Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: August 2026
Dear Community,
We all know that Western Oregon University provides educational opportunities for our state, and our graduates become leaders in their communities, shaping lives in positive ways for years to come.
But there is another way that WOU has a profound impact on our region and state; our economic and workforce impact can’t be denied. The numbers are striking. Western generates $766.2 million in total annual economic impact for Oregon. Also, seventy-one percent of our graduates stay in the state, driving $490 million in additional economic activity, supporting 2,340 full-time jobs, and contributing $145 million in employee compensation to Oregon workers and families.
We also remain Oregon’s leading teacher preparation institution. We have trained educators since 1856, and we produce more teachers than any other program in Oregon. In a state where more than half of new teachers leave the job within five years, Western graduates stay at a rate of 81.7 percent at three years and 68.7 percent at five years.
We are proud that fifty percent of our students are the first in their families to attend college. Twenty-seven percent identify as Hispanic or Latino, making us Oregon’s first public, four-year, Hispanic-Serving Institution. And over 80 percent of the student population at WOU are Oregonians; we support a varied and diverse group of students, and our community works together to ensure their success.
As you know, Oregon ranks 46th in the nation in public higher education funding. Yet Western delivers. Imagine what would be possible with the investment this institution deserves.
At our university, we don’t just produce graduates. We produce leaders who strengthen Oregon’s economy and its communities for generations to come.
Help us make the case for supporting Oregon’s regional universities. Share this message with your legislators, your neighbors, and your networks and tell them what Western means to you. Our story is Oregon’s story. And it is time to tell it as loudly as possible.
We. Are. Wolves.
Jesse Peters, President
Western Oregon University
Pictured L to R, Back to Front: Western Oregon University President Jesse Peters, University of Oregon President Karl Scholz, Oregon Health & Science University President Shereef Elnahal, M.D., Oregon State University President Jayathi Murthy, Eastern Oregon University President Kelly Ryan, Oregon Institute of Technology President Nagi Naganathan, Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey, and Portland State University President Ann Cudd.
Upcoming Events & Notable Dates
Smith Fine Arts Series
Season Tickets
We are excited to share our 48th season of world-class performing arts with you! This season promises to be among the best yet, with six fantastic performances featuring bluegrass, Latin fusion, a brass quintet, and a little bit of everything in between. This season has something for everyone! Come as you are and experience the transformative power of music and dance with the Smith Fine Arts Series.
University News
Oregon’s investment in Western Oregon University returns $766.2M annually
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 its $766.2 million in total annual impact, according to a new economic impact study released this month by Economic Solutions, Inc.
50 years of bridging worlds: Celebrating 50 years of ASL interpreting education
This year, the American Sign Language/English Interpreting program celebrated its 50th anniversary, cementing its place as one of the nation’s longest standing and most respected institutions for interpreter preparation, professional development, and Deaf community advocacy.
OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation supports Bilingual Teacher Scholarship
OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation supports Bilingual Teacher ScholarshipThanks to the generosity of OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation, they provided one full-ride scholarship to a student in the Bilingual Teacher program.
Legendary track coach John Knight passes away
Hall of fame track and field coach John Knight who guided the Wolves to national prominence died June 23 at the age of 86.
Men’s & women’s track named all-academic
Men’s & women’s track named all-academicThe men’s and women’s track and field teams and four individual athletes earned academic honors when the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released their honors list.
WOU Athletic Homegames
Join the Emeritus Society
The Emeritus Society is a group of friends of WOU who enjoy learning new things and exploring the community. Benefits of membership include monthly meetings with interesting topics and engaging presenters, field trips, events, Emeritus Society newsletter, sports, performing arts schedules, and supporting WOU students through scholarships.
Western Oregon University. Where YOU Belong!
Western Oregon University
345 Monmouth Ave. Monmouth OR, 97361
wou.edu
