All NEWS

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 Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) Mission Fulfillment and Sustainability Fellowship.  Megan Habermann-Guthrie, director of New Student & Family Programs, and Malissa Larson, dean of students, were selected to participate in a cohort over the next 18 months.  The fellowship program is designed to introduce faculty, staff, and administrators from NWCCU institutions to regional and national leaders in various areas such as equity-mindedness, assessment, accreditation, data analysis, quality assurance, educational innovation, and educational effectiveness. “I am honored and excited to embark on this project to better Western and work with our accreditors more closely on enhancing college life for Western students,” shared Habermann-Guthrie.  “I’m so excited, and a bit anxious if I am honest, to participate in the NWCCU fellowship. This is an incredible opportunity to not only enrich my path as a professional but also to add tools to better advocate for and support Western students,” shared Larson. She adds that she looks forward to being better and doing better for students.  Habermann-Guthrie and Larson will join Leanne Merrill Ph.D., professor of mathematics, and Melanie Landon-Hays Ph.D., professor of education and leadership, who are currently participating in a cohort from the Division of Academic Affairs. Together, these teams from Western will contribute to the ongoing efforts of the NWCCU in promoting excellence and innovation in higher education. Learn more about NWCUU’s Mission Fulfillment and Sustainability Fellowship ### About Western Oregon University Western Oregon...

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 interested in working with youth in the fields of education, social work, and/or counseling, have the opportunity to mentor middle school students and help them develop skills for academic success and emotional and social growth.  Many middle school students who face socioeconomic, academic, behavioral, or familial challenges are recommended by their school counselor to participate in this program, and the positive outcomes for students in this program are astounding. Since the program started 25 years ago, parents have unanimously reported that it has had a positive influence on their children. Children who participate in the program show consistent, measurable improvement across several areas, including school attendance, academic work, social skills, and self-esteem. They also become more interested in attending college. One parent observed “The mentor was great and worked with our crazy schedule and truly cared about my child. Well done.”  Mentees in the program shared that participating in the program boosted their confidence because there was a steady supportive person to talk to, and noted interest in attending Western and giving back to the program by becoming a mentor. A student mentor shared that mentoring had profoundly impacted their life and helped them solidify their desire to pursue a career as a pediatric clinical psychologist. Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences and Program Coordinator Brooke Dolenc Knott Ph.D., noted that leading the WOU-Talmadge mentoring program has been the highlight of her time 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 experience, study, and report on wildlife, ocean conditions, ice, climate change, travel culture, and ecotourism. An Oregon Book Award-Winning published author and poet, Hughes travels the globe searching for inspiration for new literary projects, always with a connection to water and fishing. Growing up on Long Island, NY, Hughes shares that fishing and boating are big themes in his writing. He adds that being out on the water fishing offers a time to think about life and culture. He also lived in Japan for three years and in China for two which helped create a more informed global consciousness, helping to guide him in the way he thinks. Hughes has written and published many poems and stories with seafaring/maritime themes and draws his influence from notable writers such as Herman Melville, Ernest Hemingway, and Annie Proulx. Hughes actively contributes articles to outdoor journals such as Anglers Journal and The Flyfish Journal, among many others. He has also published his autobiography Back Seat with Fish and edited three collections for the Penguin Random House Everyman’s Library. Hughes also actively writes for and manages The Write Place, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and supporting literary and artistic projects that examine human relationships with the natural environment. Hughes’ recent experience is logged on this website. One of his English students, Jasper Beck co-edits for The Write Place. Beck won the Peter Sears Poetry Prize last year...

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 public higher education institutions first convened at WOU Salem, where collaboration and camaraderie filled the building for lunch and where they joined their advocacy groups to prepare to lobby. Public Oregon higher education institutions are advocating for the following:  Supporting students on campus $6 million in renewed funding for Strong Start 2.0 $6 million for the 2024 Student Emergency Needs Package:  $5 million for student basic needs programs $1 million for Open Educational Resources Preparing students to meet Oregon’s workforce needs $30 million to boost the state’s semiconductor workforce and talent pipeline  $6.2 million to grow the behavioral health workforce serving Oregon communities Learn more about Oregon Public Universities 2024 legislative agenda  Learn more about Advocacy Day 2024   ###   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. Together we...

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 from Portland State University, leading her to a career in public service.   Alonso Leon’s educational journey started when she was young, as she was the oldest of five and had to quickly learn how to delegate responsibilities. As a first-generation student, Western provided the support she needed to develop critical skills to achieve her career goals.  “When I talk to other first-gen students, I tell them that Western Oregon University is the place that you need to be. It’s a place where you’re going to be able to achieve your goals and help you find the career that you want.” shared Alonso Leon.  Before starting her own consulting company, Alonso Leon served as a City Council Member for the City of Woodburn and as an Oregon State Representative from 2017 to 2023, which elevated her passion for serving her community. Today, she continues to advocate for higher education, leadership development, and healthcare equity. Alonso Leon’s story is a testament to Western’s commitment to supporting students. Her dedication to serving her community and others is truly inspirational.   Watch Teresa Alonso Leon share her...

