Dr. JESSE PETERS

Beginning his appointment with Western Oregon University August 1, 2022, Dr. Peters has the distinction of being Western’s 25^th president.  As a first-generation college student, he believes in the ability of higher education to bring about meaningful change in the world. For Dr. Peters, creating a positive and collaborative environment where faculty and staff work together is critical to an active and productive campus community.

Since arriving at Western, President Peters has worked to address fiscal sustainability, increase student enrollment and retention, and serve the needs of the local community, region, and state. He launched a new Strategic Plan, Education. Innovation. Community., that places students at the center and drives responsible decision-making. Under his leadership, WOU has launched a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program, opened a new Student Success Center, and received the university’s first Title III grant focused on student success initiatives. Western Oregon University also achieved Hispanic Serving Institution status, the first four-year public institution in Oregon to obtain this designation.

Originally from Georgia, he grew up on a farm in the southern part of the state. He began Emory University as a business major, but after taking a class with a dynamic English professor, he switched majors and never looked back. Drawn to the work of Native American authors, Dr. Peters pursued graduate studies at the University of New Mexico in Native American Literature. His leadership style is heavily informed by indigenous worldviews and Native American mentors he has engaged with over the last thirty years.

Having served during his career as a Faculty Senate Chair, Dean of Honors, Director of Undergraduate Research, Dean of Arts & Sciences, and Provost, Dr. Peters brings a wealth of experience to Western Oregon, and he is committed to hiring diverse faculty and staff, strengthening student support systems, and building an equitable academic community centered on respect and inclusion.

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Dr. Peters’ Bio

Social Media

You can follow President Peters on the following social media:

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Contact: Office of the President | 503-838-8888 | president@wou.edu | Lieuallen Administration 208 | 345 N Monmouth Avenue Monmouth, OR 97361