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MONMOUTH, Ore. —Western Oregon University is a driver of Oregon’s economy and an engine for workforce readiness. By preparing graduates who can step into careers immediately, Western strengthens local industries, public service, and leadership across the state with...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. Western Oregon University proudly announces the induction of 24 new members into its Phi Kappa Phi honor society this past spring. Established in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest all-discipline honor society,...
Students attending last year’s CECLC, now re-named “Conferencia Voces de Cambio y Liderazgo” MONMOUTH, Ore. —Western Oregon University announces the new name for their annual student leadership conference, which was formerly named the Cesar E. Chávez...
Pictured from left to right: Jandika Borden, Richard Loos, and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Saager. MONMOUTH, Ore. —Western Oregon University’s English Department is proud to announce the 10th annual 2026 Peter Sears Poetry Prize winners. This competition received...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Undergraduate Awards recipients. The students will be recognized at the commencement ceremony on June 13, where they will have the opportunity to give a short speech. Below are the...
Melissa Larson, new WOU Vice President of Student Affairs MONMOUTH, Ore. — After a national search, Western Oregon University announces Malissa Larson as the next Vice President for Student Affairs, following the retirement of Vice President for Student Affairs Tina...
Pictured from left to right: Ya-Fang Cheng, Tad Shannon, Barb Peña, President Jesse Peters, Provost Jose Coll, Ryan Topper, and Paula Verdegaal-Taylor. Monmouth, Ore. —Western Oregon University proudly announces the 2026 Mario & Alma Pastega Award recipients. This...
Monmouth, Ore. —Western Oregon University announces its 2026 commencement on Saturday, June 13 at 10 a.m. on McArthur Field. Over 1,084 students are eligible to walk across the stage and graduate, completing a significant milestone in their lives. Four Outstanding...
Monmouth, Ore. —Western Oregon University announces that Randi Storch, Ph.D., will serve as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs beginning July 1, following the departure of current Provost Jose Coll, who will assume the role of President at Western...
Monmouth, Ore. —Western Oregon University and Write Place welcomed Oregon Poet Laureate Ellen Waterston for a reading and discussion of her work on Thursday, April 30 at Western Oregon University’s campus. Community members, faculty, staff and students packed the...
Monmouth, Ore. —Western Oregon University is pleased to announce that the 40th annual Wolves Athletic Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026. “The Wolves Athletic Auction is our biggest annual fundraiser for Wolves...
Monmouth, Ore. —Western Oregon University has announced the hiring of Ben Barlow as its new Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement, effective May 1, 2026. Barlow is a Western alumnus and earned an undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies and a graduate...
Monmouth, Ore. —After nearly a decade hiatus, Western Oregon University and the WOU Foundation brought back the annual Scholarship Reception, an event that recognizes and celebrates student scholarship recipients and the donors who fund them. At the reception, donors...
Monmouth, Ore. —Sophomore and first generation student Yair Gomez Romero chose to attend Western Oregon University partly because of a family connection. His uncle Aaron attended Western and shared that he had a great experience. Little did Gomez Romero know that his...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted its annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, on April 7, 2026. This day of crowdfunding invited everyone to contribute financially to campus projects and initiatives that mattered most to them. This year, Western added...
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...
Pictured from left to right, Malia Vican and Sadie Latimer. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to announce the second annual Loie Bunse Prize for Nature Writing winners, which recognizes exceptional student writing that reflects a deep engagement with...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will host the fifth annual Hispanic Serving Institution Summit on April 17, 2026. This year’s summit will highlight how data can inform, align, and advance commitment to serving students. Following the previous four years,...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Research Institute at Western Oregon University is pleased to announce the receipt of its fourth Rural Facility Improvement Grant from the Ford Family Foundation, totaling $1,482,500. This funding will support ongoing efforts since 2021 to enhance...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — In light of recent, deeply troubling reports regarding Cesar Chavez, Western Oregon University will remove his name from its annual student leadership conference to protect the integrity of the event’s mission to create a space where students can...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — Sonali Salgado Soto, a Western Oregon University alum of the FLEX Program (Flexible Licensure Educator Pathways), and Master’s of Education Scholar programs, has been nominated for the 2026–2027 Oregon Teacher of the Year. This nomination celebrates...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University announces its selection to participate in the Sensemaking & Strategic Prioritization process with the Gardner Institute. This program, made possible through the generous support of the Gates Foundation, focuses on...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University will host TEDxMtHood on Saturday, May 16, 2026. This year’s event theme “For the Common Good,” will spotlight influential speakers and performers dedicated to addressing solutions that impact the shared challenges...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University’s Student Engagement and Student Media groups teamed up with Every Child Polk Yamhill, a program of REACH Northwest, for the Boxes of Hope project this past November. This initiative allowed Western students to create care...
