Written by Maureen Brakke
MONMOUTH, Ore. The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees recently welcomed seven new trustees after being nominated by Governor Tina Kotek and confirmed by The Oregon State Senate on September 25, 2024.
The new trustees are as follows:
Jim Vu is an entrepreneur, business owner, and consultant with a strong background in banking and finance. Vu has been involved with the Salem Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as their Distinguished Service award in 2023. He has also served as President of the Salem Main Street Association and is involved with the Chemeketa Small Business Development Center. Vu is filling a vacant position. His term on the board starts October 1, 2024, and ends October 30, 2026.
Juan Larios is the Superintendent of Woodburn Public Schools and serves on the Marion and Polk County Early Learning Hub Board. Larios is a double Western alum, receiving his undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary education. Larios is filling a vacant position. His term on the board starts October 1, 2024, and ends June 30, 2028.
Kate Schwarzler is a consultant who has worked to support businesses and consulted nonprofits, local governments, and state and federal agencies. Schwarzler was raised in rural Polk County with deep ties to the community. She owns Indy Commons, a coworking space in Independence, is an Independence City Council member, and is currently running for Mayor of Independence. She is filling a position previously held by Trustee Cec Koontz who had termed off the board. Schwarzler’s term starts October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026.
Mark Zook, is the President and CEO of MAPS Credit Union. He also runs the MAPS Charitable Foundation and is active in the Salem Chamber of Commerce and with several nonprofits in the Salem area. Zook is also a Western alum, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Zook received the 2023 Western Oregon University Alumni Service to Community Award. He is filling a vacant position and his term begins October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
Rey Perez is a Senior IS Program Manager in Clinical Engineering at Providence Health & Services. He is also a Western alum, earning a bachelor’s degree in education. He is replacing Trustee Susan Castillo whose term expired on June 30. His term begins October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2026.
Viviana Romero (She/They) will serve as the undergraduate student voting member on the board and is an honors student majoring in communication. Last year, Romero served as the Incidental Fee Committee Chair, previously as President of the Residential Hall Association, and was a Housing and Dining Advisory Committee member. She is replacing Trustee Danielle Campbell whose term expired June 30. Her term begins October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
Hunter Hall will serve as the graduate student voting member on the board. He is currently working towards his master’s degree in teaching. In 2023, Hall graduated from Western with two bachelor’s degrees; in mathematics and interdisciplinary studies with a double minor in communication and writing. He has also served as the Vice President and President of the Associated Students of Western Oregon University. Hall plans to go on to teach middle school math with the aim of becoming a school Principal and Superintendent. This is a newly created position in compliance with SB 273 implemented by the Oregon State Legislature in 2023. His term begins October 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.
“I am delighted to welcome the new members of our Board of Trustees. I extend my sincere gratitude to the current and former board members for their dedicated efforts,” said Angela Fasana, board chair. “I look forward to collaborating with the new trustees as we continue our commitment to making Western Oregon University an exceptional destination for students.”
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
