Dr. Mary Pettenger is a professor of Politics, Policy and Administration at Western Oregon University. 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 and National Security Policy, International Organization and Law, Human Rights, Causes of War, Government and Politics of Europe and Asia and Model United Nations. 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
Department Chair

Office: Bellamy Hall 205
Telephone: (503) 838-8301
Email: pettengm@wou.edu

Office Hours – Fall Quarter 2025:
In person (Bellamy Hall 205) or by zoom (student choice) –
Mondays 10-12:00 (in person or by zoom),  Wednesdays 1-3:00 (in person or by zoom), Thursdays 2-3:00 (zoom only),
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 2025
PS316 Political Ideologies
(Online -asynchronous)

Fall 2025
PS193 Model United Nations
(Mondays & Wednesdays 4-5:50 – HWC205)

PS355 Civic Literacy & Engagement
(Wednesdays 10-11:50 / Hybrid –
NS215)

Winter 2026
Sabbatical (not on campus)

Spring 2026
Sabbatical (not on campus)