MONMOUTH, Ore. —Western Oregon University is proud to announce that it has selected seven honorees for its annual Alumni Awards. Awarded to deserving alumni since 1985, the Western Oregon University Alumni Awards are among the most prestigious awards presented by the...
MONMOUTH, Ore. —Western Oregon University alum Jude Ellis has been hired as the new Social Media & Video Content Manager. Ellis brings a wealth of experience in social media strategy and content creation to the university’s marketing and communications team....
MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Western Oregon University History Club collaborated with the Independence Heritage Museum to assist in photographing the city’s textile collection. This effort supports a crucial update to the museum’s database, which has faced delays due to...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University (WOU) dance students recently had the opportunity to collaborate with the visiting Nickerson-Rossi Dance Company (NRDC) as part of the Smith Fine Arts Series. In the week leading up to their January performance at Rice...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Earth Science Alumni Society Affinity Group at Western Oregon University is thrilled to announce a Camping and Rafting Weekend on the Deschutes River from Friday evening, June 19, to Sunday morning, June 21, 2026. This exciting event aims to...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Center on Early Learning Support and Innovation at The Research Institute at Western Oregon University is set to receive $1.12 million through the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care’s (DELC) Preschool Development Grant (PDG). This...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students named to the Honor Roll and President’s list for their academic honors for the fall 2025 term. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each term...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Alpie Strowbridge, Ph.D., as the new Director of the Center for Professional Pathways, which is the career center at Western. Before joining Western Oregon University,...
Pictured from LTR: WOU student veterans Cole Hendren, Sebastian Lynch, and Ethan Staubach. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) awarded grants totaling $800,000 to expand campus veteran resource centers and enhance services for student...
Pictured: Brianne Salvati, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Western Oregon University. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Brianne Salvati, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Western Oregon University, has been awarded The Sybil Hedrick Park Award of Merit...
The giant sequoia at Western Oregon University was planted by the graduating class of 1887 and is decorated annually for the holidays. MONMOUTH, Ore. – The 58th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting event will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Western Oregon...
Pictured: Anabel Manzo, Executive Assistant to the Provost of Western Oregon University MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Executive Assistant to the Provost, Anabel Manzo, has been selected to participate in a rigorous and impactful leadership...
Photo by Eddie Bruning. MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon women’s soccer team for the first time in school history was selected to the NCAA Tournament as the Wolves picked up the No. 6 seed in the West Region and will take on a familiar foe in No. 3 Simon...
Pictured LTR: Logan Doefler, director of Veterans Resource Center, and Gianna Villanueva, student veteran and president of Student Veterans of America MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is committed to supporting veterans as they pursue their educational and...
Pictured LTR: Arianna Velasco, Cecilia Rodriguez, and Avery Gonzalez MONMOUTH, Ore. – Every year, universities nationwide celebrate First-Generation Student Day on November 8. Once again, Western Oregon University is dedicating an entire week of workshops and...
Pictured from LTR: Juan Larios, Addison Berry, Jose Contreras, Evelyn Estrada, Alessandra Cervantes Ramirez, Monserrat Alvarez Hernandez, and Araceli Cruz. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University, in partnership with Unitus Community Credit Union, hosted a...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University proudly announces the successful completion of its annual Destination Western program, with nearly 160 students participating and successfully transitioning into university life. Destination Western is an immersive,...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosts its 2nd annual Hoop & Howl event on October 21 in the Wolves Athletic Center (formerly known as the New PE Building), for an exciting evening presented by Homestead Property Management in support of our men’s...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will once again hold its annual homecoming week, a tradition that brings alumni, students, and the community together for a fun-filled week of festivities and school spirit. This year’s homecoming week begins on October 13...