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. – Western Oregon University is featured on The College Tour, an award-winning TV series from Amazon Prime.  The series focuses on different colleges or universities in the United States in each episode and includes stories of multiple college students’ experiences. Host and Executive Producer of the series is Alex Boylan, who won the CBS series The Amazing Race and spent the last 20 years as an award-winning onscreen personality and producer.   Filming for Western’s episode took place last September and students were encouraged to audition for the episode. Ten were selected to be featured in the episode, each with unique backgrounds and stories. The episode is compiled into one 30-minute video and is also divided into ten segments, one per student. Each student collaborated on their segment’s script.  “I am excited that we now have the opportunity to share our unique story with a nationwide audience through this exceptional episode,” expressed President Jesse Peters. “Western holds a special significance, particularly for first-generation and historically underrepresented students and those seeking a personalized education that equips them for success in life.” The featured students are Brenda Rocio Martinez, from Woodburn, Justin Conklin, from The Dalles, Hunter Hall, from Portland, Nancy Montecinos, from Sisters, Hannah Rispler, from Gresham, Max Smoot-Brown, from Camas Valley, Keisha Taylor, from Aberdeen, Washington, Aneli Godinez-Martinez, from Hillsboro, Layla William, from Beaverton, and David Echevarria, from Caldwell, Idaho. Meet the featured...

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 Dinner last Tuesday.  The event featured keynote speaker Ricardo Pelegrin, Ph.D., professor of History, who recounted his experience emigrating from Cuba to the United States. The International Awareness Dinner promotes cultural understanding and global awareness among students and the community. Pelegrin shared personal challenges and triumphs, shedding light on embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity in today’s global society. “The MUN club at Western is dedicated to promoting diplomacy, negotiation, and international cooperation. Through our various events and activities, we strive to educate and empower students to become global citizens and future leaders.” shared MUN President Makenna Helseth. To learn more about Western’s Model United Nations club  ### About Western Oregon UniversityWestern 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. Together we...

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 annual Giving Day at Western has raised nearly $1.4M in donations. Funds raised on Giving Day have been used to endow scholarships, support athletics, provide needed resources to student clubs and organizations, and much more.  This year, members of the Western community will have the opportunity to support over 40 department projects, scholarships, athletic programs, and campus organizations on Giving Day. Each gift, no matter the amount, collectively makes an immediate and tremendous impact on the lives and education of students.  “One of the great things about Giving Day is that it allows alumni, friends, and supporters of the university to learn about all the amazing resources and organizations on our campus and select which ones they want to support,” shares Dave Beasley, Ph.D., director of annual giving. “Each gift, regardless of its size, is important and is greatly appreciated by the students it helps. I love Giving Day because it’s a chance for us all to help fund the present and future we want for Western!”  Gifts can be made online on March 5 at givingday.wou.edu, by calling the Foundation at 503-838-8814, or by dropping off your gift in The Cottage on Western’s campus. For the first time on Giving Day, Western is adding a service component for students. Students will be volunteering their time at community service projects both on and off...

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 and exercise science. Students will also learn how these careers can provide opportunities to make a difference in the community.  Recruiters will be attending the event, representing a wide range of healthcare professions, including County Public Health departments, occupational therapy, physical health professionals, health educators, and local school districts.  Program schedule: Location: Werner University Center, Western Oregon University  Check-in: 9 – 9:30 a.m. Program sessions: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch: 12:30 – 1 p.m. Admissions: 1 – 1:30 p.m. Meet with recruiters: 1:30 – 2 p.m. Tour the lab and meet with faculty: 2 – 3 p.m. This is an incredible opportunity for current and prospective students to explore career opportunities in the public health and exercise science fields.  To register for the Health & Exercise Science Career Day  To learn more about Western’s Public Health and Exercise Science department ### About Western Oregon UniversityWestern 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. Together we...

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 CIE program prepares students to step into investigative roles and combat cybercrime effectively. Crimes such as identity theft, ransomware, financial fraud, online scams, child pornography, data theft, stalking, espionage, and violent offenses can have severe consequences for critical public services and vulnerable populations.  George Chamberlin, CIE instructor, is also a former FBI cybercrime supervisor. He shares that as cybercrime caseloads continue to rise, law enforcement agencies are facing growing challenges in hiring and training first responders and investigators to manage complex investigations involving cybercrime and digital technology. Chamberlain adds that the CIE program helps prepare students to step into those critical investigative roles. Emilee Gillaspie, the first graduate of the program, recently completed a cybersecurity boot camp and is also preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam. “It was a wonderful experience to meet so many instructors who have a clear passion for the subjects they teach. They work hard to get you to where you want to be,” shared Gillespie. “I hope students immerse themselves in the program and enjoy the ride.” Western is committed to equipping students with practical skills and knowledge, aiming to create positive impacts on communities across Oregon and the United States. For more information about the CIE Minor program.  ### 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...