various film festivals this year. Bonsai is a...

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University, in partnership with  Unitus Credit Union, hosted a reception last month to celebrate eight Unitus Bilingual Teachers Scholars scholarship recipients. This scholarship aims to foster diversity and...

Pictured from left: Ricardo Pelegrin Taboada, Ph.D., Mary Pettenger, Ph.D.MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to announce a new major in Ethnic Studies, starting fall 2024-25. This major aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate...

By Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Rugby at Western Oregon University isn’t just a sport; it’s a vibrant community, an avenue for growth, and a catalyst for inclusivity. Over the years, Western has evolved into a central hub for rugby in Oregon, embracing...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Cannon Gallery of Art proudly presents the exceptional artwork of the Art & Design Department faculty. This biennial exhibition showcases the remarkable talent and creativity of faculty members, offering a diverse range...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to host the 56th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, a beloved event that brings joy and unity to campus and the community. This year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend. The...

Pictured, clockwise from top left: Beth Priddy, Carl Garon, Hunter Hall, Tyler Plath, Maddux Gillett, Daizy Hernandez Sorian, Shabryn Herrera, Eva Alvarez, Lilli Jacobs, Destiney TannerMONMOUTH, Ore. – Associated Students of Western Oregon University (ASWOU), the...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is excited to highlight the successful journey of alumnus Juan Larios ‘01, ‘06, who currently serves as Superintendent for the Woodburn School District. Larios, who received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is thrilled to announce its successful inaugural open house for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) program. The event took place on Nov 4 and attracted approximately 75 attendees, with a significant number...

By Maureen Brakke, director of Marketing & CommunicationsThe American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has selected 22 outstanding higher education leaders to participate in its 2023 Academy for New Provosts (ANP), a leadership development...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Theatre Department is proud to announce the upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, Much Ado About Nothing. This play is part of the ongoing commitment to provide students with a solid foundation in...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University proudly celebrates First-Generation College Celebration Day, a day that recognizes and celebrates the achievements and aspirations of first-generation college students. As an institution dedicated to fostering student success...

Image: Kristen Perry, director of Abby’s House MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University was recently awarded a substantial three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, totaling $396,766. This grant is poised to...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University invites aspiring occupational therapists and  the general public to an open house for the new Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program starting fall of 2024 this Saturday, Nov. 4 from 1-3 p.m. The event will be held at the...

Top left: Hunter Hall, bottom left: Dave Novotney, top right: Joyce Peters, bottom right: Linda Yorke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University Foundation announces four new members to its Foundation Board. The new members, Hunter Hall ’23, Linda Yorke, Dave Novotney...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces a momentous boost in overall enrollment, marking the first substantial increase in over a decade. For the fall term of 2023, the university experienced a remarkable five percent rise in overall...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University President Jesse Peters announced the appointment of Venu Nair as the General Counsel for the institution. Nair will begin this role Oct. 23. “Mr. Nair’s deep experience in higher education and his commitment to diversity,...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Multicultural Student Services and Programs (MSSP) hosted its annual Diversity Scholars recognition celebration for the 2023-2024 academic year, dedicated to celebrating students’ academic excellence and commitment to...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University received a significant award from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) for the inaugural Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) initiative. The funding amounts to nearly $1.2 million, with...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to highlight the exceptional journey of alumnus Ben Stange ‘03, who has made significant strides in his career as the Polk County Fire Chief for District No.1. After graduating from Western with a major in...

Top left: Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Ph.D., bottom left: Mark Zook, right: Katherine CookMonmouth, Ore.  – Western Oregon University is proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious Outstanding Alumni Awards for 2023. Since 1985, Western has selected one award...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is thrilled to kick off its highly anticipated homecoming week, a time-honored tradition that brings together alumni, students, and the local community for a week filled with fun, festivities, and school spirit. This...

Doris I. Cancel-Tirado, Ph.D. on the left. Dominique Vargas on the right.

By Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is one of 21 higher education institutions in the country recognized for their leadership and commitment to continuous improvement by The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)....

By Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore.- Western Oregon University was recently awarded a prestigious U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Title III grant for the first time, securing the full amount of $2,048,136. This accomplishment was the result of a collaborative effort...

By Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to partner with the nation’s largest scholarship and success program for immigrant youth, TheDream.US, to help more Dreamers achieve their college and career goals. This year, Western Oregon...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Smith Fine Arts Series is thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable journey through the world of live performing arts in the heart of Rice Auditorium on campus. As we celebrate the 46th season, we are excited to present a...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students that have been named to the Honor Roll and President’s List for their academic honors for summer 2023. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Peter and the Wolves, a beloved Hood to Coast Relay team, is proud to mark its 32nd year of participation in this iconic Oregon event. Founded in 1991 by Peter Courtney, the team has evolved over the years into a tight-knit...

By Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently named Raeann Salchenberg as the new Director of Alumni Engagement effective September 25. This position is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with Western’s former students,...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University welcomes the 23-24 incoming students with PACK Welcome Week (Prepare, Advise, Connect, Know), a jam-packed week of exciting activities to help them become acclimated to campus life, one week before classes begin. From...

MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University Foundation released its annual report for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The report includes total contributions to the Foundation for 2022-2023, as well as recent fiscal year results on Endowment, Scholarships, and...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University Board of Trustees unanimously approved two undergraduate certificates in American Sign Language studies, which are the first in the region. Both certificates, one beginner and the other intermediate, were developed in...