Pictured LTR: Susanna Winkler and Bianca Espain Aceves. 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...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University alumnus Kevin Alejandrez’s journey at Western Oregon University highlights resilience and the power of community support. Graduating in 2016 with a degree in sociology, he chose WOU for two compelling reasons: funding and...
Pictured: Coach Behonick and Abraham Villalobos MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University student-athlete Abraham Villalobos, a forward on the men’s soccer team, has made a comeback this year to the team after suffering a severe Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)...
Pictured: Dr. Ruth Lautenbach MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the renaming of two of its athletic facilities. Effective immediately, the Old PE Building will be renamed Ruth Lautenbach Hall, while the New PE Building will be known as the Wolves...
The Western Oregon University Alumni Awards nominations are NOW OPEN! This is your chance to recognize fellow alumni who have made a remarkable impact. The WOU Alumni Board is excited to announce new award categories this year. We encourage you to consider who among...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Foundation released its annual report for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The report includes total contributions to the Foundation for 2024-2025, highlights the impact of scholarships, student aid, and competitive grants, and...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon Football Hall of Fame inducted 11 individuals and the 2007 team on Saturday during the Wolves’ season-opening win over Southern Oregon at McArthur Field. The 2007 team finished 9-2 on the season and was invited to the Dixie...
WASHINGTON – The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has chosen 26 distinguished higher education professionals for its 2025–2026 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI) cohort. Western Oregon University’s Provost Jose Coll is part of this...
Every year, our Peter and the Wolves team proudly participates in the Hood to Coast Relay, honoring the legacy of the late Peter Courtney. A former Oregon State Legislator, long-time WOU employee, and dedicated donor, Peter served as a special assistant to six WOU...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, recently announced Western Oregon University as one of sixty new members of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2025-26. To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member,...
Pictured Left-to-Right: Front Row: Shannon Kuuipolani Mele Ravins, Sydney Teachworth, Gisela Morales, Alexandra Brooks, Hyung-sim Grimm. Back Row: Lily Snyder, Areli Santos Gomez, Katherine Marshall, Clayton Lynch, Brooke Lopez, Deborah Ashon-Imoroa, Martin Hainz,...
Cristian Mendez Garcia speaking at Art & Wine Fundraiser. MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Foundation, in partnership with the art and design department, successfully hosted its second annual Art and Wine fundraiser on Saturday, August 2, raising...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Foundation announces four new board members, effective July 1. The board is the governing body of the WOU Foundation and has fiduciary responsibility for the oversight of the Foundation. New board members are as follows:...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students named to the Honor Roll and President’s list for their academic honors for the spring 2025 term. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each...
Written by C.M. Hall MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will host pioneering training sessions from August 7 to 20 in the language of Protactile (PT), an emerging language within the DeafBlind community. While traditional American Sign Language is a visual...
Pictured, left to right: Chelle Batchelor and Judy Sylva. Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Chelle Batchelor, dean of the Library and Academic Innovation, and Judy Sylva, associate provost of Academic Effectiveness and Accreditation Liaison Officer for...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Apple Box Children’s Theater is excited to announce their upcoming performance of “The Magic Flute,” a (non-singing) adaptation of the Mozart Opera by Steven Foggell. The performances are free, July 10-12, 6 PM, at the...
Photo by The Arcadian Wild Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – The 2025-2026 Smith Fine Arts Series kicks off in September at Western Oregon University’s Rice Auditorium, promising to enchant and inspire audiences with a vibrant array of music and dance...
Mission-driven nonprofit InsideTrack launches Strive initiative to boost Latino student success and institutional capacity at colleges and universities on the cusp of HSI designation. Learn...
Pictured left to right: Halley Read, Ph.D., and Katie O’Day, former association president of OTA. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Halley Read, Ph.D., capstone coordinator of the Occupational Therapy program at Western Oregon University, was the recipient of the Grace Black...
Pictured from left to right: Carol Bartholomew Miller, Sharon Baugh, and Sheila Daniels Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University celebrated the 50th anniversary of three members of the class of 1975 at commencement, who were honored as...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Undergraduate Awards recipients. The students will be recognized at the commencement ceremony on June 15, and they will have the opportunity to give a short...
