Dr. Mary Pettenger is a professor of Politics, Policy and Administration at Western Oregon University and the Social Sciences Division Chair. She received her Ph.D. and M.A. in International Studies from the University of Denver, and her B.A. from Whitman College. She teaches courses in the fields of international and comparative politics, including International Relations, Environmental Politics, Civic Literacy & Engagement, U.S. Foreign Policy, International Law, International Organization, Human Rights, Causes of War, Government and Politics of Europe and Asia. Her research focuses on climate change and experiential learning. She is also the faculty advisor for the WOU Model United Nations Club, co-director of the International Studies major and co-founder of the Empowered Communities Project.

Contact Information

Mary Pettenger, Ph.D.
Professor of Politics, Policy
and Administration
Division Chair – Social Sciences

Office: Bellamy Hall 231A
Telephone: (503) 838-8301
Email: pettengm@wou.edu

Office Hours – Fall Quarter 2024:
In person (Bellamy Hall 205) or by zoom (student choice) –
Mondays 10-12:00, Tuesdays 1-2:00 (zoom only), Wednesdays 1-3:00
and by arrangement (contact by email)

**Please use this link for booking appointments:
https://mary-pettenger.youcanbook.me

Mailing Address:
Department of Politics, Policy & Administration
Western Oregon University
345 N Monmouth Ave
Monmouth, OR 97361

Education

  • Ph.D., University of Denver,
    International Studies
  • M.A., University of Denver,
    International Studies
  • B.A., Whitman College,
    Political Science

Class Schedule


PS410 Political Internships
offered every quarter
(email for information)

Summer 2024
PS478 Political Fiction & Film
(Online -asynchronous)

Fall 2024
PS193 Model United Nations
(Mondays & Wednesdays 4-5:50 – Bellamy 111)

PS360 US Foreign &
National Security Policy
(Online -asynchronous)

PS393 Advanced Model UN
(Wednesdays 4-4:50 – Bellamy 111)

Winter 2025
FYS207 Disinformation
(Mondays/Wednesday 2-3:50 – Location TBD)

PS203 International Relations
(Online -asynchronous)

PS355 Civic Literacy & Engagement
(Wednesdays 10-11:50 / Hybrid –
Location TBD)

PS393 Advanced Model UN
(Wednesdays 4-4:50 – Bellamy TBD)

Spring 2025

PS393 Advanced Model UN
(Wednesdays 4-4:50 – Bellamy TBD)

PS447 Environmental Politics
(Mondays/Wednesday 2-3:50 – Location TBD)