By: Megan Clark
Campus Life Editor
This past summer, Western Oregon University appointed a new university president, Dr. Rex Fuller.
President Fuller’s past positions include provost and vice president of academic affairs at Eastern Washington University (EWU).
During his time at EWU, he developed a long list of achievements and recognitions, all of which can be found on his WOU webpage. In addition to his other numerous accomplishments, Dr. Fuller was involved with developing student success and community college dual admission programs.
Hoping to bring his expertise to Western, Dr. Fuller said “WOU has a reputation of being student focused…we hope to continue to build on the success we’ve already had.”
He has also stated that Western will undergo an accreditation process to help identify the strengths and weaknesses of current academics according to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities standards, which will then be addressed in 2016.
When asked about implementing EWU programs at Western, Dr. Fuller pointed to the dual admission program saying that it could be implemented; especially given the existence of the Oregon Promise.
The Oregon Promise financially assists students seeking a community college education.
President Fuller has also been supportive of interacting with the local community, both at EWU and at Western. “I believe the university is a vital component of the greater area and the community, in particular the city of Monmouth, but also the city of Independence, as well as the mid-Willamette Valley,” said Fuller.
He also mentioned that students could get involved with the community through service learning projects or clubs.
Fuller is also reaching out to Western alumni, with plans to “invite them back into the wolf den.” Fuller said that through the alumni and their associations with organizations, Western students can find greater opportunities for internships and employment.
Looking to the future, Dr. Fuller hopes to increase “our academic array and presence in Salem” in order to help working professionals pursue their graduate degree through “hybrid opportunities that involve face to face meetings and other means.”
When they are not occupied with university related business or unpacking from their recent move, President Fuller and his wife, Susan, can be found around the Monmouth community, trying the local cuisine and wineries.