Pictured: Keynote speaker and student athlete, Tony Salinas. MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University hosted the 39th Annual Wolves Athletic Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The event drew approximately 300 attendees to the...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Theresa Hickey, Ph.D., has been selected as the new dean of the College of Education at Western Oregon University, effective June 30, 2025. Previously, Hickey was the associate dean of the College of Social Sciences and...
Pictured LTR: Dawson Officer, Gianni Villanueva, and Director of WOU’s Veterans Resource Center Logan Doerfler Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University has received a new scholarship from 4 Spirits Distillery and 4 Spirits Foundation....
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – On Thursday, May 15, over 80 students, staff, faculty, and alumni from Western Oregon University participated in the university’s first Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. The day featured the Western Oregon Voices...
Pictured LTR: Carla Macedo, Guthrie Romas, and Aubrey Laine Baker MONMOUTH, Ore. – The English Department at Western Oregon University is proud to announce the 2025 Peter Sears Poetry Prize winners. This year marks a historic moment for the competition, with a...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. Western Oregon University announces its 2025 commencement on Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m. on the MacArthur Field. Over 1,240 students are eligible to walk across the stage and graduate, completing a significant milestone in...
Pictured: Ken Carano Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Ken Carano, Ph.D., has been selected as the T.H. Gentle Professor of Education for the 2025-2026 academic year at Western Oregon University. A Division of Education and Leadership professor, Carano...
Pictured LTR: Alejandra Campoverdi and Raul Sagrero Gaona MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted the 30th annual César E. Chávez Leadership Conference (CECLC) to full capacity for the first time since 2019 earlier this month. More than 950 participants came...
MONMOUTH, Ore. –The Western Oregon University Alumni Board is thrilled to announce the inaugural block party, set to take place on Saturday, May 17. This event is open to all alumni, students, faculty, staff, community members, and friends. “We’re so excited to throw...
Pictured LTR: Cara Groshong, Pres. Peters, Mike LeMaster, Camila Gabaldon, Jamie Marroquin, Amy Dawson, and Provost Coll Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University proudly announces the 2025 Mario & Alma Pastega Awards recipients. This is...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students named to the Honor Roll and President’s list for their academic honors for the winter 2025 term. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each...
LTR: Hannah Rispler and Randi Lydum at the 2024 Athletic Auction Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University is pleased to announce that the 39th annual Wolves Athletic Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union will be held Saturday, May...
Pictured: AES students presenting at the 2024 AES Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. The Western Oregon University Program for Undergraduate Research Experiences (PURE) is proud to announce that its 19th annual Academic Excellence Showcase will occur in person...
LTR: Laurie Roe, OSCU Senior VP Community and Government Relations; WOU President Jesse Peters, Jordan Carpenter, OSCU Monmouth Branch Manager; Katie Wojke, WOU VP of Advancement; Pansy Kemp, OSCU Events and Volunteer Program Manager; Ashley Wilson; Community...
Pictured LTR: Aubrey Baker and Isabel Lesher MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Write Place is proud to announce the first annual Loie Bunse Prize for Nature Writing winners, which recognizes exceptional student writing that reflects a deep engagement with...
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...
Pictured: WOU’s Men’s and Women+’s Rugby teams Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. Western Oregon University Campus Recreation has launched a new WOU Club Sport membership option called the Club Sport Player Pass. The pass is available to local...
Pictured: WOU dance majors Olivia Robbins and Christine Anders MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Darryl Thomas, professor of Dance, is the co-artistic director, alongside Valerie Bergman, of a local professional dance company called Rainbow Dance Theatre....
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Randi Storch, Ph.D., has been selected as the new Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Western Oregon University, effective June 30. Storch brings a wealth of experience in history education, collective bargaining, and faculty...
Pictured: Biology and Aquarium Science majors with Professor Gareth Hopkins MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University students majoring in Biology and Aquarium Science attended the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference in Salem, accompanied by...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. — The Research Institute at Western Oregon University is pleased to announce the appointment of Kat Martinez, MPA, as the new Director for the Center on Workforce and Systems Development. In this pivotal role, Martinez will...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore.—Western Oregon University is excited to announce that its Salem building, formerly WOU: Salem and the Vick Building, will now be recognized as the Center for Graduate Studies. This dedicated hub will serve as a resource for...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will host the fourth annual Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Summit on April 18, 2025. This year’s summit will focus on institutional change and what it means to create change. Following the previous three years, this...
