The Research Institute (TRI)

The Research Institute at Western Oregon University is an innovative and unique grant funded department on campus that supports the university’s mission and core value focus areas including valuing community and embracing diversity by producing measurable outcomes in communities across the state and the nation. The Research Institute at Western Oregon University has a 60 year history of working in education, family and community services, and ability services and has produced academic and research to practice based products and services that are still in use in classrooms and schools today. 

TRI has an annual budget of approximately $8.5 million through grants and contracts with a variety of funders including various departments within the state of Oregon, county governments, other universities, non-profit organizations and foundations. TRI is continually working to better serve our communities, and over half of our full time employees are fluent in at least one additional language besides English.

Vision and Mission

The Research Institute (TRI) at Western Oregon University improves the quality of life for individuals by facilitating positive change in education, health, and human services systems.

To attain this vision, TRI conducts a comprehensive multi-disciplinary program of research, evaluation, program/model training, development, technical assistance, direct service, and dissemination serving both typical and special populations of all ages at the local, state, regional, and national levels.

TRI is guided by partnerships with consumers, families, and practitioners and measures the effectiveness of its work by the impact on their lives. TRI is committed to ensuring equality and valuing diversity, essential elements to the fulfillment of the institutional mission. TRI promotes excellence by working to ensure access to fully inclusive environments in order for all staff to achieve their professional and personal goals.

Commitment to Equity

TRI is committed to building a future where our work is guided by equity, diversity is embraced, and inclusion serves as the foundation of our collective success.