LTR: Magnolia Rush and Prof. Rob Troyer Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore.—Western Oregon University hosted the North American Computational Linguistics Open (NACLO) this January, an educational competition where high school students solve complex linguistic...
Pictured LTR: TRIO Students Jackie Contreras, Logan Fedrici, and Kiara Washington MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University proudly celebrates National TRIO Day on Friday, February 28. Governor Kotek has declared this day as Oregon TRIO Day in recognition of these...
Pictured LTR: OTD students Oviya Manivakkam Vivekanand and Aaron Hanible Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore.—Western Oregon University integrates Anatomage technology into its Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, providing students with unparalleled...
Photo: Natural Science Club at Smith Rock State Park Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –As part of project implementation related to the grant awarded from the National Science Foundation Division of Research, Innovation, Synergies and Education last year, the...
Photo credit: Milken Educator Awards Santa Monica, Calif. — A celebration of Alta Loma High School’s California Distinguished School status carried with it an additional honor for one exceptional teacher. Milken Educator Awards Founder Lowell Milken...
Pictured: Lizette Ibarra, student MONMOUTH, OR – Western Oregon University is once again offering free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Through April 15, individuals can take advantage of expert, complimentary tax...
Photo credit: Western Oregon University Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore.—Western Oregon University is excited to announce its annual Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, taking place on March 4, 2025. This day of crowdfunding invites everyone to contribute...
Photo credit: Pixabay Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore.—The Research Institute at Western Oregon University announced that it has been awarded the Rural Early Learning Facility Improvement Grant from the Ford Family Foundation to continue its vital work in...
Pictured LTR: Ella Rains, Sergio Palomar, Elliot Grass, Brady Allen. Photo by Thaliya Rodriguez MONMOUTH, Ore.—Early this spring, Western Oregon University proudly presents its theatrical production of Stef Smith’s “Nora: A Doll’s House”. Directed by Kindra...
University Marketing and CommunicationsMaureen Brakke, 503-838-9329Brittany Kima, 503-838-8163 MONMOUTH, Ore.—After a thorough search assisted by Anthem Executive, a national search firm, Kwabena Boakye has been selected as the new Vice President for Administration...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore.—The Burlingham Trust recently granted $50K toward supporting the new Student Success Center at Western Oregon University. With a significant proportion of Western’s students, faculty and staff, and alumni coming from Marion...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students named to the Honor Roll and President’s list for their academic honors for the fall 2024 term. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each term...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore.—Maps Community Foundation, the community giving arm of Maps Credit Union, is proud to announce its generous donation of $25,000 toward supporting the new Student Success Center at Western Oregon University. This vital support...
MONMOUTH, Ore.—Western Oregon University welcomes students and their families to campus for Family Weekend, an annual celebration of connection, community, and fun. After a four-year hiatus, this cherished event returns, taking place February 28 through March 2, 2025,...
MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University is pleased to announce the selection of Joy Brown as the new director of admissions, effective January 22. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, Brown brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new...
MONMOUTH, Ore. –The Program for Undergraduate Research Experiences (PURE) at Western Oregon University supports and promotes undergraduate research for students in an open, inclusive, and ethical manner. PURE celebrates and facilitates undergraduate hands-on learning...
Pictured: LTR: Melanie Landon-Hays, Ph.D., David Szpakowski, Ph.D., Feier Hou, Ph.D., and Patricia Gimenez-Eguibar, Ph.D. Not pictured: Kristen Pratt, Ph.D. Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University’s Office of the Provost launched a new...
Pictured LTR: President Jesse Peters, Jan and Mike Morgan, Wolves Rising Campaign co-chairs, and Katie Wojke, Vice President of Advancement & Executive Director of the WOU Foundation Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –On Saturday, December 14, 2024, Western...
LTR: Zachary Hammerle, Sophia Espinoza, Mimi Swetish, and Robert Shidek. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University students Robert Shidek, Mimi Swetish, and Sophia Espinoza, along with Western’s Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Zachary Hammerle, were at Smith...
Pictured from LTR: Jaclyn Caires-Hurley, Jennifer Vaughn, Leanne Merrill, and Melissa Cannon. Not pictured: Carmen Caceda, Kathleen Connolly, Patricia Flatt, Sue Kunda, Omar Melchor-Ayala, Christopher Solario, and Kendra Taylor. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University’s College of Education has been awarded a $650,000 Latinx Student Success Grant from the Oregon Department of Education, to enhance partnerships with Central School District and the communities of...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University, in collaboration with the Monmouth Business Association will host the 57th annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6, a beloved event that brings joy and unity to campus and the community....
Photo courtesy of Pixabay MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University supports The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Safety Office by administering the required training to become an ODOT-approved driving instructor through the state’s Traffic Safety Education...
University Marketing and CommunicationsMaureen Brakke, 503-838-9329Brittany Kima, 503-838-8163 MONMOUTH, Ore. – Building upon Western Oregon University’s success in educating bilingual teachers to serve Oregon’s diverse communities, the university has been awarded a...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Sending your child to college is an incredible journey, but staying connected with their campus life can be challenging for many families. That’s why Western Oregon University is introducing something truly special! We’re...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is committed to supporting veterans as they pursue their educational and career goals. Every year, events and activities celebrate and honor veterans during Veterans Week. This year, Veterans Week is from November 8 through...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University is the first public university in Oregon to join the Tri-Alpha honor society specifically for first-generation college students. Nearly 50 percent of Western’s student body identifies as...
Pictured from LTR: Nicole Davison León, Aimee Berg, Maria Guadalupe Salazar, Vanessa Quintero, Keysel Corea-San Ermeterio, Miriam Herrera Hernandez, and Steven Stapp. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University in partnership with Unitus Credit Union, hosted a...
Pictured from LTR: Raul Sagrero Gaona, Cecilia Rodriguez, Elizabeth Alvarez Mendoza, Cheyanne Ortiz, Shanti Rosales, Mayra Valencia, Tamiya Mitchell, Carlos Urenda, and Kayla Kepa. Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –First-generation college students play a...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University and Clackamas Community College have collaborated on a joint early childhood bilingual pathway partnership that actively supports and recruits Clackamas Community College graduates ready to complete...
Alumni awards that will be presented to recipents MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Alumni Awards recognize outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and professions. The 2024 Alumni Award recipients are Joanne...
Diversity scholars 24-25 Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Multicultural Student Services and Programs (MSSP) hosted its annual Diversity Scholars recognition celebration for the 2024-2025 academic year dedicated to celebrating...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University and Xicha Brewing, the Pacific Northwest’s only Latiné brewery located in West Salem, Oregon, collaborated on a Western Oregon University-specific beer called Mi Familia, representing the familial...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will kick off its annual homecoming week, a tradition that brings alumni, students, and the local community together for a fun-filled week of festivities and school spirit. This year’s homecoming week begins on October 21 and...
Photo credit: Central High School Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University and Central High School announce a new direct admission program for graduating seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher. These students are guaranteed admission to Western...
LTR: Dr. Breeann Flesch; Western Oregon University, Dr. Brian Hall; Champlain College, and Dr. Roberto Flores; Christopher Newport College Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Graduate Studies & Research interim Dean Breeann...
SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is pleased to announce the second cohort of its Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program. Fifty-four participants have been selected to begin the program this fall. Cristian Mendez Garcia, assistant...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to announce its annual tree planting and celebration of trees event on September 27 at noon. This event is part of Western’s recognition as a Tree Campus Higher Education institution by the Arbor Day Foundation and...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees recently welcomed seven new trustees after being nominated by Governor Tina Kotek and confirmed by The Oregon State Senate on September 25, 2024. The new trustees are as follows:...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University Foundation in partnership with Parallel 45 Brewing is excited to announce the launch of a new WOU beer, this Friday, September 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Parallel 45 Brewing in Independence. This event...
LTR: Darian M. Noll with grandparents Karin and Ronald T. Noll MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University alumnus Galen B. Nielsen ‘66, embarked on a journey of education and service that would span four generations at Western. In 1965, Nielsen and his wife, Louise,...
Destination Western’s 23-24 cohort MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s 2024 Destination Western Program starts September 11 through September 20. Destination Western is an all-expenses paid ten-day residential bridge orientation program designed to help...
Photo by Lucia Micarelli & Leo Amuedo MONMOUTH, Ore. –A half-dozen music and dance groups will delight and amaze audiences with their diverse styles and world-class abilities during the 2024-25 Smith Fine Arts Series beginning in October at Western Oregon...
MONMOUTH, Ore. –The Western Oregon University Foundation released its annual report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The report includes total contributions to the Foundation for 2023-2024, and recent budgetary year results on Endowment, Scholarships, and Competitive...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Since 1996, Western Oregon University has housed a national public safety training and technical assistance institute, called the Western Community Policing Institute. WCPI has been at the forefront of providing innovative training and technical...
Photo: Rick Bailey; president at SOU, Kelly Ryan; president at EOU, Sheila Clough; chair of the SOU Board of Trustees, Jesse Peters; president at WOU, Nagi Naganathan; president at OIT.Photo credit: Wenzao University KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan — The Presidents of Oregon’s...
MONMOUTH, Ore. –The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees recently elected Angela Fasana to serve as the third board chair. Fasana has been a Western Oregon University Board of Trustee since July 2022, (her current term ends June 30, 2026) and serves on the...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University has named Adeya Powell, Ph.D., the new Institutional Research Director, effective August 30, 2024. Powell holds a doctorate in Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of...
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 spring 2024. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University and Chemeketa Community College recently established a streamlined path for students enrolled in Chemeketa’s Bachelor of Applied Science program to further their education and career prospects through...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s Foundation announces three new board members: Brenda Rocio Martinez, Jordan Carpenter, and Miranda Garrison ‘09. Brenda Rocio Martinez is a first-generation student from Woodburn and currently serves as the Associated...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Ronnie Taylor recently released a music album, That One Black Kid, under the name Dr. PDX.The album is autobiographical and includes music chronicling his...
Pictured from left to right: Pamala Warren-Chase, SMCF Administrative Assistant, Camille Mercier, SMCF Board of Trustees, Katie Wojke, Vice President of Advancement, Western Oregon University, Victoria Ernst, SMCF Board of Trustees, Brenda Tuomi, SCMF Board Chair...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted the 17th season of the Oregon Game Project Challenge, a video game development competition for middle and high school students. Each fall, OGPC announces a theme for the year’s competition, which is typically held in...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University highlights the accomplishments of alum Jenifer Pardy ‘22, a brigadier general in the Oregon National Guard. Pardy received her master’s degree in organizational leadership from Western. During her time in the military,...
Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University officially joined the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) this month after a rigorous application process. COPLAC advances the aims of its member institutions and drives awareness of the...
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University celebrates the winners of the 9th annual Peter Sears Poetry Prize for undergraduate students. “It’s become a great literary tradition at Western,” says Henry Hughes Ph.D., who administers the prize. “It launches young...
Pictured: From left to right: These individuals were recognized for 15 years of service: Ashley Schaumburg, Shawn Sellers, Michael Rose, Jenna Otto, Anna Mahony, Michael Freeman, President Peters, Julie Grammer, and Carmen Caceda. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon...
Pictured: Isabella Morrill and Abigail Fisher at the Wolf Awards. Emily Sielen and Ana Clark not pictured. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces the student recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Graduate Undergraduate Awards. The students will be...
Photo: Hannah Rispler (left) and Randi Lydum (right) Photography: Eddie Bruning MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University hosted the 38th Annual Wolves Athletic Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The event drew nearly 300...
Pictured: Jasper Beck (left) and Henry Hughes Ph.D. (right) MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University student Jasper Beck, an English major, recently won the prestigious College Undergraduate Poetry Competition sponsored by the National Federation of State Poetry...
Max Smoot-Brown, one of the ten WOU students to star in Episode 11. MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is featured in season 11 of The College Tour, a groundbreaking series from Emmy-nominated producers Alex Boylan, Lisa Hennessy, and Burton Roberts, now...
